There is no doubt about it: Tuscany is impossibly picturesque. And the list of places and sights and gorgeous buildings and incredible views and amazing works of art that could be defined as must-sees is truly endless. However, most of us unfortunately do not have entire lifetimes to explore every little thing of beauty in this stunning part of Italy. Despite this, those who browse our Tuscany villas will be able to fit a lot of wonderful sights into a vacation in Tuscany. So, why not book your trip today and get started? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most beautiful of this endless list of extraordinary sights to get you started, help you plan your itinerary, and whet your appetite!
1. Siena’s gilded cathedral
As there is no shortage of lovely sights in Tuscany, there is also no shortage of remarkable churches and cathedrals in this part of the world. Those, however, who find a villa with pool in Siena, should definitely make a point to see this city’s glittering Duomo. With its polychromatic stone, intricate carvings, luxurious marble floors, and array of stunning words of art, it is a thing of wonder.
2. Saturnia’s hot springs
Once again (though perhaps less commonly known), another abundant thing that can be found in Tuscany are natural hot springs and spa towns. Relaxing and unwinding in these waters that have been attractions for their health-giving properties has drawn tourists since the time of the Romans and there are lots of great options to choose from. However, when it comes to looks, few can compare with the striking appearance of Saturnia’s iconic hot springs. Come and admire as you take a dip once you find a villa in Saturnia!
3. The winding roads and cypress trees of the Tuscan countryside (ft. The Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta)
The Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta is an impossibly pretty little church that adds to this picture-perfect slice of the Tuscan countryside, just next to the village of Vitaleta, on the road between San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza. If you have found a vacation rental in Siena and are already exploring this part of the world, join the photographers and tourists who come from all over the globe and seek this specific road and sight out as you make your journeys – you’ll be richly rewarded with a scene straight from a postcard and almost too idyllic to be real for your efforts!
4. Florence’s Piazza della Repubblica
Florence abounds with historic riches, artistic gems, and beauty, but the Piazza della Repubblica is a charming place to spend time as you wander around the impossibly picturesque historic centre of the city. Home to some long-standing and elegant old cafes including Caffè Gilli, Paszkowski, and Caffè Giubbe Rosse and often the site of musical and theatrical performances by street artists, with a gorgeous old carousel at the centre, and hugged by beautiful buildings, this is a dreamy place to sit, people-watch, and soak up your stunning surroundings on vacation in Florence.
5. The scenery looking out to Elba
The Tuscan coastline is not the most famous in Italy but it is pretty breathtaking. Particularly in the areas where you can take in direct views over the island of Elba (infamously the place to which Napoleon was exiled – can we get this kind of punishment?). If you find a holiday rental on the Tuscan Coast, generally, you’re guaranteed to take in some truly incredible panoramas all throughout your stay...
6. The foggy hills of the Val D’Orcia
The rolling green hills and impossible natural beauty for which the Val D’Orcia is so well-known, the scenes we’ve seen a million times of Tuscany, are undeniably gorgeous in their own right. However, if you have found a villa in the Val D’Orcia and you’re up for an early morning drive, you might be lucky enough to take in those views while fog rolls over the landscape... It’s a pretty magical sight.
7. Siena’s majestic Piazza del Campo
Famously the spot where the annual Palio horse race takes place twice each summer, Siena’s gorgeous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is like a jewel at the core of this medieval city. Overlooked by the Torre del Mangia on top of the Palazzo Pubblico (home to an incredible art museum), framed by lots of other lovely historic buildings and canopied cafes, this square at the centre of the city is a serious looker as well as the beating heart of this charming town. Those who find a luxury villa in Siena will likely find themselves here eventually but be sure to really stop and take it in when you do – it’s worth it!
8. Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo
Found a luxury villa in Florence and looking to take in a sweeping view over the city’s iconic skyline? Then head to the Piazzale Michelangelo, where you’ll get one of the best panoramas over the birthplace of the Renaissance.
9. Pisa’s Arno views
So, once you’ve done your duty and paid a visit to the Leaning Tower while on holiday in Pisa be sure to actually explore the rest of this lovely city – it has lots of other incredible sights and attractions. And, if you’re wandering about come sunset, why not go for a little stroll along the Arno and take in some gorgeous river views?
10. Bolgheri’s vinyards
As you explore Tuscany, you’ll stumble across lots of incredible wine areas and vinyards spreading across the countryside. Many are very scenic but those in and around the famous wine town of Bolgheri near Livorno are especially lovely. If you want to sample and stock up on some excellent wines and visit some truly gorgeous vinyards then find a vacation rental in Livorno and a trip to picturesque Bolgheri is a true must!
Of course, there are many more extraordinary sights and scenes to take in while enjoying a villa in Tuscany so book your getaway now and start working on ticking things off that bucket list...