Are you planning that dream vacation to visit the beautiful Tuscan towns, and wondering where are the best places to stay in Tuscany? Here you will look exactly what you are looking for. You will be amazed to find out about these incredible dreamy places to stay in Tuscany that fits your budget!
Italy is on top of my dream destinations, and after been in Tuscany several times, I have decided to put together this detailed guide on the best places to stay in Tuscany based on your needs and interests.
In this guide you will learn about the four best areas to stay in Tuscany as well as a “bonus” most unique places to stay in Tuscany. In additional, you will find the post and cons of each area to help you make the right decision, and insightful information of what to do in each area.
Stay tuned to discover my recommendations on the best towns to stay in Tuscany and accommodation options that fit your budget. So, without further ado, let’s find out about the best places to stay n Tuscany – starting with a comparison chart.
You might also be interested in:
- 17 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages in Tuscany
- How to Travel from Rome to Tuscany: Car, train and best tours
- Best Places to Stay in Tuscany: An Overview
- Places to Stay in Tuscany By Area
- Best Places to Stay in Tuscany | Top Towns
- FLORENCE: Best place to stay in Tuscany for Art & history experience
- SIENA | Best place to stay in Tuscany to experience the taste of the Renaissance History
- LUCCA | Best place to stay in Tuscany for family & for the medieval experience
- AREZZO | Best place to stay in Tuscany for tradition and culture
- Most Unique Places to Stay in Tuscany
- How to Get to Tuscany
- Best Time to Visit Tuscany
- Travel Insurance for your trip
- Where to Stay in Tuscany Conclusion
Best Places to Stay in Tuscany: An Overview
Our Top Pick
| AREA | BEST FOR | BEST ACCOMMODATION |
|---|---|---|
| Florence | Explore Florence, restaurant, museums | Villa Cora |
| Sienna | Sea views, Mediterranean cuisine | Villa Sant’Andrea |
| Lucca | Close to Lucca, renaissance-style | Villa La Preziosa |
| Arezzo | Spectacular views, pool, landscape | Relais & Châteaux Il Falconiere |
| Sasso d’Ombrone | Castle gateway, gourmet restaurant | Castello di Vicarello |
| Pistoia | Tuscan countryside, location | Agriturismo Amedea |
| Castelnuouvo Berardenga | Gourmet cuisines, selection of 500 fine wines | Borgo San Felice |
Places to Stay in Tuscany By Area
The 10 provinces in Tuscany include: Florence, Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena.
Of these 10, the most popular cities you may have heard about are Florence for its fantastic collection of Renaissance art, Pisa for its stunning leaning tower, and Siena for its authentic medieval history.
The Italian Tuscan region has a sea of options available to visitors, so it may be challenging to figure out the best areas to stay. To help you decide on the best areas to stay in Tuscany, think of the towns and cities you’d like to explore and places you’d like to spend the most time in, then choose one of them as your base.
Best Places to Stay in Tuscany | Top Towns
In this section, we will take a look at many different places to stay in Tuscany based on your personal preferences and interests. For each area to stay in Tuscany listed here, you will find the best accommodations that fits your budget and is the right one for you. I will also share the pros and cons of staying in each area, as well as specific hotel recommendations. So, let’s dive right in!
FLORENCE: Best place to stay in Tuscany for Art & history experience
Why You Should Stay in Florence:
Florence is the third-largest city in Italy and the capital of the Tuscany region, and it is easy to travel to Florence from Rome. Also, here you will find some of the best places to stay in Tuscany.
It is fondly called the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” and with good reasons. This gorgeous city is home to a great deal of historic architecture and an incredible collection of Renaissance art, including a long list of museums and art galleries.
Florence isn’t just about history and art, the locals are very warm, and the city comes alive every evening with lots of eating, drinking, and chattering. The Tuscan capital is very welcoming to tourists with beautiful seasonal weather, and you can easily connect to other cities in the region for the ultimate Tuscany experience.
Some of the best sites in Florence include: the Florence Cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome, the Uffizi Gallery with an incredible collection of ancient paintings and sculptures, and the Galleria dell’Accademia; an art museum best known for displaying Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. You can visit all the main sites on a well-planned 3-day itinerary in Florence.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Great weather | Touristy and can be overcrowded |
| Incredible art galleries and museums | |
| Easy access to other parts of Tuscany | |
| Great location to go on day trips in Tuscany |
Best Places to Stay in Florence
OVERALL TOP PICK: Hotel Santa Maria Novella
Right in the center of Florence is the Hotel Santa Maria Novella; a luxurious 4-star hotel with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The location of this hotel makes it perfect for exploring the city; it’s only a 5-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station and a 10-minute walk from the Accademia Gallery.
