If you want to visit or take a vacation in Tuscany, it is very useful to know which ones are best places to go on vacation or to visit, and what are the best places or areas to stay.
Tuscany is one of the most complete tourist regions in Italy, with an incredible tourist offer: historic and fascinating cities, splendid green hills, enchanting landscapes, beautiful beaches and excellent cuisine, with some of the most famous wines, dishes and typical products of the Italian food and wine department.
Where to stay in Tuscany
In this guide you will find useful tips on what they are the best cities and areas to stay in Tuscany. After careful analysis, we have selected the main locations, Those more touristic and also those with the best and widest hotel offer.
Booking a hotel or accommodation in these locations gives you the option of easily visit other areas of the region interesting from a touristic point of view. The choice of the location or locations where to stay is very important in order to better organize a tour or what you want to see and visit.
Find accommodation or a hotel in TuscanyFirenze
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and the most touristic city in the region. Considered the center of the Renaissance and a Unesco World Heritage Site, it is the best area and city to sleep in Tuscany.
The city hosts numerous buildings, museums, churches, historic squares and art galleries world famous. In Florence they lived and worked there artists, philosophers and scientists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli and Sandro Botticelli, just to name a few.
Do not miss the historic center, UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful works of art such as Michelangelo's David, buildings such as the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi's dome, the Ponte Vecchio with houses on both sides of the bridge, and the Uffizi Gallery which preserves an artistic heritage of unmatched value.
Florence is one of the most important and visited tourist cities in the world, a concentrate of culture, art and architecture. Walking along the Arno (the river that crosses the city), crossing one of its bridges, or walking through narrow medieval streets, in the Santa Croce area, is a fantastic experience.
Staying in Florence allows not only to visit a good piece of the Italian cultural and artistic heritage, but also to be able to do daily excursions to other important Tuscan cities and tourist areas.
To visit the city 3 or 4 days can be fine. If you want to stay in Florence also to visit other places in Tuscany in the day, by car, train or bus, a stay of a week or more.
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Florence is a tourist destination all the year, although the best times to visit are there spring and autumn, when the weather is neither cold nor too hot, and the main attractions are not very crowded.
Entry by car to the historic center is forbidden to non-residents. If you have the hotel in the center you need to request a car permit to the hotelier or you can park outside the historic area and use one of the many buses to the center or the hotel. The best way to get around the city center is on foot or using public transport or by renting a bicycle.
If you want to visit Florence, we recommend the purchase of Florence Card, which at a cost of € 72 allows free admission to around 30 museums and free use of public transport for 72 hours. In addition, it also allows you to avoid queues for the purchase of tickets and in some museums you also have facilitated access.
Lucca
Lucca is a small one medieval city full of charm, with a long history dating back to the Etruscan and Roman times. The city still retains part of its ancient architecture, the city walls (a XNUMXth and XNUMXth century fortification) are still intact. The area of greatest tourist interest is enclosed within the defensive walls of the old city.
One of the most pleasant places to walk is on its large walls that enclose the historic center and form a ring park. There historical area it has a small extension, about 800 meters long and 600 meters wide, and it can be easily visited on foot.
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One of the best known and most visited attractions in the city is the Giacomo Puccin's housei, one of the best known opera composers. They are also of great interest Piazza Anfiteatro, a square that was once an amphitheater and the Guinigi Tower, 45 meters high and with trees growing on its top.
Lucca can be reached by car, with the A11 motorway running a few kilometers south of the city. You can get there too on the train, the historic center is about 400 meters from the railway station. Pisa airport is 20 minutes by train from Lucca.
Cortona
Cortona being located on a mountain, 600 meters above sea level, offers a splendid view over the valley and on the Tuscan landscape, until you can see the Lake Trasimeno in Umbria.
Cortona is located about 30 km from the city of Arezzo, and is also famous for being used as a location of important films, such as "Life is beautiful" and "Under the Tuscan sun". Cortona is an important one Etruscan historic center, with many attractions and ruins from that era.
