Girl in Florence

A Tuscan Texan immersed in Florentine life

7 Areas of Tuscany That Deserve a Closer Look

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As people are planning their vacations this spring in Tuscany, I imagine they are picturing the same places we all love and likely recognize, oh you know our favorite towns of Chianti, the rolling hills of Val’ D’Orcia and the ripe cheese of Pienza. We want to be inspired, we want to play, we want to drink wine and eat too much pasta. I get it, this is why I live here too.

Especially lately, I have been discovering that there are so many beautiful areas of Tuscany that we who live here often forget about the variety of landscapes and places in this vast region. I am absolutely no different. It is easy to go to the same favorite places and we are all guilty of this… but it is so worth it to venture out from time to time.

I am constantly inspired by places that I would have never set foot in if it wasn’t because of a friend, a blog tour, an instameet or just merely by accident. Which can sometimes mean google maps taking us on an unpaved road to come face to face with a wild boar – trust me, it happens. In the spirit of sharing a few places that are near and dear to my heart that I think some people might pass by but really shouldn’t, here are my seven suggestions on areas of Tuscany a little less famous that I have visited quite recently.

Figline Valdarno

Where? This area is only a stones throw to Florence (25 kilometers southeast to be exact) but rich in activities and varied landscapes. It borders the areas of Castelfranco di Sopra, Cavriglia, Greve in Chianti, Incisa in Val d’Arno, Pian di Scò, Reggello, San Giovanni Valdarno. Historically, it was an ancient commercial village with a mountain view.

Why visit? There is much to appreciate about this area of Tuscany, being that is it so close to Florence, it is ideal for those who want to ‘escape’ but not go too far, Figline Valdarno is perfect. While there, I highly recommend visiting an organic cheese farm, Casa al Bosco, where Ada and Sandra will show you baby goats (I just held one last week) and show you how they make their delicious ricotta, pecorino, giuncata, raveggiolo and other sheep and goat cheeses. This place is a find and I will soon be back to get my fill of cheese and sheep cuddles.

casa al bosco
A ‘ Tuscan’ snack bar

Another place I highly recommend visiting is the Chianti Cashmere Farm (in nearby Radda in Chianti) run by ex – New Yorker turned goat whisperer, Nora Kravis, who lived in her quirky farm with over 200 happy goats and 11 sheep-herding dogs which ironically she can identify from their bark. Nora was a small town vet in this area of Tuscany before it was ‘cool’ to live in Tuscany and first started her adventure with goats after getting ‘bella and bestia’ her first two protegees which inspired her dream.

She now has the biggest goat cashmere farm in Europe with excellent quality cashmere that I can personally attest to. Everything in her shop feels as if it was freshly spun, so soft and beautiful. Not only is Nora interesting to speak to, her products are excellent, expect an additional article coming soon since this is worth a deeper look.

chianti cashmere
Chianti Cashmire Goat Farm, her lovely studio

Also if you get the chance, stop by Castello di Albola for a winery visit, run by the charismatic Alessandro Gallo. Here they produce high-quality sangiovese chianti classico wine in a beautiful area which covers over 900 hectares. This is a stunning area for events as well, we lunched with Alessandro on a gloriously warm day. Fresh pasta, too much wine (as if) and fresh fruit for dessert, I wish I lived here.

Where to Stay?  My best recommendation is Villa Palagina, once a summer residence to the Nobel Florentine Family Ricasoli and now a three star (should be four stars) hotel. Now it boasts 27 different rooms (they also rent independent apartments), decorated in a simple, classy Tuscan style. The bright and airy atmosphere is only further highlighted by excellent service run by the excellent director Eric Veroliemeulen. Plus the two pools on site make for a perfect weekend getaway for those who want to soak up sun away from the crowds on the ponte vecchio.

Don’t forget to eat at the in-house restaurant serving up Tuscan specialties like pappa al pomodoro, handled by the smiling chef, Federico Cardi, who taught us how to make pasta from scratch and a superb and a healthier version of eggplant Parmesan.

