Tuscany is one of my favorite destinations in Europe, and easily one of the best places to rent a villa in Italy. Because so much of its beauty is in its countryside, Tuscany villas are some of the best ways to experience the gentle lifestyle and rich history of this celebrated region. In fact, many Tuscan villas date back to the Renaissance or earlier, and each has its own story to tell. But with so many options, deciding where to rent a villa in Tuscany can be tough.
I’m here to help. This post will go over some of the best places to rent a villa in Tuscany, with pros and cons for each. I’ll also go over which type of traveler each is best for. By the end, you’ll hopefully have a better idea of where to rent a villa in Tuscany for your group.
Feronia – Florence
Renting a Villa in Florence
Tuscany’s most famous destination, Florence is a must-visit destination for art lovers. From museums to architecture, Florence brims with Renaissance energy. It’s also the cultural center of Tuscany, with plenty of great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Many of our Florence villas are just outside the city, giving you a good mix of country and city (see my guide to renting a villa in Florence for more information).
Pros of Renting a Villa in Florence
- Beautiful and walkable historic center
- Easy access to day trips
- World-class museums, dining, and shopping
Cons of Renting a Villa in Florence
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Less outdoor spaces
- Less tranquil than other parts of Tuscany
Renting a Villa in Florence is Best For:
- First timers
- Art lovers
- Travelers who want a mix of city and countryside
Florence Villa Pick
7 bed, 7 + 1 bath
From €2,250/night
Just 15 minutes from Florence, Florence City View Estate provides stunning views of the countryside, as well as of the city itself. It also offers a perfect mix of classical architecture and modern amenities, plus a large pool, fire pit, billiards, spa, and balconies to admire the vistas.
Florence City View Estate – Florence
Renting a Villa in Siena
A medieval city known for its moody and romantic atmosphere, Siena stuns with its lively Piazza del Campo, as well as its narrow, winding streets. Staying in Siena villas results in a slower pace than Florence, and the city has a bigger emphasis on Gothic architecture. It still has plenty of events and restaurants to soak in, though, while also keeping a central location for excursions.
Pros of Renting a Villa in Siena
- Siena has a rich medieval character
- Romantic and atmospheric
- Central location
Cons of Renting a Villa in Siena
- Hilly streets
- Limited nightlife
- Not as well connected as Florence
Renting a Villa in Siena is Best For:
- History lovers
- Architecture buffs
- Couples who want a romantic city
Siena Villa Pick:
13 bed, 12 bath
From €5,000/night
A 17th-century villa and former papal residence, Patrizia uses Roman Baroque style to transport you back in time. It features plenty of authentic art and antique furniture to further the atmosphere. Plus, the garden is also one of the finest in Italy, and, just for fun, there’s also a tennis and game room in the lemon grove beside the house.
Patrizia – Siena
Renting a Villa in Chianti
Stretching between Florence and Siena, Chianti is full of stone villages, olive groves, and, of course, world-famous vineyards. As a result, Chianti villas are often restored farmhouses, reflecting a deep connection to the earth and to the history of the region. This is where you go to experience the quintessential Tuscan countryside, while still being close enough to major sites.
Pros of Renting a Villa in Chianti
- Beautiful landscapes
- Wine tasting and agriturismo
- Easy access to Florence and Siena
Cons of Renting a Villa in Chianti
- You need a car
- Some towns can be sleepy
- More touristy than other parts of the countryside
Renting a Villa in Chianti is Best for:
- Wine lovers
- Foodies
- Visitors who aren’t sure where to stay
Chianti Villa Pick
10 bed, 10 bath
From €8,000/night
A sprawling estate, Vinia offers a space to truly unwind and savor the Tuscan countryside. It features a large pool, a full spa, a gym, and more. It’s all been recently renovated, and the mix of the old and the new creates an intoxicating effect.
Vinia – Chianti
Renting a Villa in Val d’Orcia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Val d’Orcia is renowned for its stunning landscapes and peaceful little towns. This is where you go to find a quieter, more remote side of Tuscany, with pastoral landscapes that reflect the beauty of Renaissance landscapes. It’s considered part of the Siena region, and like the city, Val d’Orcia villas will transport you back in time – only this time to the more rural side of Tuscany.
