Whether your partner just asked you to marry him in one of Tuscany’s most romantic spots for a proposal or if you’re still waiting for the big question, it’s never too early to plan your honeymoon! What’s better than browsing through Tuscany villas to rent while enjoying a delicious glass of wine and fantasizing about how good wine in Italy will taste?
If you are intrigued, here are some of Tuscany’s best places for a honeymoon. But first, let’s discuss why this Italian region is perfect for newlywed couples.
Why Tuscany is a Dream Honeymoon Destination
There are so many reasons to opt for a honeymoon in Tuscany. First of all, this region is home to a variety of wineries, where you can try delicious wines while enjoying bites of all Italian’s best foods.
In addition, Tuscany is renowned for its Medieval villages and Renaissance architecture. This makes it the best place not only for art lovers but also for couples who want to take breathtaking pictures of their honeymoon.
Lastly, this region features a variety of villas, hot springs, and stunning beaches for the most luxurious, romantic experience. But where to go? Here are five of the best honeymoon spots in Tuscany.
Top Romantic Honeymoon Spots in Tuscany
Below are the best honeymoon spots in Tuscany for all types of newlywed couples.
Florence
Of course, we need to start our list with Florence. Considered the capital of Renaissance architecture and Italian art, this is one of the most romantic cities in the world. There are plenty of reasons why you should choose Florence for your honeymoon.
Art lovers will surely fall in love with its architectural wonders, such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio. Here, you will also be able to admire some of the world’s greatest works of art, including Michelangelo’s statues at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze and paintings by renowned artists, such as Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci.
Apart from its art scene, Florence is also an extremely good option for practical reasons. This city is well-connected to other nearby destinations, such as Pisa, which can be easily reached by train within an hour.
Here, you will also find a vibrant nightlife, thanks to the many clubs and restaurants in the city. Florence is also quite international compared to other cities in Tuscany, meaning you can easily find art and cooking workshops in English. The only negative side of choosing this location for your honeymoon is obviously mass tourism, as you will constantly have to deal with crowds of visitors.
Ideal for: Art lovers and people wanting to make the most of the local nightlife
Pros:
- Amazing architecture
- Lots of museums
- Great nightlife
- Well-connected
Cons:
- Plenty of tourists
Val D’Orcia
While you may have never been to Val d’Orcia or even heard of it, you’ve probably already seen its landscapes in the beautiful paintings of Renaissance artists or in the works of modern photographers.
This area extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. Here, you will find a variety of charming villages that are popular among tourists, such as Montalcino, Pienza, and Radicofani.
The Val d’Orcia is the perfect area for those eager to enjoy a calm honeymoon away from massive crowds of tourists. You will be able to immerse yourself in the most authentic Italian culture, spending your days in charming villages where the slow pace of local life will help you let go of the stress accumulated in the days before your wedding day.
If you’re eager to try some local wine accompanied by delicious bites, you will find plenty of wineries here offering tours of their cellars, walks in the vineyards, and tasting experiences. The cities of Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino are all great options.
Val d’Orcia is also home to hot springs, such as Bagno Vignoni. This charming town is renowned for its 49-meter long and 29-meter wide pool. While bathing here is prohibited, you can head to the nearby Parco dei Mulini for a free hot bath.
Due to its remote location, tourists choosing the Val d’Orcia will most likely need to rent a car, as public transportation is not very efficient here.
Ideal for: Wine lovers and people looking for a relaxing honeymoon
Pros:
- Quiet
- Lots of wineries to visit
- Hot springs
- Charming Medieval villages
Cons:
- Lack of nightlife
- Not well-connected
Lucca
This charming Medieval city is not as popular as Florence, meaning you won’t find as many tourists here, yet you will have access to vibrant nightlife and all the other comforts typical of cities. On top of this, the hills are only a short drive away for those days when you just want to relax in nature.
What really makes Lucca stand out are its Medieval walls. Visitors are allowed to walk on top of these fortifications, enjoying the perfect view of the city—no ticket is required!
Also known as the city of 100 churches, Lucca is home to plenty of sites worth visiting, such as Sant’ Alessandro Church, San Giusto Church, and the Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata. If you decide to visit this location, don’t forget to climb Guinigi Tower for one of Tuscany’s most stunning views over the city. Opera lovers should all add a visit to the Puccini Museum to their bucket list, while nature enthusiasts can check out the Botanical Gardens.
