Tuscany is renowned for its idyllic landscapes, world-class art and pristine Mediterranean coastline. This gorgeous region situated in central Italy is perfect for walkers, beach lovers and art enthusiasts. Whatever sets your soul on fire, Tuscany will exceed your expectations.
When it comes to buying a property in Tuscany, however, don’t image that all of Tuscany is the same. This is, after all, a large region – larger than Wales or New Jersey – and encompasses different landscapes and climates.
Be ready to buy when the flights restart, with our free guide to your Italian Property Viewing Trip.
Different areas will appeal to a different type of person. To help you out, we have created a list of recommended places to buy in Tuscany for different interests…
The great outdoors
For those who love mother nature, the three national parks are where to go in Tuscany. Keen walkers can enjoy numerous hiking trails through some of the greenest areas in Italy.
Mountains cover 25% of Tuscany, meaning there are plenty of villages and towns nestled on the hillsides. You might spot roe deer and wild boar while out for a walk, but while there are claims of some 100 wolf packs in the mountains of Tuscany, you’re unlikely to see them.
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Chianti
This famous Tuscan wine region is popular with international buyers, even gaining the affectionate nickname of ‘Chiantishire’. Still authentically Italian, it is a perfect location for fine wine lovers and food fanatics. A lovely town to try is Greve. Less than an hour’s drive from Florence, this traditionally Tuscan town has a warm community feel with regular markets on Saturdays.
Winery in Chianti
Val d’Orcia
Located in southern Tuscany, Val d’Orcia truly characterises Renaissance landscape. The whole area is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features cypress trees, golden hills and charming rural villages. Consider Pienza or Montalcino, which is famous for its locally produced Brunello red wine.
Castiglione di Garfagnana
For those who want nature on their doorstep, the ancient mountain village of Castiglione di Garfagnana is a fantastic choice. Contained by an impressive medieval wall, the village is super close to Parco dell’Orecchiella nature reserve, which makes for a lovely day out with the chance to see brown bears. The nature reserve is also a great starting point for hiking around the area. You can even experience what life in the village used to be like with the annual medieval re-enactments that take place every August.
How much will I pay?
As a whole, these locations are relatively affordable. A budget of €200,000-€300,000 would buy you a lovely stone village house in Pienza or Greve. The same budget would get you a four-bedroom villa in Castiglione di Garfagnana. If you’re willing to do some restoration, you can find detached village houses for under €100,000.
Montalcino is more pricey with apartments costing around €200,000-€250,000 and villas starting at €500,000. However, there are some apartments under €100,000 if you look hard enough.
If your funds don’t quite run to the Tuscan home of your dreams, read up on ideas for raising extra money in How to Pay for an Italian Property.
Embrace your inner artist
Tuscany is no doubt one of the most culturally and historically rich regions of Italy, if not the world. The capital city of Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to Uffizi, one of the greatest, oldest art galleries in the world. Uffizi houses many masterpieces, including art by Leonardo da Vinci. Also in the city is the Accademia Gallery, where you will find Michelangelo’s David.
If you travel south, you’ll reach Siena with its magnificent Gothic cathedral. And, if you happen to be there in July or August, you might just witness the renowned Palio di Siena horse race which dates back as far as the sixth century. For fans of beautiful architecture, top locations include Pisa (and of course, the leaning tower), Lucca, San Gimignano and Montepulciano.
Florence
Of course, if you have a passion for art then Florence is the place to be. Full of some of the best art and architecture in the world, you will never get bored of this remarkable city. The cost of living is cheaper than in other Italian cities, such as Rome and Milan, and it is known as a fairly safe place to live.
Frescos in Florence, inside the Duomo
Vinci
This town is the birthplace of Leonardo and is only 30km from Florence. Nonetheless, there is plenty to see in Vinci itself. Highlights include Leonardo’s birth house, gorgeous countryside and the Museo Leonardiano, which displays some of Leonardo’s original notebook drawings.
Lucca
Once a favourite leisure spot of Julius Caesar, Lucca is now a great location for those wanting the Tuscan lifestyle at an affordable price. You’ll benefit from fewer tourists than other areas of Tuscany, while still witnessing some incredible architecture. One architectural gem is the Guinigi Tower, which is uniquely topped with ancient Holm oak trees. Be sure to attend the annual summer festival which has previously featured the likes of Elton John and Sting.
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How much will I pay?
In Florence, one-bedroom apartments start at under €100,000 but can be small. If you want a more spacious apartment in the heart of the city, you will need a budget of €200,000-€350,000.
As you move out towards the town of Vinci, you can get a beautiful four-bedroom country house for around €250,000.
In the province of Lucca, if you want a project home you can find charming stone houses for as little as €35,000.
Tuscany, Italy
Lucca
Greve
Vinci
Siena
Chianti
Val d’Orcia
Castiglione di Garfagnana
Forte dei Marmi
Viareggio
Livorno
Oh how I do like to be beside the seaside
So we all know that Tuscany has some truly stunning countryside, but the region also boasts 230 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline with 16 Blue Flag beaches and plenty of beach resorts. In the north, you’ll find the area of Versilia, which is where you’ll find the prestigious coastal towns of Marina di Carrara, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Camaiore and Viareggio. To enjoy these Tuscan beaches, you will often have to pay for the luxury of using deckchairs or daybeds set up by hotels and restaurants.
If you’re after a more laid back vibe where you can just turn up with your towel, look to Livorno and Grosseto. Livorno is great for snorkelling and there is even a beautiful reef to explore.
Irresistible homes in Tuscany are waiting for you.
Forte dei Marmi
If you love designer shopping, swanky beachside bars and luxury Tuscan villas, then Forte dei Marmi is where to look. Popular with footballers, this area holds a weekly market selling luxury products made from leather and cashmere. With pristine white sand and calm blue waters, it is no wonder the area is so popular. The town gets its name from the marble fortress in the main square.
Viareggio
This is a lively seaside resort known for the colourful Mardi Gras Carnevale with impressive floats and parades. Clean beaches, cycle trails and a lovely promenade make this town a perfect holiday destination.
Livorno
Livorno is actually Tuscany’s third-largest city. Take in the rows of colourful houses overlooking the port and enjoy the delicious seafood on offer. This buzzing city features Venetian-style canals, a medieval fort and a port that is still very much functional today. There are plenty of beaches nearby too, including Elba Island, Castiglioncello and San Vincenzo.
Venetian-style canal in Livorno
How much will I pay?
Prices in Forte dei Marmi represent the prestigious nature of the area, starting at around €600,000. On the other hand, Viareggio and Livorno are much more affordable. You can find some great apartments for under €100,000 in Livorno, and a budget of €300,000 will get you a stylish three-bedroom villa in Viareggio.
