Tuscany stands out for its rich history of Renaissance art, winemaking, and the famous Leaning Tower, but its breathtaking landscape truly steals the show. You can explore green hills, lush vineyards, and charming medieval towns throughout the region. In this post, we’ll guide you through some of the most stunning areas in Tuscany and highlight its iconic locations. Join us as we uncover the beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
Tuscan landscape: A journey through natural beauty
The Tuscany landscape provides an unforgettable mix of olive groves, cypress-lined roads, and sprawling vineyards. Found in central Italy, the region stretches from the Apennine Mountains to the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering a diverse range of natural sights. Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, Tuscany thrives with rich agriculture and lush forests.
In addition to its natural beauty, Tuscany’s history comes to life through its Etruscan and Roman influences, visible in the region’s Renaissance gardens and towns. This unique combination of natural splendour and historic human touch gives Tuscany its distinctive charm.
The best places to enjoy the Tuscan landscape
Tuscany is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and certain areas stand out for its natural beauty. Here are our top picks of places to see while in Tuscany:
Val d’Orcia is one of our top places to enjoy the Tuscany landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its vibrant green hills, cypress trees, and old-world farmhouses. It’s an ideal location for hikers and photographers since it offers amazing panoramic views. Due to its beauty, many films, including Gladiator, have been shot here.
Chianti is another must-visit location, especially if you are a wine lover. Located between Florence and Siena, the Chianti region is well-known globally for its vineyards. You can stop at local wineries to sample the world-renowned Chianti wines, while also taking in the beauty of this area’s rustic charm.
Crete Senesi is a total contrast compared to other Tuscany landscapes. It is characterised by clay hills, giving it a unique moon-like appearance. It’s a fantastic place for photographers and history buffs, with ancient abbeys found here, like Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
On the other hand, if you are looking for more mountainous terrain, the Apuan Alps is another great contrast to the Tuscan countryside. These mountains are perfect for hiking, and they are home to the famous Carrara marble quarries, where artists like Michelangelo sourced their marble.
Vineyards and fields in Tuscany
Tuscany’s vineyards are iconic features of the Tuscany landscape. It is one of the world’s best wine-producing regions and home to popular Chianti wines. These vineyards play a big part not only in the landscape of the area but in the region’s culture and identity.
These vineyards are absolutely beautiful to see, regardless of the season, with rows of grapevines stretching up and down the hills. In spring, the area is lush, deep green and as summer ends and autumn begins, the area truly comes to life with the grape harvest. Apart from the vineyards, there are many olive grows and sunflower fields found in this region as well, making it a stunning place to walk or bike through.
A must-see vineyard in our opinion is Antinori. It is one of Tuscany’s oldest and most prestigious winemakers, and you can tour its vineyards and state-of-the-art cellars. Of course, we also recommend some wine tasting while you are there!
Charming towns in the Tuscan landscape
Lucca
This beautiful town is surrounded by well-preserved Renaissance walls, which you can climb and walk through. It has a vibrant historic centre filled with piazzas and Romanesque churches. Lucca is a very special town in Tuscany that should not be missed.
San Gimignano
Often called the “Medieval Manhattan” for its skyline, San Gimignano is home to 14 medieval towers. From these towers, you have incredible views over the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. The town’s cobblestone streets and historical architecture make it a must-visit.
Montepulciano
Found on a hilltop, Montepulciano has some of the best views of the Val d’Orcia. It has a rich wine heritage, particularly Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, calling wine lovers to its streets.
Volterra
Famous for its Etruscan history, Volterra has a unique blend of cultural and scenic beauty. The town’s ancient walls, Roman theatre, and alabaster workshops add to its timeless charm.
Tips for capturing the Tuscan landscape in photos
In the age of Instagram, it has become fairly common knowledge the beauty of taking photos during the “golden hour” – early in the morning or late afternoon- when the sun casts a soft and warm light. Taking advantage of this lighting is ideal for capturing the most epic images of the Tuscany landscape.
Our suggestions for unmissable photo spots: Crete Senesi, Val d’Orcia, Piazza Michelangelo in Florence, Chianti vineyards, and the walls of Lucca.
- Get high up: Look for elevated viewpoints, such as hilltops or towers for the best snaps of the area.
- Use leading lines: Roads lined with cypress trees or vineyard rows will create the most visually engaging image.
- Incorporate local life: Capture locals working in the fields, cyclists on scenic roads, or even animals grazing in the fields.
Take in the timeless beauty of Tuscany
The landscape of Tuscany has a timeless scenery. With its green hills, picturesque vineyards and medieval towns, Tuscany is a must-visit location in Italy. No matter if you are driving through the winding roads of the countryside, cycling through the vineyards, hiking along the mountains or strolling through a Tuscan town, you will surely be stunned by its incredible beauty.
When you are planning your visit to Tuscany, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle than by staying in a traditional villa or flat. Lucca Apartments and Villas provide the perfect accommodation for exploring the region, giving you comfort, stunning views, and easy access to Tuscany’s most famous landscapes.