Villa La Palagina,  Via Grevigiana 4, 50063 Figline Valdarno FI
Phone: 055 950 2029. Website . Prices start from an affordable 99 euros.

villa palagina tuscany
View from my room at Villa Palagina

Maremma | Grosseto – Seaside, Good Wine and ‘Tufa’ Towns

Where? There is a lot of talk about Maremma and Grosseto, this large area in Southern Tuscany has a wide, varied landscape ripe with good-quality vineyards and a stunning coast. It naturally has Etruscan and Roman roots (home to the ancient town of Populonia) and the Medicis have made their mark here as well.

Why visit? I love this corner of Tuscany for so many reasons, also because it happens to be home to so many thermal baths that everyone should see once in their life, especially the cascading waterfalls of Saturnia. According to Discover Tuscany ” Legend has it that its springs are born in the exact point where Jupiter’s thunderbolt fell in a battle against Saturn. The thermal waters have a temperature of 37.5 °c and therapeutic and relaxing properties.”

I’ve been there myself with a group of bloggers/videographers/photographers and I can just say that it is nothing short of awesome. I actually prefer the cascate del mulino (pictured below) than the spas you actually pay to visit. Don’t expect any changing rooms and put your bathing suit on under your clothes, also be aware the sulfurous smell can be off-putting for some.

tuscany thermal springs
Cascate del Mulino, Photo Credits: Gonçalo Figueiredo

And let’s talk about places. There are beautiful towns with ancient traditions, such as the infiorita ‘flower’ festival in Pitigliano (June) or the crossbow competition every May and August in Massa Marittima. Pitigiliano is built on tuff (like two other noteworthy places to visit: Sovana and Sorano) and has a Jewish quarter that is extremely fascinating. Last year I discovered more of this area during the annual ‘Melodia del Vino’ Wine and Music festival that took us to several wineries in Marema.

Scansano is also a favorite due to its stunning panoramic views and I also personally love Castiglione della Pescaia for beach-time fun, Alexandra aka Arttrav  (who is a Maremma expert because her and her husband own a second home there) and we spent a glorious summer weekend with our other halves stopping by the Skipper Beach Club which also has a great little restaurant on the beach.

Lastly, you must visit the Gulf of Baratti if you get the chance, close to the ancient town of Populonia, the beach here is a personal favorite with gentle waves and beach bars nestled in the surrounding woods.

pitigliano tuscany

 Lunigiana – Slow Travel Paradise

Where? Mingling between Liguria and Tuscany, this area falls within the provinces of La Spezia and Massa Carrara. Oh Lunigiani, how I miss you and your gorgeous, lush territory (and fabulous food). The name itself has traces of the moon or ‘luni’ which can feel like this with the marble views of the Apuan Alps and surrounding countryside.

Everyone wanted a piece of this fruitful land, according to wiki “Luccans fought Pisans, Pisa struggled with Genoese, Milanese struck out against the Modense and Florentines made war on them all.”

Why Visit? This area is an attractive place to visit for so many reasons. It’s lush countryside makes it an idealic place to visit the remaining castles like Malgrate Castle (this area once home to 160 and only about a third remain) and go for a budget bike ride from town to town.  You have to try local dishes with slow food/organic options. I highly recommend you check out the informative site Ciao Lunigiana and try the acclaimed Osteria Boccondivino.

If you are in the area, stop by Equi Terme  (small village dating back to prehistorical times in this area), the Equi Terme’s Grotto Cultural Park has interesting summer events, we enjoyed a nice evening there last year  and it is possible to visit the caves inside.

It’s also a strategic area to visit if you are in Lerici (Liguria) or Carrara, our day trip here felt way too quick and I am dying to bring Nico back there to revisit these beautiful small towns.

lunigiana tuscany | girl in florence
The picturesque town of Bagnone in Lunigiana

Carrara 

Where? See that pretty snow on the Apuan Alps? Well, nope that’s marble! Located in the Province of Massa and Carrara in the North-West corner of Tuscany, you probably have heard about the famous marble quarries that seem to always be in the news lately. The ‘marble mountains’ have been a part of the landscape for thousands of years and closely tie to the towns anarchist past. It’s close to neighboring Liguria and is close to the coast (Marina di Carrara).

carrara girlinflorence
The marble quarries in Carrara, just incredible!