Pros of Renting a Villa in Val d’Orcia
- Stunning scenery and quiet towns
- Peaceful atmosphere
- World-class wine and truffles
Cons of Staying in Val d’Orcia
- Fewer restaurants and shops
- 5 hours from Florence
- Slower pace can be a con for some
Renting a Villa in Val d’Orcia is Best for:
- Photographers
- Hikers
- Peace-seekers
Val d’Orcia Villa Pick
7 bed, 7 bath
From €2,143/night
Located near Montepulciano, Araldica mixes Baroque and Rococo elements to create a beautiful stay. From the intricate frescos to the dramatic use of space, this villa is the perfect foil to the quiet countryside that surrounds it. Step outside, meanwhile, and you’re surrounded by 60 acres of parkland, with a large pool to let you experience the natural beauty all around you.
Aradilca – Val d’Orcia
Renting a Villa in Lucca
With its Renaissance-era walls and leafy promenades, Lucca has a distinct and charming atmosphere that makes it a favorite of many. Lucca villas reflect this, with unique furnishings and imaginative decor that celebrate the area’s rich artistic heritage.
Pros of Renting a Villa in Lucca
- Flat and easy to navigate
- Good area for families
- Less touristy but still cultured
Cons of Renting a Villa in Lucca
- Not central to other Tuscan sites
- Smaller selection of villas
- Fewer large estates
Renting a Villa in Lucca is Best for:
- Families
- Cyclists
- Those wanting a mix of tranquility and culture
Lucca Villa Pick
7 bed, 5 bath
From €1,507/night
A serene country residence, Dimora Lucchese offers gracious outdoor living, with a saltwater pool, a wood-fired pizza oven, a hot tub, and a waterfall. Plus, it’s all surrounded by olive groves and woodlands. Inside, you’ll find a refined take on the traditional Lucchese country home with plenty of surprises, including a very distinct water feature.
Dimora Lucchese – Lucca
Renting a Villa in Maremma
Stretched out along Tuscany’s southern coast, Maremma offers a glimpse of a wilder, more untamed Tuscany. It’s full of pine forest, olive groves, quiet beaches, and ancient hill towns like Pitigliano and Capalbio. As such, Maremma villas have a deep connection to the land, often one that has stretched through centuries.
Pros of Renting a Villa in Maremma
- Coast and countryside
- Fewer tourists
- Local food and wine
Cons of Renting a Villa in Maremma
- Less polished than central Tuscany
- Less villas
- Not ideal for first-time visitors
Renting a Villa in Maremma is Best For:
- Beach lovers
- Nature seekers
- Repeat visitors looking for something new
Maremma Villa Pick:
6 bed, 5 bath
From €7,142/night
Fully staffed, including a cook, Uniana provides a truly rejuvenating experience. It features a beautiful pool surrounded by lush greenery, high-end furnishings and finishes throughout, and even a bunkbed room that the kids will love. This is the perfect place to unwind and create unforgettable memories with family.
Uniana – Maremma
Summary of Where to Rent a Villa in Tuscany
- For first-timers, art, and city lovers: Florence
- For history, architecture, and couples: Siena
- For wine, food, and central countryside: Chianti
- For photography, hiking, and peace: Val d’Orcia
- For families, cyclists, and a calm city: Lucca
- For coast, nature, and something new: Maremma
Tips for Renting a Villa in Tuscany
- Book early for peak season, and consider shoulder season
- You’ll likely need a rental car if you’re staying in the Tuscan countryside
- Ask about A/C, though many older stone villas stay cool naturally
- Wi-Fi may not be available throughout the whole house in older villas – ask to be sure
- Don’t overbook your itinerary – take time to relax
- Check if the villa is staffed, and if there’s a cook, ask about access to the kitchen
- Let your Concierge help arrange rental cars, additional staff, wine tasting, excursions, and more.
Millelodi – Lucca
Still Wondering Where to Rent a Villa in Tuscany?
Hopefully, after this post, you have a better idea of where to rent a villa in Tuscany. Other beautiful spots like Cortona and Pisa are worth visiting on day trips, but for a full villa stay, the regions above offer the best mix of comfort, beauty, and things to do.
If you’re still wondering where to rent a villa in Tuscany for your group specifically, then contact a Rental Escapes villa specialist. They’ll be happy to provide you with a personalized recommendation, as well as present you with some great villa options for your group.
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