A true Italophile will tell you how falling in love with Tuscany is easy and I couldn’t agree more. Apart from its vibrant cities, this Italian region is famed for its beautiful countryside. There is everything here, from vineyards and meadows to cute villages with fairytale castles.
What to do in the Tuscany countryside? I guess you’ll have to read on to discover what makes places like San Gimignano, the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia, Terme di Saturnia, and Maremma coast so special and unique.
What to Do in Tuscany’s Countryside
Why Visit Tuscany Countryside?
There are many reasons why you should visit the Tuscany countryside and its hidden gems. Chianti wine tasting, the large inland freshwater swamp called Padule di Fucecchio, the village of Monteriggioni, and beach towns like Forte dei Marmi are just a few of the places worth exploring.
Tourists can also visit the region to stay in Tuscany luxury villas or book accommodation in one of the many Agriturismos. The family-owned farm stays with olive groves are usually located in the countryside and offer rooms and activities like wine tasting and horseback riding. Agriturismo Fattoria Rozzalupi near Cerreto Guidi is a great option, as well as Agriturismo Merigge which overlooks the village of Montepulciano.
Best Time to Visit Tuscany Countryside
The peak holiday season in Tuscany is in summer, between June and September. It’s when most tourists visit this Italian region to enjoy long sunny days. However, it can get really hot in summer in Tuscany with temperatures reaching 37ºC. Tourism in Tuscany slows down from January to March, simply because it gets quite cold, especially in the evenings.
Therefore, the two shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn) are probably the best time to explore the Tuscany countryside. It’s easy to understand why really. It is a time of year when most festivals take place and the mild weather is ideal for sightseeing. For example, the countryside is in full bloom in spring and there are festivals like the Strawberry Festival in Terricciola, the Marzuolo Truffle Exhibition in Volterra, and the Artichoke Festival in Chiusure. Visit in autumn for wine harvest season and events such as the festival dedicated to chestnuts in Marradi and the Fair and Market of the White Truffle in San Miniato.
Top Things to Do in Tuscany Countryside
1. Explore Tuscany’s Wine Regions
Wine lovers can look forward to visiting Tuscany. Located between the cities of Florence and Sienna, the Chianti region is home to countless vineyard-covered hills. Try everything from the wines of Sangiovese to the wines of Montepulciano. Travelers can book tours at Antinori nel Chianti Classico or check out the boutique winery Capanelle. If you want to explore wine regions in Tuscany, make sure to book your visit a few days in advance, especially for wine-tasting tours.
2. Discover Val d’Orcia in Tuscany
The UNESCO-inscribed region of Val d’Orcia should also be included in your travel itinerary. This picturesque region is well-known for its farmhouses, beautiful roads, charming towns and villages such as Pienza, Castiglione d’Orcia, and Montalcino, and the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni. Pay a visit to Horti Leonini, an Italian-style Renaissance garden in the village of San Quirico d’Orcia, see the 14th-century Fortress in Montalcino, and admire the beauty of an open-air thermal pool in Bagno Vignoni.
3. Enjoy Hiking in Tuscany
If you are an active type, you’ll be pleased to hear that Tuscany is full of hiking trails. Hike the Via Francigena trek that crosses central Tuscany. The trek offers 15 sections to choose from. It takes you past vineyards, medieval villages, and adorable castles.
4. Sample Delicious Tuscan Food
Tuscany is also known for its delicious cuisine. The first thing that comes to mind is the juicy and flavorful Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Fiorentina steak) which is made from Chianina beef. If you are a fan of cheese, find Pecorino di Pienza. The most popular soup to enjoy in cold winter days is Ribollita which consists of bread, beans, and black cabbage. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend trying Castagnaccio. This popular dessert is made of chestnut flour, pine nuts, salt, olive oil, and rosemary. Other Tuscan dishes include Tripe and lampredotto, Cacciucco, and Pappa al pomodoro.
5. Go for a Scenic Drive
For a scenic drive in Tuscany, I recommend the picturesque road between San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza. Along the way, you will notice many viewpoints with majestic views of Tuscan landscapes.
6. Experience Truffle Hunting
Another popular activity in Tuscany is truffle hunting. To learn the difference between black and white truffles and to enjoy meals with truffles, book one of the tours with a professional truffle hunter in Tuscany. I recommend the truffle and wine-tasting tour at the Tenuta Torciano estate.
7. Visit Natural Springs in Tuscany
Tuscany is well-known for its stunning natural springs. You will find most of these spa baths with mineral-rich waters around southern Tuscany. The most famous thermal spring is Terme di Saturnia. There is also Terme di Petriolo which is located about 90 minutes from Florence. To avoid the crowds, go to the natural thermal baths at Bagni San Filippo.
8. Spend a Day on the Beach in Tuscany
Many travelers don’t know this, but Tuscany has a decent coastline and a few nice beaches worth checking out. You can spend a day in popular beach towns like Castiglione della Pescaia and Viareggio. There is also the Maremma coast in the south, as well as the family-friendly Marina di Alberese beach.
9. Take a Tuscany Countryside Tour
Many people don’t have time to plan an itinerary and deal with all the logistics. In case you don’t want to rent a car and explore Tuscany on your own, book one of the many Tuscany countryside tours. You will find many local operators in the region that offer all types of tours, from wine and truffle hunting trips to tours of sleepy medieval villages. The good news is that many of these tours start from major towns like Sienna and Florence.
For wine tasting and visiting picturesque vineyards, I suggest the Montalcino wine tour and the Chianti wine tour. First-time visitors who wish to discover the beauty of the Tuscan countryside can book the San Gimignano, Chianti, Siena & Colle Val d’Elsa Tour from Florence. To experience the region’s breathtaking nature, opt for the San Gimignano and Chianti Tour from Florence. Truffle in Tuscany from San Miniato offers an unforgettable truffle hunting tour with lunch. The tour is led by Massimo and Geo, while Barbara is in charge of preparing lunch.
10. Explore Tuscany’s Fields & Landscapes
To truly get to know the countryside in Tuscany, you will probably need a car. Start with a visit to the gardens of the Plain of Lucca and explore small towns like Montepulciano, Monteriggioni, Pienza, Volterra, Vinci, and San Gimignano. To see beautiful landscapes, the best place to go is Val d’Orcia south of Siena. Thanks to the region’s well-maintained paths and roads, you can even rent a bicycle and cycle instead of driving. Go slowly through the valley of Val d’Orcia to admire the beauty of its rolling hills and vineyards with olive groves. Some of the must-visit places in Val d’Orcia include Abbey of Sant’Antimo, Castiglion d’Orcia, and Brunello di Montalcino.