BEST VALUE: Artemente Florence B&B
The completely modernized and beautifully furnished Artemente Florence B&B, with spacious, air-conditioned rooms, sits in a structure that dates back to the 18th century. It’s within walking distance of the train station, the center of Florence, and everything you’d need. It feels just like home away from home.
BEST VILLA: Tuscan Sun Villa
This elegant villa features luxuriously-furnished rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with amazing river views, and a beautiful garden with a barbecue. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, spa and wellness facilities, and private parking spaces. And it’s 5 mi from the Florence Airport.
TOP LUXURY: Villa Cora
About 1.6 km from the center of Florence is the 19th-century Villa Cora with antique furniture and classic decoration. It’s surrounded by a park with an outdoor swimming pool and provides guests with free parking, Wi-Fi, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. An integrated hotel restaurant serves Italian cuisine and wines from Tuscany.
SIENA | Best place to stay in Tuscany to experience the taste of the Renaissance History
Why You Should Stay in Siena:
While Florence ushers you into the world of Renaissance history and art, Siena takes it up a notch with the true taste of tradition. Siena is a lovely medieval city stretched across a Tuscan hill, right in the heart of Tuscany, and it’s the perfect destination to experience medieval Italy.
It’s no doubt an incredibly beautiful city, and you can discover most of the attractions on foot. Siena is also popular for the traditional Palio horse race that dates back to medieval times and is still held twice each year at one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy (Piazza del Campo).
Some of the best sites in Siena include: Despite being a small city, Siena has a lot to offer, and if you find yourself in this enchanting medieval town. This picturesque town is one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. It is centered around authentic Italian culture and historical treasures, and the city is studded with magnificent medieval architecture, medieval art, gothic paintings, enchanting frescoes, and medieval cityscapes.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Great weather with mild temperatures | It gets very crowded during the Palio horse races |
| Great destination to experience Tuscan tradition | |
| Many incredible tourist attractions | |
Best Places to Stay in Siena:
OVERALL TOP PICK: Fonte Gaia
Fonte Gaia Experience is a perfect blend of charming ancient Italian architecture and classical modern interior decoration. It features large air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and guests wake up to continental breakfast every morning. This hotel is a walking distance of many prominent attractions in Siena.
BEST VALUE: Villa Sant’Andrea
This is a beautifully preserved historic building by the seaside of Taormina. It has a panoramic terrace with lemon trees overlooking the dazzling sea. Guests enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisines and seafood specialties, plus a refreshing time at the pool and beach bar. Villa Sant’Andrea is close to the main attractions in Siena.
BEST VILLA: Hotel Palazzo di Valli
Only a 10-minute walk from the city center is the Palazzo di Valli with gorgeous views of the Tuscan hillside and medieval glory. This stunning villa features lovely, spacious rooms with frescoes on the walls and ceilings. It’s the perfect mix of value and comfort and is close to all of Siena’s major attractions.
TOP LUXURY: Castello di Casole
This elegant castle is famed for sensational food, world-class wine, laid-back luxury, and unforgettable Tuscan experience. It provides great views of the spectacular Tuscan landscape and features tastefully furnished rooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, and fitness center, 2 restaurants with superb food, state-of-the-art home service, and unmatched luxury.
LUCCA | Best place to stay in Tuscany for family & for the medieval experience
Why You Should Stay in Lucca:
Here you can find incredible landmarks in Italy. The old Italian city of Lucca is surrounded by well-preserved medieval city walls and sports an impressive number of historic monuments and spectacular renaissance architecture. It’s a nice and intimate city, with recreation areas and shaded picnic tables perfect for families with children. It is definitely one of the best places to stay in Tuscany.
Lucca is also known as the city of a hundred churches and has some of the most beautiful medieval churches and iconic buildings in Tuscany. This old town has very welcoming locals and a great atmosphere for tourists, it’s less popular than Florence and Siena, so you can find excellent accommodation options at great prices.
Some of the best sites in Lucca include: There are many incredible sites to behold in this city, like the massive Guinigi tower with holm oaks growing on its top, the Roman Amphitheater, which was originally built in the second century, and the medieval engineering marvel across the Sergio river; the dramatic Ponte Della Maddalena.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Less tourist traffic | Some popular attractions may be closed |
| Lots of splendid ancient sites to visit | |
| Close to Pisa, and Florence |
Best Places to Stay in Lucca:
OVERALL TOP PICK: Hotel Villa Casanova
Villa Casanova is an enchanting hotel in an 18th-century Tuscan farmhouse, surrounded by the scenic Tuscan hillside, well-manicured gardens, and an infinity pool. The well-maintained and classic units are complete with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and TVs with satellite channels. Plus a simple kitchen serving classic Tuscan dishes.
