The Allure of Visiting Tuscany in the Off-Peak Season

My husband and I enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring seafood spaghetti and crispy fritto misto at the Bagno Assunta beach club in Forte dei Marmi, a posh seaside town along the Tuscan coast, and we find ourselves alone. It's a pleasant spring day in May—the atmosphere is vibrant yet uncrowded, which is our ideal. However, striking this balance can be difficult, particularly in Tuscany.

I can attest to this. I've lost track of how many times I've traveled to Tuscany over the years, both for work and leisure. Residing in Rome makes Tuscany feel like my own backyard. Recently, it appears that many Italians are becoming increasingly frustrated with the overtourism affecting some of the country's popular destinations. In 2023, over 46 million tourists flocked to Tuscany, while the region's population is approximately 3.75 million.

Although most tourists flock to Tuscany in the summer, there’s an abundance of activities to enjoy during the off season—from around October to April—if you know where to look.

Guidelines for Experiencing Tuscany During the Off-Peak Season

1. Embrace the Local Lifestyle

A significant factor contributing to overtourism in Tuscany is how visitors often treat it as a fleeting stop, quickly checking off iconic attractions before hurrying to the next destination. This approach contradicts the authentic Tuscan way of life. The off-peak months offer an excellent opportunity to indulge in the simple joys, such as leisurely lunches and tranquil days spent at the beach with a captivating book.

While in Forte dei Marmi, I explored on a bicycle and savored fresh oysters and seafood-topped bruschette at Pesce Baracca. I roamed around, discovering artisanal treasures like the stunning baskets at La Cesteria and the exquisite shoe collection by Giovanni del Forte, crafted by a shoemaker with over 40 years of experience.

2. Think About Your Destinations

The low season appears to be shrinking each year, particularly in popular cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa. The peak season typically spans the height of summer, from June to August, when children are on break and families take the opportunity to travel. In Florence, the only truly crowd-free period has now become winter, roughly from January until Easter.

If you're planning to enjoy Tuscany's beaches, summer remains your best option for favorable weather, as coastal towns like Forte dei Marmi and Porto Ercole often close during winter and reopen in spring. Be mindful that some hotels and resorts also shut their doors for a few months in winter. For greater availability, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (April and May or September and October), which tend to attract fewer visitors.

3. Extend Your Stay

Florence may be a relatively compact city, but it is brimming with artistic gems that are much easier to explore without the throngs of summer tourists. You’ll need at least three or four days just to cover the essentials. By staying longer, you can delve deeper into the local scene, discovering neighborhoods like Oltrarno and Sant’Ambrogio, which feature less crowded food markets and charming boutique shops.

While a day trip from Florence to Siena, Pisa, Lucca, or San Gimignano is certainly possible, spending a few days in the countryside or along the coast is truly worthwhile. In these hill towns and beach towns, life moves at a more relaxed pace.

4. Venture Off the Beaten Path

The region is home to numerous hidden gems waiting to be explored. Capalbio is one of Italy’s most delightful villages, featuring a historic center atop a hill with narrow cobblestone streets, along with pristine beaches just a short 15-minute drive away. The quaint hill town of Volterra is famous for its alabaster, where you can find beautifully crafted items made from this luminous stone. Pienza boasts a UNESCO-recognized historic center and is renowned for its sheep’s milk cheese, pecorino di Pienza. Strolling through the medieval town of Certaldo feels like a journey back in time; you can savor a leisurely lunch and shop for ceramics crafted by local artisans.

Another wonderful way to experience Tuscany during the off season is to schedule activities such as winery tours and cooking classes. Many wineries offer lunch, allowing you to enjoy a tour and tasting in the late morning, followed by a delightful meal. Alternatively, you can spend your morning learning to prepare local dishes like pici pasta and chicken cacciatore with a local chef, such as cookbook author Giulia Scarpaleggia.

Best Places to Stay in Tuscany

Forte dei Marmi features several luxury resorts, but for a more personal touch, consider booking a room at the family-owned Villa Roma Imperiale. Originally constructed as a private villa, it offers just 32 rooms, some with direct access to the garden and pool. Meanwhile, La Roqqa is a new hotel located in Porto Ercole, along Tuscany's southern coast, showcasing a stylish modern design and an upscale beach club nestled in a secluded cove.

For those seeking the ideal base to explore the countryside, consider staying at Borgo San Felice, a Relais & Châteaux hotel situated in a historic hamlet featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant. Alternatively, Borgo Santo Pietro, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, embodies the enchanting vision of a rural Tuscan escape (and is also featured on Dinogo’s list of the top hotels in Tuscany). If you're traveling with a group and desire space and privacy, Villa Ardore is a beautifully restored 16th-century farmhouse in the heart of Chianti Classico, offering eight bedrooms, a full kitchen with a vegetable garden, a spa, and an infinity pool overlooking the picturesque hills.