Looking to escape the crowds of popular Tuscany destinations? Discover the authentic side of Tuscany that most visitors never see.
From thermal pools tucked away in the countryside to medieval towns perched on dramatic cliffs, these 12 hidden treasures offer authentic experiences far from the tourist crowds.
Let’s explore these remarkable places that make Tuscany truly special.
12 Best Hidden Gems in Tuscany
Discover where locals go to experience the real Tuscany, one of the best regions in Italy, from secret thermal pools to timeless villages that seem frozen in time.
1. Pitigliano
Tucked away in southern Tuscany about 2.5 hours from Florence and 2 hours from Siena, Pitigliano is regularly considered one of the prettiest places in Tuscany, with its dramatic profile rising from volcanic cliffs.
Often called “Little Jerusalem” for its historic Jewish community.
This hidden place in Tuscany captivates visitors with its well-preserved Jewish quarter, network of underground tunnels, and ancient synagogue that offer fascinating glimpses into centuries of history.
2. Cascate del Mulino
Just a few minutes’ drive from the famous Saturnia hot springs in the Maremma region, these lesser-known natural thermal pools rank among the most unique places in Italy.
While Saturnia draws tour buses, these free public pools remain one of the most unusual things to do in Tuscany, popular with locals who have been coming here for generations.
The naturally carved travertine pools filled with therapeutic 37.5°C water create an experience that sets them apart from other thermal sites.
3. Monticchiello
Nestled in the heart of Val d’Orcia between Pienza and Montepulciano, this tiny village represents the essence of hidden Tuscany gems.
Less visited than its famous neighbors, Monticchiello retains an authentic atmosphere with its community theater tradition “Teatro Povero,” where residents perform plays about their own lives and local issues.
4. Manciano
Set in the rolling hills of the Maremma region, about 30 minutes from the coast, Manciano offers sweeping views from the Apennine mountains to the Mediterranean Sea and nearby islands.
This off-the-beaten-path place in Tuscany serves as a perfect base for exploring both inland historic sites and seaside attractions.
5. Monteriggioni
Located between Florence and Siena, this perfectly preserved walled town appears like a crown on the hilltop.
Monteriggioni is one of Europe’s best walled towns as it features a complete circle of medieval walls and fourteen towers that remain intact.
Despite being just off the main Florence-Siena route, it receives far fewer visitors than nearby San Gimignano.
6. Montefioralle
One of the secret places to visit in Tuscany, this tiny village sits just above the popular town of Greve in Chianti.
While tourists flock to Greve’s main square, few venture up to this perfectly preserved medieval village, birthplace of Amerigo Vespucci, where every stone seems to tell a story.
7. Arezzo
Located in eastern Tuscany, about an hour from Florence by train, Arezzo stands as a true hidden gem in Europe that somehow stays under the tourist radar.
This non-touristy town in Tuscany enchants with Piero della Francesca’s frescoes, a renowned monthly antique market in Piazza Grande, and streets made famous by “Life is Beautiful.”
Unlike its crowded neighbors, Arezzo maintains its authentic Italian atmosphere where locals, not tourists, set the pace of daily life.
8. San Gimignano
Though famous for its medieval towers, San Gimignano‘s hidden treasures lie in its less-visited western quarter.
While most tourists stick to the main street between the two gates, quiet lanes reveal artisan workshops, small gardens, and towers offering spectacular views without the usual crowds.
9. San Quirico d’Orcia
Perfectly positioned between the wine town of Montalcino and Renaissance Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia often gets overlooked by visitors rushing between its famous neighbors.
The Horti Leonini gardens and Romanesque Collegiata church rival attractions in better-known towns.
10. Anghiari
In eastern Tuscany, about 30 minutes from Arezzo, this spectacularly positioned hilltown remains relatively unknown to international visitors.
Its position above the Tiber Valley created the backdrop for a famous 1440 battle that Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned to paint.
It’s one of the most picturesque villages in Europe and one you should visit!
11. Porto Santo Stefano
On the Monte Argentario peninsula, connected to mainland Tuscany by thin strips of sand, this colorful port town offers a different perspective on Tuscan life.
While most tourists head to nearby island Giglio, this fishing port maintains its authentic character with fresh seafood restaurants and stunning coastal walks.
12. Sorano
Often overshadowed by nearby Pitigliano, Sorano offers equally dramatic views and fewer tourists.
Just 15 minutes from its more famous neighbor, the town features ancient Etruscan pathways carved into rock, a massive fortress, and traditional restaurants serving dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in Tuscany.
Final Thoughts on Hidden Places in Tuscany
There are so many things to do in Tuscany and these secret corners of Tuscany offer experiences that most visitors miss, proving there’s so much more to this region than Florence and Pisa.
Ready to plan your own off-the-beaten-path adventure? Don’t miss our comprehensive Italy travel guides:
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- 25 Stunning Hidden Gems in Italy That Locals Want to Keep Secret
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