travel
Forget Florence: six of the best towns in Tuscany to escape overtourism
Beyond the Tuscan capital, there are exquisite towns with Medici fortresses, stunning frescoes, Roman amphitheatres – and not a selfie stick in sight
TL;DR
- Florence is suffering from overtourism, with millions of visitors overwhelming the city.
- Alternative Tuscan destinations offer rich historical and architectural experiences without large crowds.
- Monteriggioni is noted for its intact medieval walls and 13th-century re-enactments.
- Pienza is presented as an 'ideal city' designed with humanist principles, featuring harmonious architecture.
- Arezzo offers Renaissance art, including frescoes by Piero della Francesca, and Medici history.
- Volterra showcases Etruscan history with ancient gates and museums, alongside Roman ruins.
- Livorno, a multicultural port city, boasts unique architecture and local cuisine.
- Porto Ercole provides coastal charm with Spanish-built forts and a connection to Caravaggio's tomb.