Why visit? Imagine walking in the same valley as our great Michelangelo, where he sourced his marble for some of the greatest creations of mankind. The town itself is like a living postcard, groups of nonni hanging out in the main squares of the city and everyone greeting one another by name. I spent a few days last year and was delighted with this dynamic area, close to both the mountains and the sea.

If you come, arrange a tour to visit the marble quarries which seem a bit like walking on the moon, and you must, no you have to try the local ‘lardo di colonnata’, a delicious pork product that is aged in a combination of intoxicating spices for six months in marble tubs. The coastline in this area is very picturesque and not far from fancy-schmancy-russianesque Forte dei Marmi (but here it is a lot cheaper). Find more reasons to visit one of my now favorite areas of Tuscany here.

Beautiful buildings of Carrara, town center
Beautiful buildings of Carrara, town center

 San Miniato – Truffles and Wine

Where? The place known as ‘truffle land’ or ‘other Tuscany’ is located in the lower Arno valley ( south-eastern hills  halfway between Pisa and Florence). I bought my first truffle here last year and I have fond memories of the stunning valley from the the tower located on top of this ancient village.

Why Visit? Besides the truffle fair in November which has international fanfare, I quite enjoyed my recent visit this spring with a fun group of bloggers organized by my fun Brazilian friend Deyse. We tried some excellent wines, first starting at the Cupelli Spumanti di San Miniato, which is quite similar to those made in Franciacorte, aged in the bottle instead of the barrel. My only regret was not taking some home with me. We also visited the lovely cantina Beconcini Pietro who have joined a consortium of wine makers in the area, excellent sangiovese and vin santo can be found in this pretty location.

Pietro Beconcini Agricola
Pietro Beconcini vineyards

Probably what stood out the most was our truffle hunt and lunch with the friendly Massimo of the Tuscan Truffle Academy who has had a passion for truffles passed down through generations. Together with his very cute dog Stella, we scoured the woods for truffles which are basically my idea of heaven. He explained training the dogs starts at a young two months and without the dog, you simply won’t find any of these heavenly prizes.

Dog knows best (Ginger would appreciate that) and only he/she knows when the truffle has reached the most mature state. As for truffle-wine pairing, while red sangiovese wines are wonderful for heavier meals, this wouldn’t be the right pic for a truffle dish. Instead we went for a type of ‘spumante’ , aka Italian bubbles, which are a better match for dishes like the one pictured below, we used Tartufo Marzuolo (Tuber Borchii o Tuber Albidum Pico.

tuscan truffle academy
Truffles on eggs, the perfect combination

tuscanytruffles

Orentano + the ‘Road to Rome’

Where? I had never before heard of Orentano previous to this weekend. I was invited on a special instagram tour with a few other Italian instagrammers (which you should absolutely follow, not only are they all super nice they take some pretty incredible photos, two of them even got to ride in a small plane to get a panoramic view of the area from above, say hi to Paolo, Tiziana, Nicola, Giovanni, Mary.

This little town is located in the comune di Castelfranco di Sotto (PI) which also includes the towns of Galleno and Staffoli. It is in quite a strategic location near to Lucca and Pisa.

Why Visit? There is something quite authentic about the area of Orentano, yes it is tiny and not as beautiful as many other areas of Tuscany but just like there is ‘something about Mary’, I would dare say there is ‘something about Orentano’ as well.

Perhaps it is the mad butcher whose apron was smeared with blood and the restaurant that looks like someone’s family home that you need to reserve a month in advance. Did I mention we ate a lot, and I mean a lot of meat?

Trattoria da Benito, Address: Via Martiri della Libertà, 2,  Orentano PI
Phone: +39 0583 23155. Hours: Open today · 12:30 – 2:30 pm, 7:30 – 10:30 pm

Or the ancient pilgrim pathway via francigena, where you can observe local fauna and stroll on the same stones that so many people previously walked on, stopping to sleep at places that still cater to modern pilgrims. It’s beauty and serenity.

