Tuscany promises a picture-perfect Italian escape, with its beautiful countryside, impressive architecture and of course delicious food.
The main towns of Pisa and Florence get extremely busy with tourists – so is it possible to really enjoy Tuscany without the crowds?
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6 Tuscany Alternatives to Florence and Pisa
If you’re yearning for a Tuscan escape, but you’re not sure about the crowds, then here are 6 Tuscany alternatives to Florence and Pisa where you can have a more chilled adventure.
Now these towns won’t be deserted by any means, but tourist numbers are markedly fewer, so you won’t feel like the whole world is there with you! It’s best if you have a car to visit, but there are public transport options which we’ve included below.
Lucca
Lucca is a beautiful Tuscan town that isn’t as busy as the main cities like Florence and Pisa. And you can even get a train all the way there!
The perfect start to a day in Lucca is a leisurely walk or cycle along the ancient city walls. Inside, you’ve got the historic centre with sights like San Martino cathedral, uniquely-shaped Piazza Anfiteatro and historic Torre Guinigi, famous for its trees growing at the top!
When it’s time for a rest, refuel with a delicious meal – something typical like tordelli lucchesi (a kind of local ravioli).
How to get there: Hop on a train from Pisa, it takes about 30 mins.
Lucca hotel picks
Hostel:
Gessy’s
Mid-range:
Luxury Corte dei Nobili
Treat:
Luxury Corte Di Re Artu
Cortona
Cortona is famous as the location for the movie ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’. It’s one of many hill towns in the region, with incredible historic buildings and stunning panoramic views.
The main square is Piazza della Repubblica, with a huge staircase great for lounging on with an ice cream or a snack. The charming streets are full of boutiques, food emporiums and galleries, and the views do not disappoint.
When you fancy a break, find a local spot like Osteria Le Rughe and sit back with a nice glass of Chianti wine, which is made nearby.
How to get there: Catch a train from Florence to Camucia-Cortona, which takes about 1 hour 20 mins. Then get a bus to Cortona itself, which takes about 15 mins.
Cortona hotel picks
Hostel:
Ostello San Marco Cortona
Mid-range:
Palazzo Mosela alla Porta
Treat:
Hotel Italia
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a dreamy town that ticks every box – winding streets, epic views and lovely local restaurants. Like Cortona it’s a hill town – but smaller – with some of the region’s most amazing views.
Wander the streets and window shop, or splash out on delicious treats and treasures to bring home. Try the local pici pasta or a juicy steak, washed down with a glass of the local wine, Rosso di Montepulciano.
How to get there: Get a train from Florence to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, which takes around 2 hours. Then get a bus to Montepulciano; it takes about 50 mins.
Montepulciano hotel picks
Hostel:
La Terrazza Di Montepulciano
Mid-range:
Dolce Maria
Treat:
La Locanda Di San Francesco
Pienza
Tiny Pienza is a beautiful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the larger Tuscan towns, and it’s easy to visit alongside Montepulciano because they’re so close.
Thanks to its location the views are stunning – you’ll literally feel like you’re in a postcard. Here it’s about soaking up the village vibes and enjoying the warmth of the sun on your face as you start to wonder whether you could actually live here!
How to get there: You can catch a bus from Montepulciano to Pienza in about 20 mins.
Pienza hotel picks
Hostel:
Affittacamere del Corso
Mid-range:
La Chiocarella
Treat:
Relais ll Chiostro Di Pienza
Siena
Siena is a beautiful city but it’s not so well-connected as Pisa or Florence, which means it gets fewer visits – although it’s still a popular place.
Its streets date back to medieval times, so there’s bags of character and quaint alleyways perfect for exploring. See the impressive striped cathedral and check out the expansive Piazza del Campo, home of the city’s famous palio horse race, where you can watch the world go by.
This area is known for its high quality meats, so you might want to sniff out some local cured sausage or pasta with wild boar sauce.
How to get there: Get a train from Florence in about 1 hour 45 mins, or a bus from Florence which is a bit quicker – more like 1 hour.
Siena hotel picks
Arezzo
Arezzo is an elegant town which has an attractive main square, Piazza Grande. It’s got loads of history and culture – yet it’s more chill than Pisa or Florence.
You’ve got medieval and Renaissance architecture, lots of churches, an archeological museum, a Roman amphitheatre and even a fortress.
Visiting all that will take some energy, so refuel with some delicious slow-cooked beef stew (Peposo alla Fornarina), or the local bringoli pasta.
How to get there: You can get a direct train from Florence in about 1 hour 30 mins.
Arezzo hotel picks
Hostel:
Hotel Cecco
Mid-range:
Antiche Mura
Treat:
La Corte Del Re Suite & Rooms Arezzo
Choose These Tuscany Alternatives to Florence and Pisa For Your Next Trip
Tuscany is full of inviting towns and cities, and you don’t have to follow the crowd. Choose any of these alternatives and you’ll enjoy the highlights of this beautiful Italian region, whilst having a calmer experience.