BEST VALUE: B & B La Rosa Nel Verde
Nestled within the lush greenery of the Tuscan countryside is this B&B with super comfy rooms, a generous breakfast, and a family atmosphere. The attentive hosts are very hospitable and will make you feel at home. It’s a B&B that feels like a luxurious hotel, and the strategic location makes it easy to explore Lucca.
BEST VILLA: Villa La Preziosa
The elegant renaissance-style Villa La Preziosa sits in a building that dates back to the early 1700s. This villa is a perfect getaway destination for experiencing the Italian dream, it’s surrounded by greenery; a lush garden, a pergola full of grapes, dense lemon groves, figs, etc. The villa has easy access to Lucca and surrounding attractions.
TOP LUXURY: Casa del Campanaro centro storico di Lucca dentro le mura
Casa del Campanaro provides a classic blend of ancient Italian charm and modern comforts. It features exquisite bedrooms with a medieval atmosphere and scenic views from all rooms. This hotel is 400 m from the iconic landmark in Lucca, the Guinigi Tower. Car and bicycle rental services are available to guests who want to explore the city.
AREZZO | Best place to stay in Tuscany for tradition and culture
Why You Should Stay in Arezzo:
Unlike Florence and Siena, Arezzo is off the beaten path of the Tuscan towns most typically visited by tourists. However, it’s a small, charming hilltop city with a serene atmosphere and charming views of the Tuscan landscape. Arezzo is the typical Italian city rich in culture, tradition, art, festivities, and medieval architecture.
Arezzo is a lovely, tranquil city with quiet ancient streets; a truly relaxing place to marvel at the beauty of history and art without the craziness of boisterous crowds. The good news is that Arezzo is less crowded and touristy than Florence and Siena, therefore it has more reasonably priced accommodations.
Some of the best sites in Arezzo include: There are more than a few amazing sites in Arezzo. At the heart of the city is the Piazza Grande, one of the most beautiful piazzas in Tuscany with a unique tilted surface. If you love antiques, you’d certainly love Arezzo’s Antique Fairs and the several antique shops scattered around the city.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| No crowded streets | Not as popular and exciting as Florence |
| Many exciting attractions and events | |
| Close to population destinations in Tuscany | |
Best Places to Stay in Arezzo:
OVERALL TOP PICK: Cuprena
This serene estate with beautiful garden views, a great outdoor pool, and a beautiful terrace is an excellent vacation home in Arezzo. It has a restaurant offering a variety of splendid local and continental dishes, a bar, free Wi-Fi, parking space, a sauna, and a fitness room, all for your pleasure.
BEST VALUE: BioBenessere B&B
This is a perfect holiday home in Arezzo with a mix of taste, value, and comfort. It has very stylish and spacious apartments with super comfy beds and a sumptuous breakfast buffet. The rooms are large with a beautiful terrace to enjoy the outdoors. From this B&B, you can easily access major attractions in the city.
BEST VILLA: Residenza Paradisea
Experience the enchanting historical Tuscan city in the Residenza Paradisea; an exquisite villa in a wonderful landscape. This Tuscan villa boasts tastefully furnished units with expansive bedrooms, an exclusive barbecue, a firewood oven, and a glistening pool. The city center is 4 km from this serene villa.
TOP LUXURY: Relais & Châteaux Il Falconiere
This magnificent 17th-century country house sits just outside of Cortona with spectacular views of the Tuscan hillside and beautiful green scenery. The property is breathtaking with spacious rooms and great decor, an amazing restaurant, and delectable meals. The attractive large pool is a perfect relaxation spot with views of the beautiful landscape.
Most Unique Places to Stay in Tuscany
IN THE HEART OF CHIANTI REGION: Borgo San Felice
The medieval borgo is a stunningly beautiful Relais & Châteaux resort surrounded by the picturesque scenery of vineyards and olive groves. Guests are impressed by the spacious rooms with antique furnishings, beautiful swimming pool, and scenic landscape. The hotel has 2 restaurants offering gourmet cuisines and a selection of over 500 fine wines.
PISTOIA A HIDDEN GYM IN TUSCANY: Agriturismo Amedea
This is a beautiful Tuscan-style home with an outdoor pool and garden, set in the countryside amid scenic vineyards and olive groves. Each expansive Tuscan-style suite is decorated with fine wooden furnishings and terracotta floors and equipped with modern necessities. This vacation home is perfect for exploring Florence, Lucca, and other tourist destinations in Tuscany.