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The best way to visit it is walking, as the city is very small. If you arrive by car it is advisable to park it outside the city walls, where there are also some free parking spaces.
The only way to get to Cortona it's on the road. If you are traveling on the motorway connecting Florence with Perugia, take the Cortona San Lorenzo exit and continue to Cortona, approximately 10 km away.
Pisa
Pisa, internationally famous for its leaning tower, is one beautiful city with a rich historical, artistic and architectural heritage. Although it is a small city, it offers a lot in terms of tourism, also due to its period of greatest prosperity, that of Maritime Republics, when many of its monuments were built.
The most famous area of the city is Square of Miracles, where the most famous monuments of the city stand: the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cathedral); there Tower of Pisa, the bell tower of the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta; the baptistery of San Giovanni and Campo Santo, a monumental historical cemetery of Pisa.
From the train station, along a pedestrian street, in about 20 minutes on foot you can reach Piazza dei Miracoli, named World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Along the way they are present many interesting places, shops, bars and restaurants. The route also includes the crossing of a characteristic bridge over the Arno river, which, like Florence, also crosses Pisa.
If you want, you can also jump on beaches near the city. The most important seaside resorts near Pisa are: Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia and Calambrone. In summer these areas are very popular, with numerous beaches equipped with lidos, restaurants and pubs. A shuttle bus connects directly to the beaches in Pisa.
The best way to see Pisa is walking, exploring the streets of the small historic center, to immerse yourself in the charming and welcoming atmosphere of the city. Also for this reason the best area to stay in Pisa is the historic center, where most of the monuments and attractions of the city are present. In the city they are present over 500 hotels.
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THEPisa airport it is less than two kilometers from the historic center of the city and is connected by numerous flights, many of which are low cost flights operated by the airline Ryanair that connect Pisa to the various airports.
From the airport with the Pisamover, a totally automated ecological shuttle, you can reach Pisa Central Station in less than three minutes. If you arrive by car, there is ample free parking near the historic center.
Siena
Siena is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Its most distinctive aspect is its architecture, being a fortified city on the top of a promontory formed by three hills. The city keeps its intact medieval configuration with its narrow alleys and its noble palaces.
Located 320 meters above sea level, the city has a typical medieval village like other Tuscan cities: Arezzo, San Gimignano, Volterra,… The best known place in the city is Piazza del Campo, where the famous one takes place once a year Palio of Siena, a frenetic horse race. Each jockey represents a contrada, that is, one of the districts of Siena.
Although the outskirts of the city have developed industrially, his Old Town it remained protected and well preserved, and named UNESCO World Heritage Site. Siena is without a doubt one of the best places to visit and where to stay in Tuscany.
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The historic center of Siena is extremely picturesque and beautiful high towers you can see the beautiful countryside that largely surrounds the city, a countryside very similar to that of medieval paintings. The best way to get around Siena is walking, as the alleys are very narrow. The city is free of architectural barriers, therefore also accessible by wheelchair.
Besides being known internationally as a medieval city, Siena is known nationally as one campus. There are both long-term accommodation suitable for university students and hotel e bed and breakfast for short stays.
Siena can be reached easily via the two airports from Pisa and Florence, or by train. If you arrive by car take the A1 motorway, take the Valdichiana exit and then continue on the SS 326 Bettolle-Siena.
Grosseto
Grosseto is the province of southern area of Tuscany. The city has a beautiful old town and it's an interesting place to stay, too to visit the Maremma and the Argentario Promontory.
The most interesting area of the city is Piazza Dante where you can relax in one of the bars, cafes and restaurants under the arcades of the historic buildings. In this square there is also the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, one of the most important monuments of Grosseto. Do not miss the Archaeological and Art Museum of Maremma.
The best way to get around the city is on foot or by bicycle, while to visit the surrounding areas the car is certainly the best way. The hotel offer is not very wide, there are about 100 structures in the city. If possible prefer and choose one accommodation close to the historic center.