You can also go for a lovely bike ride that isn’t too difficult (I can attest to that) in the areas surround local marshland. We spent Sunday riding along this area and even got a bit of a burn which naturally means even though it’s only mid-April, bring your sunscreen. We might be in for a warm summer.For all Orentano-related questions, I highly recommend asking the friendly Stefano, who took care of us during our stay and made me realize how much more there is to Tuscany.

 

Photo by Nicola Carmignani
Photo by Nicola Carmignani
da benito orentano
Steak bigger than your head at Trattoria da Benito | Photo credit: Nicola Carmignani

pisa5 pisa2

Where to stay? We stayed in a gorgeous (and I mean fairy-tale like setup) little vacation house called Borgo ai Lecci in central Orentano. Rented only by the week, a rather large amount of people (there were 5 bedrooms in our little abode alone) can camp out here for pool parties, homemade pizzas in the little house by the pool, a soccer field in your own little oasis. It is that cool and I am still dreaming about it. More to come on a post about the place/area.

borgo ai lecci orentano
Hello new house! Breakfast in the terrace at Borgo ai Lecci

Borgo ai Lecci: address: via Martiri della Libertà, 68
Fax +39 0583/23387
Mobile +39 335 6114460
Email [email protected]

Acone (Monte Giovi) | My Special Escape

Where? Located about six kilometers above the town of Rufina, about 40 kilometers from Florence. It was a place of many a battle between Nazi’s and local partisans which is why you can see a few monuments to those who lost their lives on the hiking trails leading up to the summit (992 meters above sea level). If you enjoy hiking, this is a wonderful location because there are plenty of different trails, clearly marked, and you have my favorite trattoria that is perfect to lunch after a three-hour morning hike. Bring your jacket because it is often quite chilly up here.

Walking in Monte Giovi with picture perfect views even if it was very sunny that day
Walking in Monte Giovi with picture perfect views even if it was very sunny that day

Why Visit? This place is near and dear to my heart, I have been coming up here for years and it still is my ‘go to’ spot when I am feeling a little overwhelmed with life and social media. The views here are quite stunning and I really embrace a bit of nature immersion with Nico and Ginger if we happen to have a weekend ‘home’, which I admit isn’t too often lately. Whether you are a local or not, places like this almost feel that they are part of your blood, something I wouldn’t mind passing to my future kids one day. It’s all about making your own memories and creating traditions, wherever feels most natural to you.

acone monte giovi tuscany
Sundays in the center of Acone, plenty of nonni watching here..

Naturally food always has to be involved and there is a little trattoria, looks like nothing special and always has a crowd of locals hanging around. It is also the only one in town so you can be sure not to miss it, but I can understand why. Pizzeria Acone has been pleasing locals for decades and we always come here on the hunt for their very special ‘penne alle aconese’ a slightly spicy red-tomato with mushroom and secret ingredients that the cool won’t reveal. It is my favorite pasta in the world also because it is here, in this special place that means a lot to me.

pizzeria acone monte giovi
‘Penne alle aconese’ eating this pasta is like coming home

Now it’s your turn! Tell me about what corners of Tuscany are your favorite and why? Also catch a bunch of very informative travel bloggers and me on a special twitter chat all about spring vacations in Europe, Toscana and beyond hosted by @Flipkey, just follow the hashtag #FKSpringvaca and check out the rules here (it’s easy I promise). The fun starts at 6pm Italy time, 12pm ET.

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37 Responses

  1. Ive fallen in love with Italy. I went as a child to Trieste and Venice, but this year we have been twice, once to Matera (nr Bari) and once to Arezzo, Pisa and Florence. I love it. So pretty, just need to get back for a little longer!

    1. Ciao Laura, thank you for you comment! Italy is a pretty easy country fall in love with, diverse landscapes, great food, cheap wine. I am very jealous that you have been to Matera which is really high on my list! It sounds like you will come back so feel free to say hi if you do 🙂

  2. Gorgeous pix as always Georgette! Love these suggestions, and will have to try some I had not heard of. Ever since I started visiting Maremma about 5 years ago, it’s become one of my favorite places on earth!

