7 Lesser-Known Things to Do in Tuscany

The Duomo di Prato (Prato Cathedral) is about a half-hour drive northwest of Florence, Italy. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

I am honored to introduce this week's guest blogger, James Jones, of MyTravelGuidePosts.com. An avid traveler and blogger always looking for new opportunities to document his experiences and share them with people, James has visited Italy four times and among his most memorable visits were taking part in Ivrea's battle of oranges festival, visiting the Vatican and exploring the marble quarries of Carrara in Tuscany. Check him out on his site where you'll find many more articles about Italy including "Underrated attractions in Italy and places to visit."

Home to pleasant weather, picturesque rolling hills, Chianti wine, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Florence's Ponte Vecchio, it’s not surprising Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy! However, this post is about showcasing some of Tuscany’s lesser-known attractions that fall “under the radar” of many tourists visiting the region.

1. Visit the Marble Quarries of Carrara

The legendary Carrara marble quarries gave birth to many a Michelangelo masterpiece. All photography is the property of James Jones unless noted. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

Nearby the city of Carrara, you will find the impressive quarries of La Piana and Fantiscritti, as well as a museum that showcases period tools used by miners to work the marble quarries. Aside from taking the views from the Apuan Alps where the quarries are located, you can take a tour inside the caves to marvel at the stunning columns.

2. Enjoy a beach day on the Island of Elba

Spectacular beaches await on the island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea.

Southern Italy is renowned for its gorgeous scenery and the island of Elba is, without question, one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany. The island is located a short ferry ride from the town of Piombino and is home to beautiful turquoise water, sprawling beaches and stunning coastal settings. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation in Tuscany, look no further than Elba.

By the way, you may be interested to know that Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba after his defeat during the War of Liberation.

3. Travel up Montecatini Alto

Hilltop town of Montecatini Alto. If you look carefully in the lower left corner of the image, you can see the Funicolare station. Photo: Rich Jacques.

The medieval town of Montecatini Alto is perched atop a mountain and is certainly one of the most charming places in Tuscany. You can catch the bus to get to the Montecatini Alto but the best way to experience spectacular mountain views of the area is on the Funicolare cable car. The ride on the cable car only costs a few euros and offers many wonderful photo opportunities. If you can, ride the cable car at dusk, just before the sun sets for a romantic escape.

Spectacular Tuscan sunset seen in Montecatini Alto, Italy.

4. Discover the top of Monte Argentario

Monte Argentario offers dramatic ocean views! 

If you want to experience sandy beaches, lush vegetation, the Rocca Spagnola fortress and Monastery of the Presentation, soaring cliffs and scenic drives; the peninsula of Monte Argentario is a must in your Tuscan itinerary. Located on a peninsula about an hour and a half from Rome, two and half from Florence, Monte Argentario promises incredible views of the ocean as well as the islands of Giglio and Giannutri in the distance. The best way to experience Monte Argentario is to rent a bike or scooter in the town of Orbetello, and head out for a scenic ride along the main route which offers wonderful views of the open blue sea.

5. Visit “Much Ado About Nothing” film location

Did you know that "Much Ado About Nothing" was filmed right here in Villa Vignamaggio?

If you are a fan of Chianti wine, William Shakespeare and the movie “Much Ado About Nothing,” you definitely want to add Villa Vignamaggio to your list of places to see in Tuscany. Located in Greve in the Chianti region, the villa served as the film location for the movie “Much Ado About Nothing.” Today, Villa Vignamaggio opens its doors for tours of their vineyards and wine cellars.

6. Learn about ancient Italy

Learn about Italy's ancient civilizations in the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca (Museum of the Etruscan City of Cortona).

As you know, Tuscany is home to many world-renowned museums and one of the best to learn about ancient civilizations in Italy is Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca (Museum of the Etruscan City of Cortona). This museum features various displays of interesting ancient artifacts including chandeliers, burial objects and a bronze tablet (Tabula Cortonensis) over 2000 years old belonging to the Etruscan civilization of Etruria, which is modern day Tuscany.

7. Get a taste of a real Italian Duomo

Duomo di Prato boasts some of the most stunning 15th century frescoes and relief carvings you’ll ever see in a cathedral.

Located about half an hour northwest of Florence, the Duomo di Prato (Prato Cathedral) may not be one of the best-known cathedrals in Tuscany but that doesn’t mean it isn’t grand. In fact, you'll find some of the most stunning 15th-century frescoes and relief carvings you’ll ever see in a cathedral. Many artists have contributed work including Pratesi, Pisano and Luca Della Robbia. The woodcarving of the exterior pulpit of the cathedral was decorated by Donatello (see top photo), while the fresco cycle in the choir was painted by Filippo Lippi.

Another great thing about visiting the Prato Cathedral is that you won’t have to contend with huge tourist crowds.

This concludes our tour of some of the best off-the-beaten-path attractions in Tuscany. The next time you visit Italy, why not include one or more of these fascinating places of discovery.