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On hot summer days, if you want to jump to the sea, you can reach it Marina di Grosseto. Located 10 km from Grosseto, it is one of the most modern seaside resorts in the Maremma. There are many apartments, hotels and farmhouses where you can stay, as well as bathing establishments, bars and various entertainment.
Livorno
Livorno is a port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea with one of the largest ports in Italy. The city does not have a great tourist interest for its historical center, for its monuments or attractions; visitors and tourists alike come to town to pick up the ferries to Corsica or Sardinia, or to take a break during a tour of the Tuscan coast.
In the city they are present over 200 hotels. It is recommended to stay in the area near the portor, either for the convenience of embarking on ships and ferries, if you have to reach one of the Tyrrhenian islands, or to visit the characteristic city center, enclosed by picturesque canals.
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Livorno is a good starting point to visit Pisa, Florence and Lucca at most one hour by car or to take a quick tour of Chianti, also visiting Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Volterra.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a small town famous for its many towers, built by wealthy local families during the Middle Ages. The Old Town of San Gimignano was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990.
The city is a popular tourist destination. Known as the city of towers, the presence of these tall buildings is due to the families and powerful people of the time who ordered the construction of higher and higher towers to demonstrate their power and wealth.
The best way to visit San Gimigliano is by walking. During the visit it will be like going back to the Middle Ages. The streets, the churches and the towers, are as they were then, giving the city a fourteenth-century appearance. In addition to strolling through its historic center, a World Heritage Site, the most interesting areas are the squares, in particular Piazza Duomo and Piazza Cisterna, where there are various historic buildings.
Being quite small, San Gimignano you can visit it in one day, starting from Siena and Florence, however we recommend stay at least one night in the city, to also experience the suggestive and characteristic night atmosphere. In the city they are present over 300 hotels.
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San Gimigliano does not have a train station. It is advisable to arrive by car or by bus departing from the main Tuscan tourist resorts such as Florence, Siena and Volterra. By car it is possible to get there from Pisa or Florence, taking the road in the direction of Siena.
If you arrive by plane, the two closest airports are those of Florence and Pisa. Upon arrival it is advisable to rent a car to visit other locations as well.
Chianti
Chianti is a tourist area of Tuscany, famous for its wine from which it takes its name. Lovers of gastronomy, oenology and nature, they will very much appreciate a vacation or a stay on these peaceful hills.
Geographically, the Chianti area can be represented by the territory included in the triangle between Florence, Siena and Monte San Savino. Within this area is the Chianti Classico wine region.
The area is dominated by agriculture, which has led to a unique rural landscape, similar to a garden. On almost every hill there is a medieval town or village, a castle, a fortress or a country estate. All of this makes the area an amazing tourist attraction. Many cellars are open to tourists, allowing visits and wine tastings.
We recommend stay in the beautiful and historic cities di Greve in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti e San Casciano in Val di Pesa, where some important films and historical films have been shot, such as Amici My. These are also the places that have a greater hotel offer, the accommodations are mostly: hotels, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes or apartments and farmhouses
Find an accommodation or a hotel in Chianti
The easiest way to explore Chianti is by car. The visit can start from Florence or Pisa, along the Chiantigiana, the most important road that penetrates the heart of the region, that of the Chianti Classico. If you arrive by plane in Florence, it is recommended to rent a car.
Arezzo
Arezzo is an important tourist destination in the eastern part of Tuscany. Located at the top of a steep hill, it is a historic city with many interesting places and things to see. Strolling in the charming old town and enjoying its quiet streets is a very beautiful experience.
Piazza Grande it is the most beautiful square in Arezzo, full of medieval buildings and where every year a medieval festival is held, called the Giostra del Saracino. From the tower of the Palazzo dei Priori, in Piazza della Libertà, you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the city.
The city of Arezzo is famous for its museums, churches and historic buildings, and for the various works of Piero della Francesca, the most productive and famous artist from Arezzo, present in religious buildings. Do not miss the visit of the Cathedral of Arezzo (Cathedral of Saints Peter and Donato) e Basilica of San Francesco.
