

Villages in Tuscany Worth Slowing Down For
Deep into Tuscany’s rolling hills, these five villages reveal an unparalleled glimpse into Tuscan splendour and are perfect examples of the region's slow pace, of its gentle and intended way of living.
Volterra
Volterra crowns a hilltop in central Tuscany, offering splendid views over the surrounding countryside.

The remarkably preserved Etruscan walls and graceful cobblestone streets will instantly make youleave the modern world. As you stroll through Piazza dei Priori, your eyes will stop at the grandeur of the imposing medieval façades. Before you notice, you will then be pulled, as if by magic, into the narrow alleys that penetrate into the heart of the town, each more picturesque than the previous one.



Montalcino
Cradled amidst vineyards that originate the esteemed Brunello di Montalcino, this exceptional hilltop village is a real harbour for wine connoisseurs.

While it is worth visiting the different wine shops that offer wine tastings of the local star, the village itself is a gem, with narrow streets are as enchanting as the medieval fortress, the Rocca, whose ramparts reveal sublime panoramas over the Val d’Orcia, revealing a landscape of lush vineyards and softly rolling hills that have remained in stillness for centuries now.



Montemerano
Quite surely the least frequented village of them all, where the gentle rhythm of local life, appears to be quietly guarded as a secret.

As you walk its streets, among the vines that trail up weathered façades, you will see scenes of ordinary everyday life that look like simple poetry, from an elderly lady drawing water from the public fountain in Piazza del Castello to groups of men sitting at the cafés chatting the afternoon away. Its tranquillity sets Montemerano apart from more frequented towns and makes it the ideal Tuscan dream for the slow traveller.



Cortona
Almost lost in eastern Tuscany, near the border with Umbria, this hillside village with comprehensive views of Val di Chiana is a charming must-visit.

Renowned for Piazza della Repubblica and for many scenes in 'Under the Tuscan Sun', Cortona is a picture frame of charm and character. Meandering alleyways, a graceful town centre, sunlit stairways, and westward views all come together in perfect synchrony, leaving an impression that is both lasting and delightful.



Pienza
Considered the most romantic small medieval town in Tuscany, Pienza sits high on a hilltop overlooking the unique and utterly beautiful landscape of Val d’Orcia

While past its walls the hills extend infinitely all around Pienza, within them, its perfect Renaissance lay-out, with regular cobbled streets sided by red-hued limestone façades that contrast beautifully with the vibrant greens of the potted plants and ivies that adorn the doorwarys and balconies, makes Pienza a unique treasure within the whole of Italy.



Discover the Guide

Tuscany is a treasure trove of scenic beauty and picturesque experiences, which deserves to be discovered in the most complete and intended way.
Explore my guide to 7 Days in Tuscany and discover all the most romantic small villages that have inspired authors and movie-makers throughout the ages.