If you are looking to plan a vacation in Tuscany, you may be finding it hard to choose a destination as the region is just bursting with picturesque villages, culture-packed cities, pretty seaside towns, rural areas surrounded by lush rolling hills, foodie hotspots, and much more besides. Depending on what you are looking for in a holiday, what aspects you prioritise, whether or not you want to rent a car, your budget, and more, different locations will be more or less suitable to you and your needs. So, in order to help you choose we have put together a handy little guide to some of our most popular holiday destinations in Tuscany!
Florence
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is the capital of Tuscany, and it is one of the biggest cities in Italy. As such, it is highly in demand and, in the summer months, can be a pricier destination. However, it is also extremely convenient for many different reasons. As a large urban centre, all you could want or need is within walking distance or a trip on the bus or train away. If you don't want to have to rent a vehicle while on holidays but want to explore, it is one of the best bases from which to do so in Tuscany as the various public transportation options are most numerous and regular in the city. Furthermore, if you book a luxury villa in Florence you can readily explore the city using local buses, renting bikes, or on foot. Not having to rent a car can also lower your expenses, potentially balancing out the additional cost of staying in the more comparatively pricy city. As a holiday destination, in addition to being convenient and well-connected, Florence also boasts an endless list of things to see and do. For serious culture-vultures, the amount of works of art, museums, galleries, libraries, gardens, churches, palaces, and architectural gems to choose from is mind-boggling. Additionally, Florence has all the other trappings of a wonderful city break destination such as great shops and boutiques, elegant restaurants and bars, cosy cafes and little eateries, all of which are housed in a very grand and exceptionally beautiful historic core and which usually have slightly longer opening hours than one can typically expect in Tuscany. So, if you want both a real taste of Tuscany and convenience and to experience the grandeur and impressive looks of Florence, then get browsing our villas in Florence today.
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is the capital of Tuscany, and it is one of the biggest cities in Italy. As such, it is highly in demand and, in the summer months, can be a pricier destination. However, it is also extremely convenient for many different reasons. As a large urban centre, all you could want or need is within walking distance or a trip on the bus or train away. If you don't want to have to rent a vehicle while on holidays but want to explore, it is one of the best bases from which to do so in Tuscany as the various public transportation options are most numerous and regular in the city. Furthermore, if you book a luxury villa in Florence you can readily explore the city using local buses, renting bikes, or on foot. Not having to rent a car can also lower your expenses, potentially balancing out the additional cost of staying in the more comparatively pricy city. As a holiday destination, in addition to being convenient and well-connected, Florence also boasts an endless list of things to see and do. For serious culture-vultures, the amount of works of art, museums, galleries, libraries, gardens, churches, palaces, and architectural gems to choose from is mind-boggling. Additionally, Florence has all the other trappings of a wonderful city break destination such as great shops and boutiques, elegant restaurants and bars, cosy cafes and little eateries, all of which are housed in a very grand and exceptionally beautiful historic core and which usually have slightly longer opening hours than one can typically expect in Tuscany. So, if you want both a real taste of Tuscany and convenience and to experience the grandeur and impressive looks of Florence, then get browsing our villas in Florence today.
Pisa
Pisa, meanwhile, is not quite as big nor as cosmopolitan as Florence. It is, however, equally charming and beautiful and stuffed full of cultural exploits to be had and enjoyed. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the surrounding buildings of the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa is home to several other museums and galleries, some incredibly unusual and fascinating attractions like Keith Haring's Tuttomondo mural and the Anatomy Museum, wonderful architectural gems, a pretty and historic centre full of charming boutiques and family-run restaurants, lots of local traditions and festivals, an ancient university, and much more besides (read all about why you should plan a vacation in Pisa here). Renting a car is, again, not completely necessary to have a lovely city break in Pisa but those looking to freely visit nearby wineries or other towns in the area will find it much easier if they have their own mode of transport. Pisa is a great base from which to explore the wider region of Tuscany as it is within ready driving distance of the beautiful Tuscan Coast and other key towns and cities in the region such as Florence, Lucca, Prato, Volterra, Livorno, and more. Some of the famously lovely and appealing destinations that surround Pisa are pretty accessible by bus and train but others are more remote and complicated to get to so if you're keen on enjoying lots of day trips while you vacation in Pisa, you're better off renting a car. Browse our villas with pool in Pisa and come see what it and the surrounding areas of Tuscany have to offer!
Pisa, meanwhile, is not quite as big nor as cosmopolitan as Florence. It is, however, equally charming and beautiful and stuffed full of cultural exploits to be had and enjoyed. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the surrounding buildings of the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa is home to several other museums and galleries, some incredibly unusual and fascinating attractions like Keith Haring's Tuttomondo mural and the Anatomy Museum, wonderful architectural gems, a pretty and historic centre full of charming boutiques and family-run restaurants, lots of local traditions and festivals, an ancient university, and much more besides (read all about why you should plan a vacation in Pisa here). Renting a car is, again, not completely necessary to have a lovely city break in Pisa but those looking to freely visit nearby wineries or other towns in the area will find it much easier if they have their own mode of transport. Pisa is a great base from which to explore the wider region of Tuscany as it is within ready driving distance of the beautiful Tuscan Coast and other key towns and cities in the region such as Florence, Lucca, Prato, Volterra, Livorno, and more. Some of the famously lovely and appealing destinations that surround Pisa are pretty accessible by bus and train but others are more remote and complicated to get to so if you're keen on enjoying lots of day trips while you vacation in Pisa, you're better off renting a car. Browse our villas with pool in Pisa and come see what it and the surrounding areas of Tuscany have to offer!
