6 Peaceful Countryside Escapes Hidden Throughout Tuscany
Tuscany isn’t just about Florence’s museums or Pisa’s famous tower.
Beyond the bustling cities lie hidden gems where rolling hills meet ancient stone farmhouses, and time seems to slow down.
These peaceful countryside escapes offer travelers a chance to experience authentic Italian life, savor homemade pasta, and wake up to views that look like paintings come to life.
1. Sorana
Perched high in the Pescia hills, this medieval village feels like a secret whispered among locals. Stone houses cascade down the hillside, their terracotta roofs glowing warmly in the afternoon sun.
Wandering the narrow alleys, you’ll discover tiny gardens bursting with herbs and flowers.
The famous Sorana beans grown here have been a local treasure for centuries, adding flavor to countless traditional dishes.
2. Vallombrosa
If forests speak to your soul, this mountain sanctuary will feel like home. Dense woodlands of towering pines and firs surround an ancient abbey, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility.
Monks established this community nearly a thousand years ago, seeking solitude among the trees. Today, hiking trails wind through the forest, offering fresh mountain air and the gentle rustle of leaves overhead.
3. Cintoia
Blink and you might miss this tiny hamlet tucked between Greve and Castellina. Ancient stone farmhouses dot the landscape, their weathered walls telling stories of generations who worked the land.
Vineyards stretch endlessly across gentle slopes, producing some of Chianti’s finest wines. Local families still tend their olive groves here, pressing oil using methods passed down through countless harvests.
4. Maremma
Wild horses and long-horned cattle roam freely across this untamed region where Tuscany meets the sea. Unlike the manicured landscapes up north, Maremma embraces its rugged, windswept character.
Cowboys called butteri still herd cattle on horseback here, maintaining traditions that stretch back centuries. Sandy beaches meet pine forests, while thermal springs bubble up from the earth, offering natural relaxation.
5. Villa Ginanneschi-Gori
Aristocratic charm radiates from every corner of this Renaissance villa nestled among olive groves. Grand salons open onto terraces where you can sip wine while watching the sun paint the hills gold.
Original frescoes grace the ceilings, transporting guests back to an era of refined elegance.
The surrounding estate produces olive oil and wine, continuing agricultural traditions that have sustained the property for generations.
6. Villa Mansi
Baroque splendor meets countryside serenity at this magnificent villa near Lucca. Elaborate gardens feature geometric patterns, marble statues, and fountains that have delighted visitors for over three centuries.
Inside, opulent rooms showcase period furniture and artwork collected by noble families.
The surrounding park invites leisurely strolls beneath ancient trees, where dappled sunlight creates a magical atmosphere throughout the day.
