Tuscany beautiful and authentic – 10 towns in Tuscany that you must know!
Tuscany is an extremely popular place in Italy, very popular among tourists. This historic land located in the central part of Italy, with access to the Apennine mountain chain and two seas: the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian, delights with its natural and cultural diversity. Everyone will find something for themselves here. Tuscany has many faces that you can get to know by going on a luxurious trip to one of the towns on our list!
1. Cortona – the hometown of the artist Pietro da Cortona
Cortona is one of the oldest cities in Italy. Located in the province of Arezzo, it has a population of 23,000. Nestled among hills with extensive walking areas, it's an ideal destination for hikers. Tourists who value seaside access will be disappointed, as Cortona has no access. However, it is an interesting destination for both nature and historical monuments.
The town boasts remarkable medieval architecture. Some of the buildings were built in the 13th century and still stand today. This group includes the town hall in Piazza Guiseppe Garibaldi, where markets are held, offering authentic Italian delicacies. Cortona boasts over eleven churches and chapels, including the Duomo di Cortona and the Basilica di Santa Margherita, which towers over the city and boasts a children's corner, a unique feature among churches. Cafes and restaurants serving delicious food and exquisite wine from local vineyards abound. Both exclusive hotels and local private accommodations offer a relaxing break after a busy day exploring the historic monuments through Cortona's winding streets.
The town, thanks to its ubiquitous flowers, medieval, truly Italian buildings and the hills full of vineyards surrounding Cortona, has a unique atmosphere. It is therefore not surprising that it became the setting for the novel by writer Frances Mayes, "Under the Tuscan Sun".
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2. San Gimignano - the city of fourteen towers on the UNESCO list
San Gimignano is a city famous for its characteristic quadrangular towers that dominate the entire area. It is because of these architectural objects that it is called by some the "Manhattan of Tuscany". The city is located in the province of Siena and is famous for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine, which the locals like to offer to visitors.
San Gimignano is known in tourist guides for its medieval architecture, replete with tall towers and masonry walls. It's a dream vacation spot for history lovers. Worth visiting is the town hall, known locally as Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà, which now serves as a museum. This building also boasts the town's tallest tower, 54 meters high, offering a stunning view of the surrounding area. Also noteworthy is the Collegiata di San Gimignano, a church located in the main square. Despite its austere architecture, its interior boasts frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Accommodation options here are diverse, offering tourists a wide range of private accommodations in typically Italian villas, as well as small luxury hotels that offer guests not only delicious breakfasts but also access to a swimming pool.
3. Siena – the heart of the province
Siena is one of the most popular cities to visit in Tuscany. It's the region's true tourist hub. The red-brick main square, Piazza del Campo — one of the most interesting sites — is characterized by its… sloping shape. This is due to the town's location on three hills. The main focus of the city, both for locals and tourists on vacation or stopping there during tours of Italy, is Piazza del Campo. The square is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can find unique souvenirs and sample authentic Tuscan food with a chilled glass of wine.
Sienna, like other Italian cities, is renowned for its remarkable monuments. The richly decorated Duomo, or cathedral, captivates with its interior , featuring an ornate ceiling and other artistic masterpieces. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, a museum housing original frescoes and engravings, is also worth visiting. Also worth visiting is the Banchi Sopra Palace, located on the main street of the same name. Accommodation options include a variety of rooms and apartments in top Italian hotels , catering to every traveler's needs.
Siena has a lot of beautiful places dating back many centuries. It is this time, this history felt in the air of the city, that makes it extremely attractive to tourists.
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4. Montepulciano – the land of wine
Montepulciano is a small town located in the province of Siena. It is situated on the hills overlooking the surrounding vineyards. This is the quintessence of the Tuscan landscape. Montepulciano, like the other cities in the ranking, has medieval, brick architecture, preserved in very good condition. For tourists eager to explore, there is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a must-see, the Temple of Chiesa di Santa Lucia and Piazza Grande, the main square of the city.
You can easily find a luxury hotel in Montepulciano, tailored to your individual needs. An interesting fact about the town is that scenes from The Twilight Saga: New Moon were filmed there .
