Undiscovered Tuscany – 5 of the best places to visit in Tuscany

This article and video on undiscovered Tuscany highlights five of the best places to visit in Tuscany beyond Florence, Pisa and Siena (the most popular parts of this central region of Italy).

Tuscany is a very special part of Italy—it’s romanticized in movies, immortalized by famous authors and artists, and, on the bucket list of many who dream of drinking wine and dining al fresco under a Tuscan sunset.

Everyone is likely familiar with the Tuscan cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena, but in the video above I take you beyond these popular parts and share some of the best places to visit in Tuscany that are lesser known.

SUVERETO, ITALY

Suvereto is a marvelous medieval hamlet surrounded by ancient walls. The village features stupendous Tuscan architecture, cobblestone alleys, shaded colonnades and evocative churches. Not surprisingly, Suvereto is on the list of “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.”

The settlement is nestled on a hill that slopes down towards the Etruscan Coast. Within the village you’ll find boutique shops, outdoor cafes and artisans proudly displaying their work. There are also many annual festivals and events that take place. Nearby are some fantastic wineries, spas reminiscent of old roman bath houses, top-notch restaurant options, and some stunning coastline with with a hilltop castle proving sweeping views.

When visiting Suvereto Don’t Miss:

• Osteria I’Ciocio – One of the best restaurants in all of Tuscany.
• Il Cacini – A lovely seafood restaurant with a fantastic outdoor patio.
• Il Chiostro Suites and Apartments, – Great place to call home for a few days while exploring the area.
• Bolgheri – Wonderful neighboring village.
  • Have lunch, dinner or wine tasting at Enoteca Tognoni.
  • Le Macchiole – A top-notch boutique winery (reservations required).
• Marina di San Vincenzo is just a short drive away with an enchanting harbor village.
• Calidario Terme is an extraordinary experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an old Etruscan or Roman bathhouse. This top-notch spa, resort and restaurant is just down the street from Suvereto.
• Petra Winery – This is one of the most unique and extraordinary wineries I’ve ever been to.

PITIGLIANO, ITALY

Pitigliano has an unmistakable skyline, which makes it visible from long distances. Pitigliano has an ancient past, with centuries of changes in civilizations and cultures with a surreal charm emanating throughout. This is an area dominated by the Etruscans back in the 7th to 5th Centuries B.C., well before the Roman Empire.

SORONO, ITALY

While Sorano is not a completely unique hilltop village, this town is definitely one of a kind! It’s less touristy than Pitigliano, but with all the charm. The town of Sorano is literally carved out Tufo rock, creating a captivating combination of towers and alcoves to explore that will give you a look at small village life in Tuscany, while making you ponder the past.

Sorano is one of the Best Places to Visit in Tuscany, Don’t Miss:

• Agriturismo Biologico Sant’Egle – An outstanding place to call home for a few weeks to explore the region. Sant’Egle is a distinct and special lodging experience. I have to warn you though, you will have to force yourself to go off an explore because this is a very relaxing place to stay with many on-site activities available.
• Fortezza di Sorano – Located at the very top of Sorano, this former fortress turned into a restaurant and hotel is both a lovely place for lodging as well as dining.
• Necropoli Etrusca – An unearthed site of the ancient Etruscan people that dates back over 2500 years, hundreds of years before the Romans gained power. The entire area around Sorano is full of old Etruscan tombs, caves and other ancient sites.
• Terme di Saturnia – While in the area, don’t miss the The thermal waters of Saturnia, an enticing place with terraced pools and inviting blue waters.

MONTEPULCIANO, ITALY

This is another medieval hilltop town surrounded by vineyards and is known for its Nobile red wine. Here you’ll see artisans at work, with lost of wine bars and vinegar & olive oil shops. There are caves and tunnels under the town that were used to connect the grand palaces. Today, these tunnels are the perfect environment for aging wine and vinegar. Almost all wine shops in town have their own slice of the underground.

Don’t Miss the Following in this Undiscovered Tuscany Town of Montepulciano:

• Chiesa di San Biagio – Really cool church just outside of town.
• Cantina Ercolani is one of the best underground cellars with free self-guided tours and wine tastings.
• La Dolche Vita is one of the best wine bars in town.
• Cook in Tuscany – Take a cooking class in nearby Montefollonico.

PIENZA, ITALY

Named for Pope Pius II who was born here in the early 15th Century, this is another wonderful hilltop city to explore. The views are breathtaking and so too is the superb renaissance architecture.

In the Undiscovered Tuscany town of Pienza, don’t miss:

• Dining at La Bandita Townhouse.
• Gelato at Buon Gusto.
• Wine tasting at Andreucci Tenumenti.

Well that’s a look at undiscovered Tuscany—5 best places to visit in Tuscany beyond Florence. I’d like to thank Allianz Travel for sponsoring the video portion of this content. If you have any questions about visiting Tuscany, or my Tuscany Road Trip guide, please feel free to leave a comment below.