The best places to see in Tuscany when spring comes around
Spring is perhaps one of the best times to visit Tuscany. With warmer temperatures (it's never too hot) and longer days, explore this beautiful region until sunset, with plenty of daylight to accompany your Tuscany wandering. Enjoy the famous rolling Tuscan hills as they blossom with green, featuring a wide range of flora such as red poppy flowers, pink peach trees and white cherry trees.
The Val D’Orcia is not to be missed in the spring. Explore the beautiful valley by bike to discover the landscape’s brilliant and changing colors. The Val D’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with remarkable wonders, but here are our favorite areas not to miss: Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico D'Orcia, Buonconvento, Castiglione d’Orcia, Montalcino, Radicofani, Bagni San Filippo and Terme di Petriolo. When it comes to food and drink, don’t miss Pienza's famous pecorino cheese, Marzuolo truffle, olive oil and saffron - all paired with a glass of world-famous Brunello di Montalcino wine.
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The Etruscan Coast
Baratti - Populonia - Credit: Around Tuscany
The Etruscan Coast is a coastal area in the province of Livorno that spans from Livorno to Piombino, stretching just until the border of the Maremma area. Named after the Etruscan necropolis of nearby Populonia, this glorious part of Tuscany boasts an array of medieval hamlets, fishing villages, beautiful beaches, untouched wilderness, ancient history and some of the world’s best wine! Among the places to see in the area, don't miss Castagneto Carducci, Bolgheri, Campiglia, San Vincenzo, Cecina, Suvereto, Terme di Venturina and Piombino. And for food and drink, try someCacciucco (fish soup) in Cecina and a glass of "Super Tuscan" Bolgheri and Sassicaia wine.
Cortona is a Tuscan hilltop town famous for its role in Francis Mayes' book, Under the Tuscan Sun. This delightful town is surrounded by Etruscan walls dating to 3000 years ago, a city that tells its history through its architecture: you'll find layers of history built on an Etruscan core. Cortona features stately buildings, fascinating medieval architecture, beautiful views and a large expat community with many English speakers. Besides Cortona, check out Castiglion Fiorentino, Arezzo and Anghiari in the Val di Chiana. For food and drink, sip a glass of Cortona DOCrosè or Chardonnay, a fresh and tasty drink perfect for spring, and don't miss tasting the area's delicious Chianina steak!
Lucca is a remarkable city; besides its own wealth of treasures, it's also the ideal location to use as a base for exploring other parts of Tuscany. Close to the sea, mountains, national parks and a major road to Pisa, you can explore nearby Viareggio in Versilia, take a boat trip to see dolphins or even ski at Abetone in the winter. Need some more suggestions? Check out our tips on why you should visit Lucca. Besides this age-old city, don't miss Borgo a Mozzano, Barga, Vagli, Bagni di Lucca, Vetriano and Orrido di Botri. For food and drink, be sure to try spelt wheat from Garfagnana (DOC)and chestnut flour for making traditional necci. Pair your tasty treats with a glass of fresh Montecarlo DOC white wine! Nearby, you'll find the Garfagnana, the mountainous highlands behind Lucca that lead the way to Tuscany’s border. Read our tips on how to live like a local in Garfagnana!
The Maremma is an area in southern Tuscany (in the province of Grosseto)that borders the Tyrrhenian Sea and features that world-famous postcard-perfect Tuscan countryside. Don't miss Sovana, Sorano, Pitigliano, Massa Marittima, Scansano, Terme di Saturnia, Capalbio, Monte Argentario, Parco dell'Uccellina and Castiglione della Pescaia. For food and drink, be sure to try ricotta and spinach tortelli, wild boar and the fresh seafood found all along the Maremma coast. This area is as close as you'll get to wine heaven; out of the many things to try, be sure to get a glass of Morellino di Scansano, Sovana DOC, Montecucco or Ansonica wine.
