Tuscany is a relatively large region beloved by Italians and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find delicious wine, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean Sea, and plenty of art, from world-renowned galleries to magnificent Renaissance cathedrals.
Considering how much this region has to offer, it’s not surprising that so many tourists want to spend their holidays here, renting one of the many Tuscany luxury villas scattered in the area. But how can you choose the best? This article explores why you should book a villa, the best places to rent in Tuscany, and a few factors to keep in mind before making a final decision.
Why Rent a Villa in Tuscany?
While most tourists opt for a hotel room, a villa is the perfect option for those wanting to still feel at home while abroad. For instance, you’ll be able to access a fully-equipped kitchen to put into practice your culinary skills with fresh Italian ingredients while sipping on a delicious glass of local wine. Some villas also include vast outdoor areas where you’ll be able to relax in the evening or whenever you don’t feel like spending a day exploring the region.
Unlike hotel rooms, renting a villa will also give you plenty of privacy and space. If you plan to head to Florence with your family, you’ll soon realize that sharing a room can be a real nightmare. Plus, who wants to start the day sitting in a crowded area with other tourists sharing breakfast? Wouldn’t it be much better to enjoy an espresso in your own kitchen, or maybe even in bed, just as you would back home?
Renting a villa can also be cost-effective for big groups of friends or large families. Plus, you won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors, meaning evening parties are not off-limits!
Lastly, opting for a villa will help you get a more authentic experience than chain hotels, which tend to be the same all over the world. You can choose an ancient farmhouse or a royal mansion to see how locals used to live in the past, giving you a unique experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Town in Tuscany
There are several factors you should consider when looking for the best places to rent in Tuscany. Here are some of the most important:
Location
Location is top of the list. First, you must determine whether your villa is close to public transportation. This is fairly easy. Just go to Google Maps and check whether there is a train station in the area or nearby. While Tuscany has an extensive bus system, trains are way faster and more efficient, so you want to rely on those, especially if you don’t have a car.
If you are planning to rent a car, you will have three main options to consider regarding your location. First, you can opt for a villa with a sea view. This can be a great idea if you’re heading to Tuscany with your entire family, as heading to the beach is one of the children’s favorite activities when visiting Italy. Luckily, Tuscany has plenty of dog-friendly beaches, so you can even take your four-legged friend with you.
Alternatively, you can opt for a villa in a historic city, such as Florence, Lucca, Siena, or Pisa. This is the ideal choice if you are eager to visit Tuscany to make the most of its nightlife, cuisine, and art scene. Lastly, small villages and the countryside are the best options for those just wanting to relax, explore the most authentic Italian lifestyle, and visit local wineries.
Amenities
Tuscany is home to a variety of villas for all types of tourists. You can choose a historic mansion if your main goal is taking breathtaking pictures or a villa with a humongous garden if you plan to visit during the summer and make the most of the nice weather. Some villas come equipped with swimming pools, others stand out for their rustic vibes, and a few may even have their own fruit trees!
Extra services
Renting a villa doesn’t mean you will necessarily have to rent a car to move around or cook your food every night. Some mansions allow you to hire personal chefs to cook delicious food for your family and drivers to ensure you enjoy your wine tour without limitations. If you plan to use some of these services, ensure your chosen villa offers these options.
Rooms
Especially if you’re renting a villa with a group of friends, you’ll want to ensure there are enough rooms for everyone. Just because the listing says up to 20 people can sleep in the house, it doesn’t mean there will be a room available for every couple. Before renting, make sure everyone will have enough privacy.
It’s now time to address the elephant in the room. Where are the best villa rentals in Tuscany?
Best Towns in Tuscany to Rent a Villa
Every city in Tuscany can be the perfect place to rent a villa. However, every area has its pros and cons. Let’s analyze some of the most popular options.
Florence
This is the perfect choice if you’re interested in the Italian art scene. This city is home to some of the most renowned art museums in the world, and its historical center is a work of art in itself. Florence is also ideal for those wanting to make the most of Tuscany nightlife as it has a variety of clubs, restaurants, and cafés where you can enjoy your evenings and parties. Another important thing to consider is that this city is well connected to the rest of the region, so not having a car here is not an issue. The only downsides? Prices are obviously more expensive, and you’ll find massive crowds of tourists.
Pros:
- Perfect for art lovers
- Great nightlife
- Well-connected to the rest of the region
Cons:
- Expensive
- Lots of tourists
Chianti Region and Val D’Orcia
The Chianti and Val D’Orcia regions are home to some of the best villas to stay in Tuscany. These are the perfect options for wine lovers. If you’re heading to Tuscany to learn more about winemaking, if your plan is to visit as many wineries as possible, or if you dream about running through charming vineyards, these are the areas you should check out.
Both the Chianti Region and the Val D’Orcia have an abundance of hill-top Medieval towns, ancient vineyards, and family-run wineries. Compared to Florence, these areas are way more peaceful, so they can be the perfect option for those craving a quiet vacation immersed in nature.
Pros:
- Peaceful
- Perfect for wine lovers
Cons:
- Not well-connected to the rest of the region
- Relatively expensive
Siena and Lucca
Siena and Lucca are some of the best towns in Tuscany to rent a villa. While still renowned for their beauty, these two Medieval cities have fewer tourists than Florence. These two cities are well-connected to the rest of the region, and you’ll be able to reach Florence by train in about 90 minutes to two hours for about $10. Here, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous art, and you’ll be able to witness the most authentic Italian lifestyle. Both cities also have a variety of nearby towns where you can try delicious local wine.
Pros:
- Peaceful
- Great art
- Well-connected to the rest of the region
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Pistoia
Pistoia is the place to go if you’re on a budget but still want to make the most of your trip. Well connected to the rest of the region, you probably won’t find a single tourist here. This means that everything tends to be cheaper, yet on the downside, finding people speaking English and good services for tourists may be a bit harder. From here, however, you’ll be able to reach Florence in about 40 minutes for roughly $5,00! So, this is the perfect choice for those wanting to enjoy Florence while also staying away from the mass of tourists typical of this city.
Pros:
- Most authentic experience
- Cheap
- Well connected to the rest of the region
Cons:
- Not as many services for tourists
Tips for Booking the Perfect Villa in Tuscany
Here are a few final tips to help you choose the perfect villa for your stay in Tuscany.
Figure out what your main goal for this trip is
Before choosing a villa, you need to choose what you want to do on your vacation. Are you here for the beaches? For the wine? For the art? Understanding this will ensure you make the perfect choice and select the best location for your stay.
Don’t rely on taxis
Unfortunately, taxis are not very popular in Italy. So you will have to rely on public transportation or rent a car. Keep this in mind when booking your accommodation.
Learn a few basic Italian words
While most people working in the tourist sector speak English, you may still want to learn a few basic Italian words. This will help you bond with the locals faster while showing them you are truly interested in immersing yourself in their culture.
When to book the perfect stay
The ‘when’ is just as important as the ‘where.’ The ideal period to visit Tuscany is in September. Why? There are fewer tourists than in the summer months, and it’s time for grape harvest! Not only will the vineyards have the most wonderful colors leveling up all your pictures, but you will also get the chance to see farmers carrying out all sorts of wine-related tasks. Summers in Italy are also incredibly hot, so locals avoid going out between 11:30 am and 4:00 pm. In September, on the other hand, the weather is cooler but still warm enough to enjoy the beach and dinners outside.
