Autumn In Tuscany: 5 Things To Do On Site.
Tuscany, which is among the most touristy regions in Italy, takes on a special glow when autumn arrives. Between vineyards and forests with vibrant foliage, the region offers an exceptional setting during this time of year for hiking, cycling, or thermal tourism. We have listed 5 things to do on site to enjoy autumn in Tuscany.
1- Strolling through the vineyards.
The first thing to do to appreciate the beauty of autumn in Tuscany is to visit the Tuscan vineyard. This region of Italy is the production area of the famous Chianti.
To explore the vineyard once the harvest is over, you can, for example, take the route of Via Romea Sanese, an ancient path that winds through the heart of Chianti Classico, between winding hills and vast expanses of vineyards and olive groves.
This route connects the historic centers of Florence and Siena (two must-see cities classified as World Heritage Sites), before joining the Via Francigena. This journey will take you, in just four stages, from the works of Florentine Renaissance to the treasures of Sienese Middle Ages.
Autumn is the ideal season to travel this route and enjoy the numerous wine festivals that have animated the villages of Chianti for centuries.
2- Admire the autumn colors in the forests of Garfagnana.
Autumn in Tuscany is also the most favorable time to discover the colorful landscapes of Garfagnana, a forested region nestled between mountains and watered by the Serchio. Just follow the trail of Via Matildica del Volto Santo, which starts from the Apennine ridges. This itinerary begins near the village of San Pellegrino in Alpe (the highest inhabited village in the Apennines), then descends and crosses large forests of fir trees and chestnuts. The last stage of this journey is the art city of Lucca, surrounded by monumental Renaissance ramparts. Take advantage of this season to visit the villages of Garfagna Valle del Serchio, nestled in the Apennines: at this time of year, they come alive with typical festivals and celebrations, especially the chestnut festivals.
3- Relax at the Saturnia thermal baths.
You may not know it, but Tuscany is one of the regions in Italy with the highest concentration of thermal establishments! All types of water are represented: from cold waters that do not reach 20°C to hot waters that exceed 40°C and reach peaks of no less than 52°C!
These thermal waters owe their virtues to the geological characteristics of the region. We go from cold waters filtering from the depths of the Apennine marbles to hot waters generated by the power of local volcanism.
One of the best things to do in Tuscany in autumn is to enjoy the Saturnia thermal baths, whose waters have been gushing at a constant temperature of 37.5°C for over 3000 years!
These thermal baths are among the top 5 "Best Destination Spas" in the world according to the annual edition of the World's Best Awards 2023. A well-deserved international recognition!
4- Combining thermalism and cycling tourism
To fully enjoy autumn in Tuscany, the most sporty among you can also hop on a bike and combine thermalism with cycling... The legendary "Eroica" cycle route stretches its 209 km of dirt paths from Gaiole in Chianti to Montalcino, passing through the Val d'Orcia.
Along this route, cyclists can relax and get back in shape at numerous thermal spas. The charming village of Rapolano is home to the Antica Querciolaia Thermal Baths, whose healing waters are renowned for treating joint problems. Also in Rapolano, the Terme San Giovanni uses bicarbonate-calcium waters that relieve muscle pain.
In the Val d'Orcia, a stop is a must in the village of Bagno Vignoni, built around a large pool of thermal water of volcanic origin. The Bagno Vignoni Thermal Baths offer waters at 49°C as well as treatments aimed at relaxation, well-being, and physical recovery.
Finally, the Albergo Posta Marcucci invites you to experience the pleasure of thermalism in a timeless structure, following a tradition dating back to 1886!
5- Discover the island of Elba by bike
The last of the 5 things to do in Tuscany in autumn is to visit the island of Elba by bike. This island, where Napoleon was exiled for 300 days between 1814 and 1815, is the largest in the Tuscan archipelago and the third largest in Italy in terms of area.
A popular destination for cycling and sea lovers, it offers challenging routes such as the ascent of Monte Perone or more accessible ones like the Costa del Sole.
This scenic route of about 50 km is easy to follow. It allows you to ride in the footsteps of Napoleon to the beaches where you can stop for a swim and enjoy the mildness of the late season in the region.