5. Montalcino – small but interesting!
Montalcino is a small town in the province of Siena. It has a population of approximately 5200. Tourists find it a popular starting point for excursions around Tuscany. The town's main attraction, the Fortezza di Montalcino, is worth a visit. However, the true flavor of Montalcino can be found in Piazza del Popolo, the town's main square. This is where cultural life takes place, with restaurants famous for Pici al sugo, traditional pasta with tomato sauce, and other local dishes. 60 kilometers (about an hour's drive) from Montalcino, in the town of San Casciano Dei Bagni, you'll find one of Tuscany's most famous spa hotels, the Fonteverde. Natural hot springs with healing properties bubble up within its grounds. In addition to outdoor pools, the Fonteverde offers extensive relaxation facilities, a spa, medical offices, a wellness center , an indoor pool, a Turkish bath, and a tennis court.
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6. Arezzo – a hidden gem
Situated halfway between Florence and Perugia, Arezzo is an atmospheric place and a real "hidden gem". Founded by the Etruscans, the capital of the province of Arezzo is famous for its beautiful monuments; Piazza Grande, the Cathedral of Saint Donatus or the church of Santa Maria della Pieve, Palazzo Pretorio are just some of them. The central life of the city takes place in Piazza Grande, where tourists can visit local restaurants as well as buy jewelry and other gold products for which Arezzo is famous. To this day, Arezzo is one of the richest cities in Tuscany, thanks to the large number of jewelers, goldsmiths and antique boutiques operating there. An undoubted advantage is the relatively small number of tourists, which allows you to quietly absorb the atmosphere of the city during your long-awaited, tailor-made trip.
7. Punta Ala – golf course and the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany
Punta Ala is a famous resort in Tuscany on the Tyrrhenian Sea, hidden among pine forests. It is a perfect place for tourists who value the opportunity to sunbathe, swim or have fun during their holidays. The city has a wide selection of luxury hotels and very popular apartments, entire houses and villas for rent, perfect for holidays with children. There is a Golf Club Punta Ala golf club, numerous beaches and delicious restaurants on site. Punta Ala is undoubtedly one of the more modern towns in Tuscany. It is an ideal place to rest and catch some sun rays.
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8. Pienza – an almost perfectly harmonious city
Pienza is a small Italian town located in the province of Siena, in the Val d'Orcia valley. It was here that Pope Pius II was born, whose dream was to create Pienza as a harmoniously perfect city. Despite its small size, it attracts tourists with its charm. Situated among picturesque hills, it is an ideal destination for a holiday trip.
One of the most popular monuments in this Italian town is the Pienza Cathedral, the Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Pienza), an excellent example of Renaissance architecture. The second interesting place is Palazzo Piccolomini, the residence where the Pope himself stayed during his stay in the city. Pienza is not large, but narrow streets, an extraordinary panorama of the hills and tasty local Pecorino sheep's milk cheese make it worth stopping for a moment and soaking up the atmosphere of Pienza during your Tuscan holiday.
9. Volterra – the city of alabaster and vampires
Volterra is a picturesque, although at first glance austere city located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. Known to cinema fans as the seat of the Volturi vampire family, to others - a place of alabaster mining. Volterra has plenty of great buildings to explore. Two beautiful palaces, dei Priori and Pretorio, one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in Italy, the baroque Persio Flacco theater and the alabaster museum are just a few of the city's attractions. Just visiting the streets and admiring the frescoes on the walls takes several hours, which is why Volterra offers many luxurious hotels and guesthouses where you can rest and relax in the pool.
10. Lucca/Lucca – the city of Mario Cipollini
Lucca is a charming city located near Pisa. It is certainly not very popular among tourists, but this fact only adds to its charm. The place offers trips to many extraordinary monuments, such as Saint Martin's Cathedral located in Piazza San Martino, the Giacomo Puccini monument or the unique, 45-meter high Torre Guinigi observation tower. In Lucca, you can walk among the charming streets, try local delicacies in small restaurants and soak up the atmosphere of this unpopular, but extraordinary place.
