Summer in Tuscany? Here are 5 wonderful places to visit that are off the beaten track.

Discover all the recommendations from Castello Banfi Wine Resort. 

 

Summer in Tuscany: 5 non-tourist ideas

 

Summer in Tuscany is an unparalleled experience, a symphony of emotions and delights for all the senses. Among the rolling hills and ancient olive trees, the landscapes are painted with vivid and evocative colors, in an enchanting setting that leaves you breathless, and the cultural richness of this land offers encounters with masterpieces from every era.
But it is not only Florence, Pisa, Siena, Montalcino and the Chianti hills that contain such masterpieces: there are many small towns and villages in Tuscany rich in hidden treasures, beautiful landscapes and art, as well as recreational activities in contact with nature that will make Tuscany in the summer the most beautiful memory of your holiday.
In this region of rare beauty, summer is a feast for the eyes, a journey into the most authentic Italy, where you can breathe in the essence of a land steeped in history, art, and tradition. Here, then, is what to see in Tuscany in summer and what alternative activities to do for fun and relaxation.

 

What to do in Tuscany in summer

 

Summer in Tuscany is not just about the sea: this region offers Italian and foreign tourists a wide range of attractions during the warm season. Trekking, for example, is a unique and captivating experience. Among vineyards, hills, olive groves, and villages of yesteryear , you can breathe fresh air and experience a fusion with nature, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Winding paths lead to fairytale views, and every step awakens a sense of adventure and exploration. For lovers of trekking, cycling, and horseback riding e delle escursioni in bici o a cavallo, Tuscany in summer is the ideal destination.
But summer in Tuscany also means concerts, festivals, medieval reenactments, and good food: food and wine events linked to the region's finest products are an integral part of a sophisticated, refined form of tourism that is no longer so niche. Surrounded by lush nature, landscapes rich in history, and warmed by the unparalleled Tuscan hospitality, wine tourists in Tuscany in the summer enjoy all the magical experiences this region has to offer.

 

Summer in Tuscany: where to go

 

When spending the summer in Tuscany, where should you go and what should you see away from the big cities, which are always crowded with visitors?

Here are 5 non-touristy destinations that will give you an unforgettable vacation.

 

Montefioralle

Montefioralle is a small, romantic village in the Chianti area, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Strolling through the narrow streets, admiring the ancient houses still adorned with colorful flowers in their windows, and enjoying a delicious gelato in the shade of the medieval castle is an alternative way to enjoy summer in Tuscany and understand its true essence.

 

Pitigliano

The village of Pitigliano, in the heart of the Maremma, is also charming and characteristic. It is a small town perched on a tuff hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, also known as “Little Jerusalem” due to the importance of the Jewish community that has been present there since the 16th century and which has consequently influenced the town's urban planning.
In Pitigliano you can admire the synagogue and the Jewish ghetto, the fascinating Etruscan necropolis, the majestic Medici aqueduct, the beautiful Fontana delle Sette Cannelle and the beautiful Palazzo Orsini, a fortress that now houses the Archaeological Museum and Library.

 

Bolgheri

The historic center of Bolgheri is a truly enchanting landscape, with the majestic Castello dei Conti della Gherardesca, artisan workshops, squares steeped in history, and the Viale dei Cipressi, made famous by the pen of poet Giosuè Carducci. Carducci lived in this village for several years, always finding inspiration here, and if you are wondering what to do in Tuscany in the summer, a tour dedicated entirely to the poet is definitely an experience not to be missed.

 

Vinci

The village of Vinci, about fifty kilometers from Florence, is famous for being the birthplace of the brilliant Leonardo, but despite its fame, it is still a little-visited tourist destination and therefore waiting to be discovered for an alternative and cultural summer in Tuscany. The main attraction of the village is the Leonardo Museum, which houses one of the exhibitions dedicated to the great Renaissance artist and is located inside a building that is also full of charm: the castle of the Guidi Counts, ancient lords of the village, also called the “castle of the ship” because of its characteristic shape.
Visiting the town in the footsteps of Leonardo is a new and culturally rewarding experience: both the Church of Santa Croce and the Library, not to mention the Piazza with Mario Ceroli's sculpture 'The Man of Vinci' are dotted with signs of Leonardo's presence in the town.

 

Poggio alle Mura

Poggio alle Mura is the ideal place to spend a summer in Tuscany ì that is not just about the sea. This enchanting location near Montalcino is centered around the Castello Banfi Wine Resort, a medieval fortress surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, transformed into a magnificent resort. Here you can enjoy the experience of sleeping in a real medieval castle without sacrificing modern luxury and comfort: the beautiful suites of the Hotel Il Borgo are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, while the common areas offer the opportunity to relax surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and views. Here you will also find the Glass Museum, which houses glass masterpieces from all eras, including Picasso's famous “The Bearer.”

 

Summer in Tuscany is therefore a journey to discover the scenic, historical, artistic, cultural and gastronomic beauty of a wonderful and unforgettable region. Have a great summer, we are waiting for you!