Tuscany in August – Where to go and What to Do

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. It’s famous for its rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards that dot the landscape. This part of the country is incredible no matter what time of year and August is no different. If you’re visiting Tuscany during this warm, summer month, here are some of the top things you should do.

Visit the Maremma Region

If you want coastline and nature, this protected region is the place. It’s where you’ll find marshes, coastal plains, hills, and forests. The parkland is protected so it will feel wilder and more natural than many other regions of Tuscany.

See the Sunflowers

 The beauty of Tuscany gets even better from June to August when the sunflowers are in bloom. Fields of yellow and green dot the landscape and are especially awe-inspiring when seen up close. The best way to see them is to rent a car and road trip your way around the region. You can stop off the highways and backroads to see the best views of the sunflowers.

Wander San Gimignano

 This medieval town is a great place to explore on a day trip. Check out its skyline, where you’ll notice 15 medieval towers. Wander the cobblestone streets and take in the view of historic buildings that exude culture.

Giostra di Simone

 This town is the destination to visit if you want to experience medieval culture. On the Sunday closest to August 5th, the town of Montisi puts on this celebration of medieval games. The participants are dressed in traditional costumes and there is music, food, and a tournament of knights.

Take a Cooking Class

 August is the hottest month of summer, so heading indoors for a cooking class can get you out of the heat. Tuscany is known for its cuisine, cooking culture, and abundance of fresh ingredients. Learn how to make some of your favourite, Italian dishes like spaghetti, ravioli, and fresh pasta sauce. There will be plenty of cooking courses on offer in Tuscany so choose between a group lesson, solo class, or couples’ class.

Explore Florence

Florence is one of the largest and most famous cities in Tuscany. If you love architecture, art, and history, this city is a must-see. There are tons of museums to keep you busy day and night, which is a great way to get out of the heat. Make sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery to see works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, and Da Vinci. Check out the Accademia Gallery to see the David statue by Michelangelo.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

 This icon is a must-see while in Florence. Have a picnic on the grassy square that surrounds the tower while watching the other tourists take hilarious photos. You can climb inside to check out the view or just admire the tower from below. While many people visit Pisa just for the tower, it’s worth staying the night to check out the other sites that Pisa has to offer.

Elba

This is one of the largest islands off Tuscany. It’s full of quaint buildings and rustic beauty so take some time to wander the town and enjoy the fresh seafood in the nearby restaurants. Elba is a top destination for scuba diving, which is a great way to cool off during the August heat.

If you’re thinking about visiting Tuscany in August, know that it will be hot. However, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat while exploring the culture and beauty of this natural and historic region.