Il Old Town it is quite small, so the main places of interest are within walking distance. There nice atmosphere that you breathe in the city and famous restaurants complete the tourist offer. In the city they are almost present 300 hotels, of which many are hotels, apartments and bed and breakfasts. In rural areas there are also holiday homes, farmhouses and villas.
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Arezzo can be reached by car, bus or train. From Florence you can get to Arezzo by train or by car, while from Siena by bus or by car. From Arezzo you can easily reach Cortona and Lucignano by car.
Poggibonsi
Poggibonsi is a interesting and alternative destination to visit and where to stay. The rediscovery of many historical cultural attractions and the presence of numerous Romanesque churches, medieval castles and Renaissance villas, has contributed a lot to the tourist growth of the city
Un excellent location geographical area makes the town a good starting point to visit many interesting places and areas of Tuscany in a day such as: Florence, Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Colle di Val d'Elsa, Volterra and the Chianti area.
Find accommodation or hotels in Poggibonsi
The increase in the presence of tourists and visitors has led to an increase in their accommodation capacity, like others hotel, bed and breakfast ed appartamenti for tourist use.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano, located on a hill, is one city famous for its wines, in particular the classic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a red wine with Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG). The locality is a destination for many tourists also for the characteristic monuments and buildings, For the pleasant atmosphere town and for the many renowned restaurants.
The city also gained notoriety for being used as a location for imported films like Twilight. The hotel offer is discreet with nearly 300 structures. Most of the accommodations are apartments, farmhouses and bed and breakfasts, but there are also various hotels.
Find accommodation or hotels in Montepulciano
Montepulciano does not have a train station. It is advisable to arrive by car or by bus departing from the main Tuscan tourist resorts such as Siena, Pienza, Montalcino and Chiusi. If you arrive by car, Montepulciano is a few kilometers from the A1 motorway and the more panoramic SS2 that goes from Rome to Florence.
Cars are not allowed inside the old town, as it is a restricted traffic area. If you are staying in the historic center, you can ask the hotel for permission to access it by car.
Elba island
The island of Elba, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, between the Apennine peninsula and Corsica, is the third largest Italian island and the largest in the Tuscan Archipelago. Not only that, it is also among the main tourist destinations of Tuscany and Italy, thanks towide and varied tourist offer.
Find accommodation or a hotel on the Island of Elba
You can reach the island by ferry, embarking from the port of Piombino. If you arrive by car, you can also take your car on the ferry. If you arrive in Piombino by bus or train, by public transport you can reach the port and then disembark on the island, continue the journey in bus or with a rental car. The car is extremely recommended to visit the island comfortably.
Le main tourist places of the island of Elba are:
- Portoferraio
- Capoliveri
- Porto Azzurro
- Marina di Campo
- Rio nell'Elba
- Marciana Alta
- Rio Marina
- Marciana Marina
The Island of Elba offers a large number of attractions, both historical and natural and landscape. It is a destination suitable for everyone and is perfect for those looking for pleasant beach holidays. The tourist offer is very rich both of tourist services that of hotel facilities. outdoor activities are infinite, complete is also the offer of watersports.
Versilia
Bordered to the north by the Seravezza river and to the south by the ancient Motrone fort, Versilia is one of the most touristic areas of Tuscany. Especially known for beautiful seaside resorts present along the coast, it also offers interesting locations in the inland area.
The coastal coast has a strong tourist vocation with a extensive sandy coastline and a lively worldly activity. The most important seaside resorts and where it is recommended to stay for pleasant beach holidays are: Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Forte dei Marmi e Marina of Pietrasanta.
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La beach della Versilia is renowned for the wide spaces it offers with fine golden sand, and for the length of the coast where you can take relaxing and pleasant walks. For the wide range of tourist services, the wide spaces, the pleasant climate and the modern and equipped bathing establishments with all the comforts, this coast is considered one of the best in Italy.