Lucca also has a strategic location. It is a short drive or train ride from Tuscany’s most popular cities, including Florence and Pisa. It is also quite close to the sea, with cities such as Livorno, renowned for its many beaches, only 30 miles away. Alternatively, you can opt for the Bagni di Lucca, a charming town known for its thermal baths, which are perfect for a day of full relaxation.
Ideal for: Those who want to escape the crowds while making the most of their time in Tuscany
Pros:
- Lots to visit
- Great location near the Mediterranean Sea and Tuscany’s main destinations, such as Pisa and Florence
- Hot springs
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of the most charming villages in Italy. It is the place to go if your idea of a honeymoon involves visiting wineries, tranquil Medieval villages, and rolling hills. With a population of less than 10,000 people, this lovely town is about 26 miles northwest of Siena.
Known as the Town of Five Towers, San Gimignano is vastly renowned for its Medieval architecture and will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has plenty to offer. Some of its most popular sites include Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Cisterna, the local cathedral, and the town’s many towers.
However, most tourists choose this destination to make the most of the local wineries in the area. Immersed in Tusncay’s hilly landscapes, here you will find a variety of vineyards where you will be able to try delicious local wines, visit cellars, and learn everything about wine production.
Unfortunately, however, San Gimignano has a few negative aspects. This village is incredibly popular among tourists so you may be surrounded by visitors most of the time. On top of this, the town’s nightlife cannot be compared to that of Florence or other bigger cities. So, if you’re hoping to party during your honeymoon, this may not be the place for you.
Ideal for: Those who want to stay in a picturesque Medieval village
Pros:
- Medieval charm
- Lots of wineries
- Calm
Cons
- Lots of tourists
- Lack of nightlife
Chianti Region
Last but not least is the Chianti Region. Renowned worldwide for its delicious wine production, this is the place to go for those who simply want to spend their honeymoon making the most of Italian wines and food.
Extending over the provinces of Florence, Siena, and Arezzo, this area is home to various charming towns. Some of these include Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, and Gaiole in Chianti, just to mention a few.
Of course, the main attractions in the area are the many wineries and vineyards you’ll be able to visit thanks to one of the tours offered by these family-owned companies producing some of the best wines in Italy.
Tours usually include a walk along the vineyards, a detailed explanation of how wines are produced, and a tasting experience accompanied by a few small bites or a full meal.
Apart from this, the charming villages in the Chianti region are home to beautiful churches and castles worth visiting, such as the Church of Saint Salvador, the Rocca di Castellina in Chianti, and the Basilica of Santa Croce.
The Chianti region can also be a good option for hikers as it features several trials for all fitness levels. For instance, you can opt for the Radda in Chianti to Volpaia route, which connects two ancient Medieval villages. This is considered an easy walk, and it’s only 6.2 miles long. Plenty of alternatives both for people on foot and bikers are also available.
On the negative side, this area is not well connected to the rest of Tuscany, so you may have to rent a car if you decide to plan your honeymoon here. The Chianti region may also not be a good choice for those hoping to enjoy Tuscany’s nightlife.
Ideal for: Nature and wine lovers
Pros:
- Lots of Medieval villages
- Plenty of wineries to choose from
- Calm
Cons:
- Lack of nightlife
- Not well-connected
Planning Your Honeymoon in Tuscany – Travel Tips
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your honeymoon goes as smoothly as possible.
Consider the season
People rarely plan their wedding day based on their honeymoon. However, this could be a good idea if you want to make the most of your time in Tuscany. In general, the best month to visit this region is September, when the extreme heat typical of the Italian summer is gone, there are fewer tourists than in July and August, and wine production is at its peak.
Do you need a car?
You may not need a car, depending on where you want to stay and which areas you would like to visit on your honeymoon. If you choose to rent a villa in cities such as Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, you can easily rely on public transportation. If you decide to visit a destination far away, you may simply consider renting a Vespa for a day.
Adapt your schedule
Most Italians have dinner between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. If you go to the restaurant before this time, you will most likely only find foreigners, so try to avoid it. Are you hungry before dinner time? Enjoy an aperitif—a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail served with a few small bites.
Learn a few basic Italian words
Don’t expect everyone to be fluent in English. Learning a few basic Italian words will greatly help, especially when heading to less touristy destinations.