7 Hidden Gems in Tuscany You’ve Never Heard of But Need to Visit
Italy was one of the first places I’ve ever visited when I started traveling around Europe. I even studied here for 6 months, followed by 3 months spent in Rome for work.
Needless to say, I instantly fell in love with the country, its food, its customs, and its people. Thus, I made sure I would return to discover some more places every year.
Fast forward to 2024, when we came to Italy to explore 3 of its most beautiful regions for three months. We spent one month in Puglia, one on the Amalfi Coast, and one in Tuscany.
We fell in love with Tuscany and moved here in 2025. And here are seven hidden gems in Tuscany you never heard of but should!
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Table of Contents
Hidden Gems in Tuscany
Vinci
Vinci is a small and charming town less than one hour outside Florence.
We discovered it by chance when we spent one month 20 minutes away from Vinci.
Best known as the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, this little Tuscan town is all about celebrating its most famous residents.
You can wander through the Leonardo Museum, check out his childhood home in the rolling hills, and see the landscapes that probably inspired some of his genius.
It’s also the perfect excuse to sip wine, eat way too much pasta, and soak up those dreamy countryside views. There are many great wineries nearby with sweeping views.
Whenever I close my eyes and think of Vinci, I can hear the birds chirping and the river’s murmur, and I can taste the great wine. Did I mention there are no crowds?
We have a great article about Vinci here!
Montecarlo
Montecarlo is a small village perched atop a hill overlooking Lucca. We passed by it on many occasions before actually visiting, and we were happy we did finally go. It is now one of our favorite getaways.
Even though it is set on the “Strada del vino e dell’olio”, the village is so quiet and authentic.
The village is famous for its wine – especially crisp, local whites that pair perfectly with a long, lazy afternoon.
The historic fortress, built between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, gives you some of the best views. And the narrow streets are lined with cozy trattorias where you can eat like a true Italian.
It was founded by Charles IV, who had freed Lucca from Pisan dominion, hence the name Montecarlo (Mons Caroli in Latin), meaning Charles’ mountain.
Ville Medicei (Medicee)
As the name suggests, these are rural architectural complexes that came into the possession of the Medici family in various ways between the 15th and 17th centuries. They are located in the surroundings of Florence and around Tuscany.
Since 2014, 14 of these impressive villas have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Most are open to the public, hosting museums, like the Villa of Careggi or the Villa of Poggio a Caiano. On the other hand, some others are private and only hold events.
Of course, there are many more beautiful villas worth seeing around Tuscany. Villa Reale di Marlia and Villa Torrigiani are only two of the ones we loved discovering. They are both open to the public, and their gardens are an oasis of tranquility.
Lucca
Lucca is the kind of place that sneaks up on you – quiet, effortlessly beautiful, and somehow never too crowded.
The entire city is wrapped in massive Renaissance walls, which you can actually walk or bike along for the best views in town.
Inside, it’s all cobbled streets, charming piazzas, and hidden cafes where you can sip an espresso and people-watch for hours. Our all-time favorite one is the Caffè Santa Zita – Biscotteria In Lucca.
Climb Torre Guinigi, the tower with trees growing on top, for a view you won’t forget, or just wander until you find your new favorite spot.
Lucca has history, character, and the perfect mix of laid-back Tuscan vibes. We liked it so much that we chose the city to be our new home.
Colle di Val d’Elsa
Colle di Val d’Elsa is one of those underrated Tuscan towns that deserves way more love.
Perched on a hill between Florence and Siena, it’s famous for its crystal glass production. So don’t be surprised if you stumble into a shop filled with gorgeous handcrafted pieces.
The town itself is split into two parts: the modern lower town and the medieval upper town, which are connected by a glass elevator (because why not add a little drama to your sightseeing?).
That said, there’s a different reason behind us discovering this underrated Tuscan town. We came here for the Elsa Natural Park, with its blue river and photogenic waterfalls.
Viarregio
Most people visiting Tuscany don’t know about its beautiful coastline, with Viareggio and Fonte dei Marmi as the crown jewels.
The seaside town is a classic beach getaway with long sandy shores, colorful umbrellas, and a laid-back, old-school charm.
It is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and, most importantly, its epic Carnevale, where giant, over-the-top floats take over the streets in one of Italy’s wildest festivals.
Even during the cold season, we enjoy a walk along the Passeggiata, the seaside promenade lined with cafes and gelato shops.
Monteriggioni
With everyone going to San Gimignano, Volterra, Pienza, or Montepulciano, Monteriggioni remains a hidden gem in Tuscany. Yet, the town is even mentioned by the Supreme Poet Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy.
Perched on a hill in the heart of Tuscany, it’s tiny, charming, and completely surrounded by massive stone walls that have been standing since the 13th century.
You can walk along the walls for storybook views of the countryside, wander through the quiet piazza, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
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