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Looking for things to do in Tuscany that go beyond the usual tourist spots? Trust us - there's nothing wrong with climbing the Duomo or taking that classic photo holding up the Leaning Tower, but the real magic happens when you venture just a little off the beaten path. We've spent years exploring Tuscany's hidden corners, and we're excited to share some local secrets that will transform your Italian adventure.
Why Visit Tuscany Off the Beaten Path?
Here's something most guidebooks won't tell you - the best things to do in Tuscany often happen in the small villages where tourist buses never stop. It's where you'll find yourself chatting with a nonna about her secret pasta recipe, discovering a hidden shop where you can watch an artisan working, or stumbling upon a village festival that's been celebrated the same way for centuries. Why go off the beaten path in Tuscany?
Honestly, because the best things to do in Tuscany are the things no one else is doing. No crowds, no lines, no wondering if they’re catering to you as a tourist or if it’s the real deal - just you and an authentic, unforgettable experience!
Best Things to Do in Tuscany
Attend a Traditional "Sagra" Festival
Want to see the real Tuscany? Find a local sagra (food festival). Every weekend, especially in autumn, small villages celebrate their local specialties. This is without a doubt one of our favorite things to do in Tuscany and one of the cheapest and easiest ways to have a memorable and authentic experience. We’ve seen “sagra” food festivals for all kinds of typical and traditional products. Truffles and cheese are popular but we’ve also seen a zucchini flower festival as well as a maccheroni festival (though it’s not the cheesy little elbows you grew up with!). From food stalls serving up various dishes featuring the typical product to classes on growing/foraging it yourself, the festival offers lots of things to see and do. Don't worry if you don't speak Italian; just smile and say "Che bello!" (How beautiful!) and you'll make instant friends.
Pro Tip: Look for posters with the word "sagra" in nearby towns, or ask at your local bar about upcoming festivals. October's chestnut festivals in the Mugello area are especially wonderful - imagine medieval streets filled with the scent of roasting chestnuts and the sound of local music. This is exactly what our travelers experience on our Living Slow in Tuscany small group tour.
Learn from Local Artisans
When people read those top ten lists of things to do in Tuscany on mass tourism websites, everyone puts a visit to the leather market in Florence on their bucket list. It’s nice, but few of the salesmen are Italian and you can’t be sure of the quality you’re getting (or if the money is even going to Italians!). For something to do in Tuscany that will be both more unique and less overwhelming, skip the tourist leather markets and seek out real artisan workshops instead. The best time to visit? Early morning, when craftspeople are just starting their day. Many are happy to show you their work if you show genuine interest. Try saying "Posso guardare?" (Can I watch?) - it's amazing how often this simple phrase leads to fascinating demonstrations.
Local Secret: In Florence, head to the Oltrarno area before 10 am. That's when many artisans are opening their workshops and have time to chat. Look for the small, unassuming doorways - often the most remarkable workshops are the least flashy.
Read our free guide, How to Connect with Locals, to land in Italy confident and ready to strike up conversations!
Discover Hidden Wine Experiences
What would a list of things to do in Tuscany be without wine tasting?! If nothing else, the expansive view of rolling hills covered in grape vines is something you must see while in Tuscany. And here’s a secret about wine tastings in this popular region - the smallest wineries often offer the most memorable experiences. Skip the large, commercial wineries and look for places where you might find the owner's laundry drying in the garden - that's how you know it's a real family operation!
Insider Tip: Real local wineries won't rush your tasting. If someone's trying to hurry you through, you're probably in a tourist trap. Look for smaller hand-painted signs on weathered wood rather than glitzy big signs. When you find a good one, like our friend Fabrizio's place, you might spend hours learning about the wine, sharing a meal amongst the vines, and leaving as friends.
Explore Off the Beaten Path in Tuscany
While everyone crowds into Chianti, we love taking our travelers off the beaten path in Tuscany to places like Mugello, where you'll rarely hear English spoken. The best part? The restaurants here still serve local specialties at local prices - and local quality. Order what the table next to you is having - it's probably the day's best dish.
Local Advice: If you see a group of elderly men gathered in the piazza, you're in the right place. These are the spots where Tuscany's traditions are still alive and well.
And for those who don’t know where to start, we wrote an article to help you find off the beaten path areas of Tuscany to explore!
Connect with Nature
Of all the things to do in Tuscany, the breathtaking landscape is often what draws visitors to this remarkable region. Those rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and sweeping vineyards you've seen in photos? They're even more magical in person. But instead of just admiring the view, some of the best things to do in Tuscany involve getting up close and personal with this stunning natural environment.
When you venture off the beaten path in Tuscany, you'll discover incredible ways to connect deeply with the landscape. Hike ancient trails to reach a family vineyard outside Florence, soak in the natural thermal waters of Saturnia hot springs at sunrise, or explore the wild Maremma region on horseback. Each experience offers a unique way to immerse yourself in Tuscany's natural beauty.
For an even more authentic connection, time your visit to participate in seasonal traditions. Join a truffle hunt with expert hunters and their trained dogs (available year-round!), or help with the olive harvest in October or November, where small farms often welcome visitors and reward them with a traditional farm lunch and freshly-pressed olive oil. These are the kinds of things to see in Tuscany that create lasting memories - experiences that connect you deeply with both the land and its people.
Whether you're exploring independently or joining us on our Living Slow in Tuscany tour, these natural encounters offer a richer, more meaningful way to experience this remarkable region!
Are you looking to do things off the beaten path in Tuscany? You’ll love this list of hidden areas in Tuscany we put together for you!
How to Visit Tuscany Off the Beaten Path
Exploring off the beaten path in Tuscany requires renting a car, speaking at least some basic Italian, and knowledge of how to find those hidden gems. Some travelers prefer having these off-the-beaten-path experiences curated for them (that’s what we do!), while others enjoy the adventure of discovering them independently. Either way, the most memorable things to see in Tuscany lie beyond the famous attractions, in those unexpected moments where you find yourself fully immersed in the region's timeless rhythms.
Want to explore off the beaten path in Tuscany? Learn more about Living Slow in Tuscany
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