    1. Hello Elyssa! Thank you so much for your kind comment, I appreciate it! There is plenty to see and I know a missed a few places so expect more reoccurring itinerary ideas for our bella Toscana. Maremma is a real gem and last year I got to discover it a bit more and fell in love. I really want to go back this summer for some sunshine and wine (of course).

    1. Thank you Coral! I am telling you there is so much Tuscany that we can barely handle it. Obviously I am down for some adventures :).

  3. Ciao Georgette, thanks! We spend a really wonderfull day in San Miniato. I hope this experience will be repeat soon. xoxo

    1. Deyse thank YOU for organizing everything and always being a bright, fun person. I had such a wonderful time with you all and Massimo is fantastic, I really want to take my family there in November 🙂

  4. I loved the cashmere farm suggestion! I’ll arrive in Florence next week, my itinerary is almost completed. I realized those landscapes you see in pics and movies are quite difficult to find in the first time in Tuscany, there areeven tours for that. Could you give us any tips? Thank you !

    1. Ciao Camila! Happy to help and I really recommend that cashmere farm because you just don’t find products like that very often. It’s better than any cashmere I have seen even in the states, plus Nora is fun! I would give her a call/email before you go since she is often combing the goats are in the fields but I know she would be happy for a visit. As for great tours — my personal favorites are those of Degustibus, they are a slow food association and work with small, locla producers. They can definitely get you guys up in the countryside to try wines and see beautiful landscapes. Check them out here.

  5. Honestly, you clearly cannot go wrong no matter where you visit in Italy. Thanks for this post and all these cool places. Every time I read your blog I almost feel “homesick” and I wonder to myself, why am I not living in Italy yet?! So many ideas and things to do and see…need to get back to Italy now! If only the airfares weren’t so crazy high right now and I didn’t have about 12 weeks of vacation time!

    1. Ciao Tony! I am so grateful that you liked the post, these places are very dear to me even if they aren’t as ‘famous’ as San Gimignano or Pienza. I think they deserve a little nod too. I’m happy that I can give you a little slice of Italy since I know that when I am back home in the USA, I do the same online. Have you taken a look at google flights? I like their service because you can see the rates between different airports…

      1. Thanks for the tip, I just checked out their website, I may become addicted to it!

  6. Da Benito in Orentano has been our favorite steak pkace for years! I thought nobody knew about it, damn now the secret is out!

    1. Haha I hope I didn’t spoil this for you but I had to share the magic that is Da Benito since this Tuscan Texan was extremely impressed!

  7. I think Tony said it best; I read your articles and wonder why I am not in Italy right now!! This might be my favorite one because I really love the quiet, the nature, and the off the beaten path type of experiences. Now I just need several weeks or months off to explore them!

    1. Hello Suzette, thank you! I am going to try and include even more tiny little towns, Nico and I want to really explore more of Italy this year and we are down to get lost. And perhaps Ginger too :). When we were in Lunigiana, I just felt that wave of calm that made me realize I need to discover more of this, especially since I am daily in the throngs of the Ponte Vecchio…

  8. Ciao Georgette,
    It has been many years since I have been to Italy, but I am planning a solo 4-week culinary tour of Italy this Fall! I will be spending two weeks in Chianti, so I was glad to see your talk about it. I am really looking forward to exploring Castellina and Montefioralle. Will also be spending time in Umbria, Marche, and Roma.
    Hope to see you over there.
    Ciao,
    Timoteo

  9. We love to visit San Miniato for the truffle festival each November…the smell of truffle throughout the entire town is magical…plus the food is fabulous! Thanks for sharing the other special places.

  10. When you have the time take a drive to the Casentino region, southeast of Florence home of one of the last original forests of Europe. Visit the Eremo of Camaldoli, stop in beautiful Stia and the Vallombrosa Abby along the way, and then finally head towards the Monastery of La Verna, and its beautiful dramatic location, housing many Della Robbia masterpieces. saint Francis spent time there. Drive towards Bibbiena and theen visit the magnificient castle at Poppi.
    Worth mentioning are Le Crete, south of Siena, a magic spot, including, what else? The monastery of Monte Uliveto.