Trips to Tuscany – only with a proven and best travel agency!
Tuscany is an incredibly diverse place, inviting even the most discerning travelers. It's worth exploring this extraordinary land with a travel agency that has specialized for many years in Tuscany, nearby Umbria, and throughout Italy. You'll be able to enjoy an afternoon Aperol Spritz in the square in Cortona, while your personal guide shares local curiosities and secrets. Relaxation in a truly Italian atmosphere, Tuscany's best hotels, luxury transfers, Ferrari rentals, autumn truffle hunts, and visits to unique aristocratic residences are just a taste of what you can experience.
The best holidays in Tuscany with CARTER – luxury hotels and residences worth knowing
Tuscany is one of the most picturesque and romantic places to spend a vacation in Italy – a region that attracts travelers not only with its landscape full of vineyards and hills, but also with the highest class offer of luxury hotels and residences. If you dream of a vacation in the style of La dolce vita, with a view of Tuscan cypresses, a glass of Brunello di Montalcino in your hand and relaxation in a Renaissance castle or boutique villa – this destination is for you.
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Among the most prestigious accommodations in Tuscany is undoubtedly Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel , located between Florence and Siena. This 13th-century castle-turned-hotel impresses not only with its history but also with its modern luxury. Guests can enjoy an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards, relax in the elegant spa, and participate in cooking classes and wine tastings.
Another gem of the region is Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, located in the heart of Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former estate with its own vineyard has been transformed into a luxury resort. It offers private villas with pools, a golf course, and a unique wine cellar where you can sample the finest Brunello di Montalcino. The hotel also offers horseback riding, trekking, and culinary tours.
Art and design enthusiasts will love Il Borro Relais & Châteaux , the luxurious estate owned by the Ferragamo family. Not only does it house a five-star hotel, but it also features a restored artists' village, an art gallery, its own vineyard, and an organic farm. It's the perfect destination for those who appreciate elegance and authenticity in one.
For those seeking peace and refined tranquility, Borgo Santo Pietro is the ideal choice – a boutique hotel near Siena, surrounded by gardens and forests. Guests can enjoy a unique Asian-inspired spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant, an on-site farm, and culinary workshops. This place combines the highest quality with intimacy.
Also not to be missed is Castello di Velona , a luxurious castle and spa in Montalcino. Situated above thermal springs, it offers panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia, access to natural thermal pools, and cuisine based on local produce and wines from its own cellar.
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Helicopter tours in Tuscany with a travel agency CARTER
Helicopter tours in Tuscany are one of the most spectacular attractions, allowing you to see the region's famous landscapes from a completely different perspective. This Italian helicopter company, which partners with top hotels and wineries, organizes private flights over Florence, Chianti, Val d'Orcia, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and the Tuscan coast, as well as exclusive transfers to Italy's most prestigious destinations. The offer ranges from short scenic flights to full-day excursions, landing at renowned wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and historic estates.
During your flight, you can admire the rolling hills, medieval towns, cypress-lined avenues, and vineyards that have shaped the Tuscan landscape for centuries. The agency's airline partner CARTER It operates a modern fleet of VIP helicopters, ensuring the highest levels of safety, comfort, and privacy. The company also prepares individual itineraries tailored to customer expectations, combining helicopter flights with wine tastings, stays in luxury hotels, yacht cruises, or tours of the region's most beautiful spots.
For those planning a unique holiday in Italy helicopter flight over Tuscany is an unforgettable experience and a perfect way to discover the region in its most exclusive setting. Travel agency CARTER® organizes private tours and holidays to Tuscany, including booking the best hotels, helicopter transfers, La Dolce Vita train rides, tastings at the best wineries, and comprehensive travel for incentive companies.
After exploring magical Tuscany, treat yourself to a trip and a holiday in Sardinia in one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean – Porto Cervo. Whether you want to rent a yacht or a VIP villa on the beach, check out what CARTER I suggest you go on a Sardinian holiday:
Author: Travel Agency CARTER®