Also the nightlife it is very interesting, with many bars, clubs and discos, including many historical places such as the Capannina di Franceschi. It's surely a destination suitable for everyone and for all ages. The hotel offer is very wide and varied, especially in places like Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Forte dei Marmi e Marina di Pietrasanta.
Monte Argentario
Monte Argentario, located south of the Tuscan coast, is one tourist peninsula formed by a mountainous promontory, whose highest point is Mount Telegrafo (635 meters above sea level). The peninsula is connected to the mainland by two strips of land, the tombolo of Gianella in the northern part and of the Feniglia in the southern part.
Inside the lagoon, formed by these two strips of land, is the tourist resort of Orbetello. Located on a strip of land that goes into the lagoon and which also gives it its name, it is one of the most famous tourist areas in Tuscany. Orbetello is connected to the promontory of Monte Argentario by a bridge that crosses the lagoon.
Monte Argentario is not only a peninsula and a promontory, but also a municipality. The two main residential centers and also tourist in the municipality are Porto Santo Stefano to the north and Porto Ercole to the east. Off the promontory there are two of the islands southernmost of the Tuscan Archipelago, that of Giglio and Giannutri.
Find accommodation or hotels in the Monte Argentario area
To visit the area it is recommended to arrive by car. To reach the promontory you can use the road that runs through the tombolo in the northern part or the bridge that connects it to Orbetello. The Tombolo di Feniglia, in the southern part, is closed to cars because it is a nature reserve.
The area is a protected natural area, in particular for the rocky coast of the cliffs, of high natural and landscape interest, where pine trees grow and the characteristic Mediterranean vegetation. The coast of the promontory is set in the cetacean sanctuary, established in 1991 as a protected natural marine area of international interest.
Le best areas to stay, which are also those with the highest hotel offers, are: Orbetello, Porto Santo Stefano e Porto Ercole.
San Vincenzo
San Vincenzo is one renowned seaside resort on the Tyrrhenian coast. The economy of the city is mainly based on summer tourism, thanks to awide and long sandy beach and a rich offer of accommodation made up of numerous hotels and tourist villages.
The presence of an important and equipped marina, of free and equipped beaches, and a nice promenade with bars, restaurants and shops, makes it one of the best tourist-seaside places in Tuscany, especially for beach holidays for families with children.
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Since the 70s, the locality has had a stretch of free beach, called Nido dell'Aquila, where you can practice naturism. This area is located km south of the city, in the Natural Park, and one of the best known destinations in Italy for lovers of nudism.
Chianciano Terme
Chianciano Terme is one of the main Tuscan tourist resorts and one among the best spas in Italy. Among spas most important in the city, we find: Acqua Santa, Acqua Fucoli, Acqua Sillene, Acqua Santissima and Acqua Sant'Elena.
The city is divided into two distinct areas. Chianciano Terme it is the modern part of the city where there are thermal springs, parks and numerous hotels. Chianciano Vecchia, located on top of a small hill, is the historic area of the city with its medieval walls and its ancient urban layout.
Find accommodation or hotels in Chianciano Terme
The airports are distant, the best way to reach Chianciano Terme is by car. If you arrive by car take the A1 del Sole motorway and exit at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, which is only 12 km from the city. There railway station the closest is that of Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, 15 km away.
Staying in Chianciano Terme also allows you to make day trips of the following tourist resorts: Chiusi, Montepulciano, Pienza and Sarteano.
Val d'Orcia
Located on the hills south of Siena, the landscape of the Val d'Orcia is one of the most suggestive places to the world e UNESCO World Heritage Site. This wide valley is an important one natural Park crossed by streams, with beautiful hills, as well as characteristic medieval villages such as San Quirico d'Orcia and Castiglione d'Orcia.
The territory of the Val d'Orcia is divided into five municipalities: Castiglione d'Orcia, a medieval town with a castle; Montalcino, a medieval city with a cathedral and fortress; Pienza, a Gothic city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; radicofani, a medieval city with a fortress; And San Quirico d'Orcia, a medieval city with many churches.
