The Best Vacation Spot in Italy, Revealed

Whether you’re a gastronome seeking out authentic dishes in the fondly nicknamed ‘pantry of Italy,’ an outdoor enthusiast taking to the trails of the Apuan Alps, or a wine connoisseur in search of their new favourite Chianti, our Tuscany travel tips are sure to inspire your next European adventure.

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Tuscany Travel Guide

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Best Time to Visit Tuscany

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There is comfort in the changing seasons; their coming and going marking fresh beginnings and a shift in energy throughout the calendar year. In Tuscany, this feeling is tenfold, each season bringing with it a change in landscape, and new opportunities for discovery. For many, the best time to visit Tuscany is in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. When temperatures are at their most comfortable (on average around 17°C-23°C in spring and 20°C-26°C in autumn), flora and fauna drenched in spring pastels or bright autumn colours, and the land at its most bountiful.

In April and May, the hills turn a lush shade of green, beckoning walkers and cyclists. In September, travellers can witness the grape harvest of the finest vineyards and in October, visit the region’s rolling olive groves where olive-oil production is in full force.

While less popular, visiting in the winter months can also delight and surprise, with December bringing seasonal traditions, festivals and processions that light up the towns and streets. This is also the best time for indulging in traditional Tuscan cuisine, with seasonal root vegetables, bold red wines and panettone always on the menu.

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Exploring the Tuscan Countryside

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The countryside is emblematic of Tuscany. For most, the word alone conjures visions of picture-postcard vistas of rolling olive groves, rows of grape wines and winding track roads lined with cypress trees. Farmhouses dot the landscape, and honey-coloured villages rest on the hilltops, as if lost in time.

According to the Tuscany Tourist Board, approximately 20 per cent of the region’s tourists seek solace in these areas, immersing themselves in country living. A welcome sanctuary from the hectic pace of everyday life back home. For avid explorers, the northerly Apuan Alps offer a base for endless adventure. Part of the UNSECO Global Geopark network, the mountains combine turquoise lakes, verdant valleys, ancient caves, and towering peaks from which to admire endless views across the region and out to sea. They are also home to an abundance of wildlife, with conservation projects to be discovered in several visitors centres and the Apuangeolab science museum.

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Tuscan Cuisine: A Culinary Journey

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According to Discover Tuscany, many Tuscan dishes were invented based on the principle of ‘waste not,’ using the ingredients available from the land, and letting their purity of flavour shine. While once described as ‘poor man’s food,’ dishes such as ribollita, Tuscan bread soup, and pappa al pomodoro, tomato and bread salad, are today renowned as part of the region’s culinary culture. Tourists travel from across the globe to experience the simplicity and authenticity of Tuscan cooking - the growing trend of local, seasonal and sustainable cooking is one that has been rooted in Tuscan culture for centuries.

Today, Tuscany also offers some of the finest beef in Italy, with Florentine steak - bistecca alla fiorentina - a must try for all who visit. Of course, olive oil is always on the menu, with many olive groves now offering tours and tastings. Something we proudly reflect in our Villa Valeria home and body products...

Though Tuscan cuisine isn’t just about the food. In fact, it is believed that in 2019, over 15 million people took part in a wine tasting, cellar or vineyard tour in Tuscany alone. Tourists largely come in pursuit of red wines, with the most famous including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Montepulciano, renowned for their excellence.

Must-Visit Destinations In The Region

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While the coast and country beckon those seeking blissful seclusion, no trip to Tuscany would be complete without visiting its fairytale villages, ancient towns and bustling cities. From Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, to Pisa, with its iconic tower, each combines Tuscany’s fabled beauty, historic landmarks and local charm - the perfect recipe for any city break.

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Two August-recommended destinations lie in the north of Tuscany. The first is Lucca, a small yet captivating city, renowned for the Renaissance walls that envelop its historic centre. Here, visitors can marvel at local craftsmanship on its cobbled shopping streets, visit beautiful churches, and dine in vibrant piazzas. The second is Montecatini Terme, one of the world’s original spa towns, famous for its thermal baths and elegant architecture. Its healing waters and wellness centres make it the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation.

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Italy Real Estate: Own a Piece of Tuscany

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Picture yourself spending more time in this coveted destination? Imagine being the proud owner of your own restored Tuscan farmhouse with up to five bedrooms. Travelling to it whenever you please and making lasting memories with loved ones. Dining out at your favourite local restaurant; spending balmy afternoons in the outdoor pool or heading out for a morning hike in your own backyard.

With August, it has never been easier to purchase a slice of the Tuscan countryside. We offer a unique co-ownership model, creating Collections of up to five holiday homes across Europe, before renovating them, and curating groups of like minded individuals who then become shared owners. August Homeowners holiday hassle-free on average of 12 weeks a year. With August taking care of all the maneintence, all that’s left is for them to enjoy time in their vacation homes in Tuscany, the South of France, the French Alps, Mallorca and the Cotswolds.

If you’re feeling inspired to take your next trip to Tuscany, check out our latest travel guide of Tuscan gems - a little black book of the region’s best attractions, curated by our Experts. Alternatively, to find out more about becoming the proud owner of a holiday home in Tuscany and beyond, click here to download our brochure or schedule a call and begin your own Tuscan adventure today.