Arezzo
Compared to our previous two entries, Arezzo is smaller in scale and a little less touristy so for those looking for smaller crowds and a very authentically Tuscan gem, it may be a good option. With a stunning historic centre that has remained largely untouched by time, it is easy to imagine how the town might have looked centuries ago and to be fully removed from one's daily life and concerns. Architectural gems and ruins remain from the Romans to the Renaissance and historical annual festivals like the Giostra del Saracino see the already atmospheric town streets fill with excitement, jousting, and crowds in historical costume. Additionally, the town is home to several excellent museums and attractions and a rich calendar of events and festivals, including the famous Alpine Christmas market that turns Arezzo into a winter wonderland each December. There is, of course, not quite the same kind of list of endless tourist attractions in the town itself and it is not as well-connected or quite as convenient as Florence or Pisa: expect more typical Tuscan opening hours and less numerous public transport options. However, if you rent a car you'll be able to readily plan day-trips to surrounding towns and attractions plus you will find that your budget will stretch a little further with a vacation rental in Arezzo and that the cost of living, generally, will be lower. If you're really looking for a relaxed holiday and to enjoy Tuscany, Arezzo is a great destination in which you can get away from daily life, enjoy the slower pace of life of the region, and spend your days just going for a wee potter around this charming town.
Compared to our previous two entries, Arezzo is smaller in scale and a little less touristy so for those looking for smaller crowds and a very authentically Tuscan gem, it may be a good option. With a stunning historic centre that has remained largely untouched by time, it is easy to imagine how the town might have looked centuries ago and to be fully removed from one's daily life and concerns. Architectural gems and ruins remain from the Romans to the Renaissance and historical annual festivals like the Giostra del Saracino see the already atmospheric town streets fill with excitement, jousting, and crowds in historical costume. Additionally, the town is home to several excellent museums and attractions and a rich calendar of events and festivals, including the famous Alpine Christmas market that turns Arezzo into a winter wonderland each December. There is, of course, not quite the same kind of list of endless tourist attractions in the town itself and it is not as well-connected or quite as convenient as Florence or Pisa: expect more typical Tuscan opening hours and less numerous public transport options. However, if you rent a car you'll be able to readily plan day-trips to surrounding towns and attractions plus you will find that your budget will stretch a little further with a vacation rental in Arezzo and that the cost of living, generally, will be lower. If you're really looking for a relaxed holiday and to enjoy Tuscany, Arezzo is a great destination in which you can get away from daily life, enjoy the slower pace of life of the region, and spend your days just going for a wee potter around this charming town.
Livorno
If you're more interested in planning a seaside getaway in Tuscany and enjoying the stunning Tuscan Coast on your next vacation, then heading to a villa in Livorno is a good idea. This charming seaside city in Tuscany is unbelievably picturesque with its so-called, “mini-Venice,” beautiful seaside terrace, gorgeous historical food market, wonderful aquarium, excellent foodie spots in which to enjoy impossibly fresh seafood, and much more besides. This is a perfect place from which to explore the various towns and beaches of the Tuscan Coast if you have rented a car or to stay where you are and simply just soak up and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the beautiful town itself. A villa in Livorno is ideal for those who want to enjoy the rich history and culture of Tuscany while also having a restorative and relaxing sun holiday. A popular holiday destination among Italians and discerning international travellers alike, this gem of a town on the Tuscan Coast is a must!
So, if you have been thinking about a vacation in Tuscany but weren't sure where to go, consider these destinations, which are some of our favourites! If you're still not sure, why not use our advanced search filters to find a villa with all of your dream features (with a certain number of bedrooms, perhaps near the beach, maybe with a pool, etc) and go about discovering your perfect vacation rental in Tuscany that way instead.
If you're more interested in planning a seaside getaway in Tuscany and enjoying the stunning Tuscan Coast on your next vacation, then heading to a villa in Livorno is a good idea. This charming seaside city in Tuscany is unbelievably picturesque with its so-called, “mini-Venice,” beautiful seaside terrace, gorgeous historical food market, wonderful aquarium, excellent foodie spots in which to enjoy impossibly fresh seafood, and much more besides. This is a perfect place from which to explore the various towns and beaches of the Tuscan Coast if you have rented a car or to stay where you are and simply just soak up and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the beautiful town itself. A villa in Livorno is ideal for those who want to enjoy the rich history and culture of Tuscany while also having a restorative and relaxing sun holiday. A popular holiday destination among Italians and discerning international travellers alike, this gem of a town on the Tuscan Coast is a must!
So, if you have been thinking about a vacation in Tuscany but weren't sure where to go, consider these destinations, which are some of our favourites! If you're still not sure, why not use our advanced search filters to find a villa with all of your dream features (with a certain number of bedrooms, perhaps near the beach, maybe with a pool, etc) and go about discovering your perfect vacation rental in Tuscany that way instead.