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Il rural tourism and wine tourism, constitutes the predominant economic activity of the region. There is also an interesting spa tourism in the two centers of Vignoni bathroom e Bagni San Filippo.
Thanks to the landscape peculiarities of the area, the Val d'Orcia has been several times used as a location for films of international importance, like The Gladiator. Staying in the area allows you to easily reach Florence and Siena, and to enjoy a unique, peaceful and relaxing environment.
Follonica
Follonica, but also the nearby town of Scarlino, is one popular seaside tourist destination on the coast of Tuscany. There good location, in the center of the gulf, allows you to easily reach Piombino and then embark for the Island of Elba, or make day trips to visit Arezzo and Siena.
The city was awarded with the Blue Flag for the cleaning of its beaches and sea water. Its wide beaches, which gradually descend into the sea, make it the perfect location for a beach holiday families even with very little children or for the elderly who can take pleasant walks by the sea.
The locality offers over 200 hotels of various types, although the most chosen accommodations remain hotels, apartments and holiday homes. You can reach Follonica easily by car with highway Via Aurelia (SS 1) or on the train.
Find accommodation or hotels in FollonicaCastiglione della Pescaia
Castiglione della Pescaia, located in the heart of the Maremma, is one of the most famous seaside resorts of Tuscany. Is considered an exclusive tourist destination, also due to the presence of numerous high fashion shops, and many classy hotels and luxury hotels.
for quality of the sea and beaches, well cared for and equipped, has received multiple awards that place it among the top seaside resorts for environmental and tourist quality.
Find accommodation or hotels in Castiglione della PescaiaMontecatini Terme
Note for i famous spas, Montecatini Terme is one pleasant holiday resort and the largest spa town in Tuscany. The city is divided into two areas: Montecatini Terme, the most touristic area and where there are various spas, e Montecatini Alto, the historic center of the city.
Often referred to as a garden city, due to the presence of greats public gardens and thermal parks, is a renowned tourist resort for the beneficial qualities of its thermal waters. To get to the top of the city you can use the funivia.
Montecatini Terme is not a destination only for spa stays, but also a beautiful city where you can spend pleasant and relaxing holidays among nature. Furthermore, the presence of many hotel facilities with good rates, make the location a good area to stay for also making daily visits to Florence, Pistoia, Lucca and Versilia.
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You can easily reach Montecatini Terme by car with the A11 motorway or on the train, Montecatini has 3 railway stations. If you want to get there by plane, the nearest airports are that of Florence, about 40 km away and that of Pisa, about 50 km.
Volterra
Situated on a hill, Volterra is one picturesque town in the province of Pisa, in the central area of Tuscany. The city is known for tourism for the presence of many finds and monuments dating back to the Etruscan and Roman times, and representing centuries of history.
The city is built on one of the twelve cities of the ancient Etruscan civilization. The historical and medieval center it is completely preserved within the city walls. It's a beautiful city to stay and easily visited on foot, as it is quite small.
Among the main ones attractions and places to see: the Roman theater, located at the foot of the city; the Palazzo dei Priori and the beautiful cathedral with the baptistery. Some of the historic city gates, dating back to the Etruscan and Roman times, are still standing. Also not to be missed is the museum, with a rich collection of Etruscan and Roman finds.
A special attraction in Volterra are the "La Balze“, Large rocks that fall on the eastern edge of the city, which also offer a wonderful view of the surrounding area of Volterra. One of the most famous buildings in Volterra is the large one fortress, built by the famous Medici family. It can only be accessed on certain days because it is used as a state prison.
Il city centre it is represented by Piazza dei Priori and Piazza San Giovanni. This is also the best area to stay. To visit the city even one day may be enough, but it is recommended to stay at least one night to enjoy it to the fullest. Staying in the rather complex labyrinth of its historic center, made up of buildings with arches and courtyards, is a nice experience.
Find accommodation or hotels in Volterra
The best way to reach Volterra is by car. There are also bus connections from Florence, Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano. All buses depart and arrive in Piazza Martiri della Libertà.
