Exploring Tuscany’s Most Authentic Villages
Tuscany goes far beyond the famous cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena. Hidden among rolling hills, valleys and olive groves is a constellation of authentic villages, where time slows down and everyday life is shaped by history, genuine connections and enchanting landscapes. If you dream of living in, or simply exploring, a less-traveled yet truly authentic Tuscany, these are the places to discover.
Here are 20 villages we have selected from across Tuscany’s provinces, little gems waiting to be explored or even called home.
Arezzo
Anghiari
A fortified village of extraordinary medieval beauty, where ancient walls and cobblestone streets tell centuries of history. The view over the Valtiberina is breathtaking, and the village is renowned for its connection to the famous Battle of Anghiari. It is also a lively cultural hub, with museums and artisan workshops. Strolling through its narrow lanes feels like stepping back in time.
Loro Ciuffenna
Perched above a stream, this village has preserved all the charm of rural Tuscany. Stone houses, medieval bridges and a still-functioning water mill create a fairytale-like setting. Less crowded than the more famous towns, it offers peace and picturesque views. It is an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity and nature.
Firenze
Vicchio
Surrounded by the greenery of Mugello, Vicchio is the birthplace of Giotto and Fra Angelico. Here, art and spirituality blend seamlessly within a harmonious landscape. The village is a starting point for exploring the surrounding hills, perfect for hiking or cycling. The atmosphere is serene and still largely untouched by tourism.
Fiesole
Elegant and peaceful, Fiesole overlooks Florence from a privileged hillside position. Etruscan and Roman remains, together with Renaissance villas, create a unique historical blend. Beyond its cultural treasures, the town offers a high quality of life and a more intimate scale compared to the city below. It is the perfect choice for those who love to live surrounded by beauty, yet away from the chaos.
Grosseto
Scansano
At the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, this village is renowned for its Morellino DOCG wine and deep agricultural traditions. Medieval glimpses blend with bucolic landscapes, while welcoming wineries and excellent cuisine enrich the experience. It is the ideal place to embrace an authentic Tuscany, made of rolling hills, unhurried rhythms and genuine flavors.
Pitigliano
Known as the “Little Jerusalem,” Pitigliano rises on a tuff cliff and stands as a truly unique architectural jewel. The village preserves traces of Etruscan and medieval times, along with an important Jewish heritage. Narrow alleys, houses carved into the rock and breathtaking views over the valley make it unforgettable. It is one of the most fascinating and mystical villages in the region.
Livorno
Suvereto
Suvereto is a perfectly preserved medieval village, set among olive groves and vineyards on the hills of the Etruscan Coast. Its historic center is a maze of stone alleys, arches and flower-filled squares, with an authentic and relaxed atmosphere. Rich in festivals and local traditions, it is loved for its slow and genuine way of life.
Castagneto Carducci
Set between the sea and the hills, the village takes its name from the poet Giosuè Carducci, who celebrated it in his works. Scenic roads lead to renowned wineries and traditional restaurants, while the village itself offers views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and unforgettable sunsets. It is the perfect place for those who seek beauty, poetry and excellent wine.
Lucca
Barga
Ranked among the most beautiful villages in Italy, Barga combines an artistic soul with a lively community life. Dominated by its Romanesque cathedral and panoramic terraces, it is also renowned for its jazz festival and its ties to poet Giovanni Pascoli. The village offers a slower pace of life, enriched by culture, nature and warm hospitality.
Borgo a Mozzano
Nestled in the greenery of the Serchio Valley, this village is famous for the striking Ponte del Diavolo, the town’s iconic symbol. Stone houses and scenic trails invite visitors to discover legends, nature and tranquility. It is an ideal destination for those who love the mysterious and quiet side of Tuscany.
Massa-Carrara
Pontremoli
Located along the Via Francigena, Pontremoli is a cultural crossroads between Liguria and Tuscany, with castles, medieval bridges and museums dedicated to the ancient stone statues known as stele. Its historic fairs and traditional Lunigiana cuisine make it truly unique. This is a place where culture, history and genuine hospitality come together.
Fivizzano
Hidden among the woods and mountains of Lunigiana, Fivizzano is rich in history and monuments, including Renaissance palaces and ancient walls. Traditions remain alive through historical events and local festivals. It is a perfect destination for those seeking art, authenticity and a close connection with nature.
Pisa
Volterra
Volterra is one of the best-preserved Etruscan cities in Italy, with imposing walls, remarkable archaeological remains and a solemn atmosphere. Its historic center is a maze of narrow streets, medieval palaces and alabaster workshops. Beyond its history, the town offers breathtaking views over the hills all the way to the sea. A place that enchants with its charm and authenticity.
Palaia
A quiet village nestled among olive groves and rolling hills, ideal for those seeking peace and rural landscapes. Less known than other Tuscan villages, it is valued for its balance of nature, farming traditions and warm hospitality. It is also a great starting point for excursions or for a simple, human-scale way of life.
Pistoia
Marliana
Surrounded by chestnut groves and the forests of the Apennines, Marliana is the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and a deep connection with nature. It offers spectacular views over the valley below and a slow, healthy rhythm of life. Its hamlets and old mule tracks tell the story of an intimate and ancient Tuscany.
Pescia
Known as the capital of Tuscan floriculture, Pescia has a lively, commercial soul yet still preserves a historic heart of bridges, narrow streets and churches. Local traditions remain strong here, kept alive by fairs and markets. It is the perfect place for those who want to experience a Tuscany that is both authentic and dynamic.
Prato
Carmignano
Land of ancient Medici villas and historic vineyards, Carmignano is one of the most refined villages in the province. It is home to one of the region’s most celebrated wines, and the surrounding countryside is a constant invitation to relax. Art, history and flavor coexist here in perfect harmony.
Poggio a Caiano
A Renaissance village on the outskirts of Prato, renowned for the magnificent Medici Villa, designed by Giuliano da Sangallo for Lorenzo the Magnificent at the end of the 15th century. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the villa houses frescoes by Pontormo, elegant gardens, and a unique museum dedicated to still life. The town is also enlivened by agricultural traditions, historical festivals, and a welcoming center that preserves the authentic charm of Tuscany. Poggio a Caiano represents a perfect blend of art, history, and landscape.
Siena
San Gimignano
Famous for its medieval towers, San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s most recognizable destinations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village has preserved its 14th-century urban layout intact. Among its cobbled alleys, elegant squares and artisan workshops, it also offers gastronomic treasures such as Vernaccia wine. A place where historical grandeur meets scenic beauty.
Montepulciano
Set between the Val d’Orcia and the Val di Chiana, Montepulciano is celebrated for its Vino Nobile, one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. Its historic center, rich in Renaissance palaces and breathtaking views, leads up to the majestic Piazza Grande. The village offers a perfect blend of culture, flavors and landscape, with a strong Tuscan identity.