Spring in Tuscany: Markets, Villages and the Best of the Season
Before the crowds, after the grey: April and May in Tuscany are the best-kept secret
Why spring (here) works better
In summer, Tuscany is stunning, but it’s also predictable.In spring, it’s not. Days gradually grow longer, just enough to stay outside without checking the time. Temperatures are perfect for walking, sitting in the sun, moving around without needing shelter. The rush stops being a priority. And in all this, normal life makes the difference. You notice it when you walk into a café, where the customers are the regulars. Or strolling through market stalls where people no longer hurry away, but browse slowly, choosing with care.
And it’s in this exact moment that you understand: spring is the best time to be in Tuscany. No hit-and-run tourism, no forced pace.
Fewer crowds, easier travel, restaurants accessible without long waits, a more relaxed rhythm—and often, lower costs. In this more livable Tuscany, even finding a good place to stay is less complicated than in peak season.
Markets, from the inside
Going to the market in Tuscany is a habit.Weekly markets shape everyday life: fruit and vegetables, local products, clothing, household items. Every area has its own day, and the market moves with a precise rhythm from cities to smaller towns. In cities, market days are often twice a week: in Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia, for example, every Wednesday and Saturday.
In smaller towns, markets usually come once a week (Friday in Camaiore, Thursday in Viareggio, Saturday in Vico Pisano).
In Versilia, the Mercato del Forte is an institution. A reference point for those looking for quality clothing, cashmere, home linens, ceramics and objects—often at interesting prices. It takes place every Wednesday from 8:00 to 13:30 and, from spring to October, also on Sundays in Piazza Marconi in Forte dei Marmi.
Then there are the farmers’ markets. In Lucca, for example, every Saturday (from 7:00 to 13:00) at the Foro Boario you’ll find vegetables, fruit, grains, legumes, dairy products, eggs, meat—strictly seasonal and locally sourced. Properly made and brought directly by small local farms.
Antiques: dates to mark down
Alongside weekly markets, there are monthly antique fairs, which return in spring to enliven squares and historic centers.Arezzo. Antiques Fair
Why go. The oldest and most prestigious in Italy. With over 200 exhibitors, you can find everything: objects, furnishings, period furniture, jewelry, rare books, prints, ceramics, coins, toys, vintage clothing, paintings, and collectible curiosities.When. First Sunday of the month and the Saturday before, in Piazza Grande and the historic center.
Lucca. Antiques Market
Why go. The stalls are set among Lucca’s historic squares and most charming corners, making it a great way to discover the city.When. Third Sunday of the month and the Saturday before, within the city walls (Piazza Antelminelli and surrounding areas).
Camaiore – Camaiore Antiqua
Why go. Created to enhance the area year-round, it’s a reference point for lovers of vintage, mid-century, and brocante.When. Fourth Saturday of the month (excluding July and August), in the pedestrian historic center.
Villages, before the pace changes
Villages and hilly areas are at their best in this season: Lucca and its surroundings, Garfagnana, Val d’Orcia, the countryside around Arezzo.Sometimes the best choice is to take a detour, follow a secondary road, stop somewhere unplanned. You may find yourself in quiet streets, small squares, and silent buildings, towns born in the medieval era, overcrowded in summer but accessible and welcoming in spring. You might stumble upon a local festival or village celebration not even advertised, events designed more for those who live there than for visitors. And that’s exactly what makes them interesting.
Events worth not missing
Lucca – Saint Zita Flower and Sweets Festival
Why go. A celebration of spring that turns the historic center into a true garden, dedicated to the “Saint of Flowers.” Taking part means stepping into the heart of Lucca’s traditions: strolling through the colorful stalls of Piazza Anfiteatro, choosing plants and flowers, tasting the traditional dolci di erbi.When. April 23–27, 2026
Marlia (Lucca) – Marcia delle Ville
Why go. Set in the hills around Lucca, this walk (Saturday, April 25, 2026) crosses beautiful landscapes among historic residences and monumental villas open for the occasion. A different way to explore the area—through nature, architecture, and convivial stops.When. Saturday, April 25, 2026
Calcinaia (Pisa) – Sagra della Nozza
Why go. The culture of a place also passes through its food. For those who want to truly enter the rhythm of Tuscany, joining a food festival is always a good idea. These are simple but authentic moments, where food tells stories that have existed for generations. The Sagra della Nozza is dedicated to a traditional rural sweet: a cone-shaped wafer flavored with anise and rosolio, enjoyed as it is or filled with whipped cream.When. May 16–17, 2026
Pistoia – Pistoia in Fiore
Why go. For two days, the streets in the heart of the city turn into a large open-air exhibition, with an extraordinary variety of plants, flowers, natural essences, garden accessories, and artisan creations.When. Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23, 2026
A few practical tips
What to wear.
In Tuscany in spring, expect warm, sunny days but evenings that can still be crisp. The best approach is layering—or as they say in Tuscany, dressing “like an onion.” A T-shirt, a shirt, a sweater, and a windproof jacket, especially if you plan to spend the whole day outdoors.And of course, comfortable shoes, always.