MOST BEAUTIFUL CASTLE IN TUSCANY: Castello di Vicarello
This magnificent castle sits on a vast expanse of farmland with endless stretches of vineyards and olive groves. The elegant hotel—with a serene atmosphere, breathtaking scenery of iconic hills, perfectly manicured lawns, organic kitchen gardens, 2 large pools, and a boutique spa— makes the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
SOAK ON THE HOT SPRINGS IN TUSCANY: La Pianaccia Country House
La Pianaccia is an old Tuscan farmhouse converted to a tastefully furnished modern hotel. It’s surrounded by the breathtaking Tuscan hills and is located close to the exotic wild beaches of Monte Argentario. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a spectacular visual journey along the Tuscan countryside.
ENTIRE VILLA WITH A POOL IN TUSCANY: Podere La Piscina
The Podere la Piscina is an ancient stone structure with an impeccably decorated interior and a wonderful landscape comprising a beautiful garden and a large outdoor pool. The villa features 5 elegant bedrooms, a thermal pool with spring water, two large lounges, a laundry area, a sauna, and a gym, all at the disposal of their guests.
How to Get to Tuscany
Driving from Rome to Tuscany is the best way to experience the stunning Tuscan country. It’s a beautiful and relaxing road trip. Highways in Italy are easy to navigate and most of the driving will be on the A1, except for occasional stops in small towns.
You can get a 15% off your rental car when you book through this site. I use and recommend RentalCar because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.
You can reach Tuscany by air using the airports of Florence and Pisa.
- PISA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: with connections to and from all major European cities. The airport is only a few kilometers away from the city center, which you can easily reach by taking the Pisa Mover, the shuttle that connects the airport to the Pisa Centrale railway station. From Pisa Airport you can catch connections by bus to Florence (via Montecatini – Pistoia – Prato), and to Lucca and Viareggio/Pietrasanta with Vaibus.
- FLORENCE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: offers connections to and from many European cities. You can reach downtown Florence in a few minutes using the T2 tramway line and by bus with Vola in Bus. The FlyBus service connects the airport to Prato, Montecatini Terme, and to Pisa Airport (via Prato-Pistoia-Montecatini).
- Trenitalia and Italo Treno chigh-speed trains connect the Firenze-Santa Maria Novella railway station (Florence’s main station) to Milan, Turin, Rome, Verona, Bologna, Naples, Venice, Salerno. From Florence, with Trenitalia direct regional trains, you can reach Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Arezzo, Livorno, Viareggio, Montecatini Terme.
- The company Trasporto Ferroviario Toscano operates rail connections in the province of Arezzo.
There are many bus companies operating across Tuscany. Most companies operate from the “Firenze Santa Maria Novella” railway station and the airports of Florence and Pisa:
- BusItalia: operates the Vola in bus connections between Florence airport and the city center, as well as local public transport services in the Florence, Arezzo, Siena, Mugello, Valdisieve, Casentino, and Valdarno areas.
- ACV Bus: connects 20 districts of the province of Florence, Poggibonsi, and five districts in the province of Arezzo.
- FlyBus: operates connections between Florence Airport and Prato, Montecatini Terme and Pisa Airport, and five districts in the province of Siena
Best Time to Visit Tuscany
The best time to visit Italy is during spring and fall when the temperatures are comfortable and there are fewer crowds:
SPRING: Temperatures start to warm up in spring, going from the late teens to mid-twenties, although it’s still advisable to wear layers in case of colder spells.
SUMMER: The summer months of July and August see higher temperatures and visitor numbers reach their peak. Temperatures are normally around 81 °F and often reach over 88 °F at the height of the day.
FALL: Temperatures cool down gradually, so September is still very pleasant, with an average of around 77℉. Expect crisp fall leaves and some sunnier days, but plan for wet weather too.
WINTER: Temperatures in the south remain mild in winter. However, northern Italy is normally wet and cold, and it’s not unusual for snow to fall, especially in the mountains.
Travel Insurance for your trip
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Where to Stay in Tuscany Conclusion
Tuscany is a beautiful destination in Italy, but it’s not just a city or a town. It’s a region with 10 provinces, a collection of cities, picturesque little towns, and the perfect scenery for many movies set in Italy.
I hope this guide has helped you to find out what are the best places to stay in Tuscany, and that you have found that dream destination to make your trip even more special.
If you enjoyed this guide and want to continue exploring some amazing destinations in Italy, you may enjoy the following guides:
- Ultimate Guide on how to travel from Rome to the Tuscany
- Most Beautiful Tuscany Towns & Villages
- Best Landmarks in Italy
- Most beautiful Italian Coastal Towns
- 15 Stunning Hikes in Italy
- A Perfect Itinerary to Lake Como
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