  11. I forgot, another beautiful ride would be along the Cassia, from Siena to Rome…right after Bagno Vignoni lies one of the most beautiful stretches of roads in Italy., ending in a little hamlet called Gallina, where you can stop for a sandwhich 🙂

    1. Vincent, I was so struck by your comment because when I did a solo long-distance walk on the Via Francigena for 40 days, I walked that exact road and I was STUNNED even though I’d been in the Val d’Orcia before. But walking that stretch was SUPERB.

      I had stopped in the morning in Bagno Vignoni to “take the waters” (hoping it would help all the aches and pains) and then as I stepped out onto that road, I was in awe, and the awe remained the whole way to Gallina. I could not help but stop constantly to take photos. There had been some slight rain and there were all these violet tones in the sky, and an amazing variety of greens and golds in the fields. It is is a memory full of saturated color and delight.

  12. Love the picture of the marble quarries in Carrara. Our family visited them on one of our trips. I was coming down with an lung infection. My wife and I stayed at the visitors station/ souvenir booth. My son and daughter took the rented Renault up the mountain as far as they could go. When I brought the car back to the rental place, they were dumfounded about the fine powdery silica like stuff all over the tires and under body of the car. I told them it must have been from a country road we went on………..

  13. What a gorgeous post Georgette! I loved how you shared your special escape- those kind of connections to places are magical. We had a beautiful & delicious day in San Miniato last year, still thinking about it…I’m definitely sharing your recommendations with my expat pals in Milano for their trip planning. – H

  14. Any suggestions for a day trip for a painter? Somewhere accessed by train where I can walk or bike into the country side, preferably dotted with olive groves and old farms? 🙂

    1. Oh gosh so many! I thought Assisi was particularly beautiful and awe-inspiring but I think a town like Porto Ercole is as well, each has its own charm, it just depends on who’s looking at it. For countryside, think about even Lucca, Perugia or anywhere in the Maremma!

  15. Love your description of Monte Giovi, I will have to check it out! If you like the views up there, I’m sure you would also love Vallombrosa – just a litttle south of Monte Giovi and south east of Florence. Have you been? It’s the most close to nature and far from modern society I have felt in Tuscany. Just pure mountain air and green trees all around. Not to mention a view that seems to capture the entire span of Tuscan hills and mountains!

    1. Thanks Laura! I have been to Vallombrosa, actually when there was still snow on that slope. It’s a gem to be sure and a nice fresh escape when Florence starts to truly boil. You’ve just inspired me to make a return visit 🙂

  16. very nice! Yes, there is much of Tuscany that is worth a visit beyond the Chianti (as magnificent as it is). I had never before heard of Orentano!

    The only suggestion I have to add to this, is the drive north of Florence on SR65 through Vaglia to Borgo S. Lorenzo. From here one may proceed to Scarperia, well known for the quality of the knives made there. The Ferrari test track is also nearby there. Or, one may continue north up a long and mostly desolate winding mountain road (SP302) to Marradi. Returning, take a right to head west towards the A1 and stop off at the Barberino Outlet Stores. Yes, it’s sort of an American thing plopped into the Tuscan countryside, but it’s a great place to do “lo shopping”, nicely landscaped with a stream running through it. The stores include Italian as well as American brands, there’s a small but cute bookstore and a good bar.

    1. I forgot to say, Marradi has a chestnut festival every Sunday in October (Marradi’s chestnuts are very highly valued and given IGP protection). There is a steam train you can take from Firenze SMN (or you can catch it at Borgo S. Lorenzo and at Faenza) to and from Marradi for the festival. This steam train also runs on weekends in December for the Christmas market at Marradi.

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Georgette Jupe

Welcome to my personal blog by a curious American girl living and working between Zug, Switzerland and Florence, Italy with my husband Nico, our newborn Annabelle and Ginger the beagle. This space is primarily to share about my love for Italy (currently on a 13 year romance) with a fair amount of real talk, practical advice, travel suggestions and adjusting to a new culture (Switzerland). Find me on IG @girlinflorence @girlinzug

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