Spring in Tuscany: Markets, Villages and the Best of the Season
Thursday, April 23, 2026,
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.
When to book.
April and May are no longer “in-between” months. They are increasingly in demand, especially by those looking for peace and quiet, so the best options sell out sooner than you might expect.
Spring is short, and more sought after than ever. If you’re planning a trip during this time, now is the right moment to find your villa in Tuscany, before the pace changes.
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.
When to book.
April and May are no longer “in-between” months. They are increasingly in demand, especially by those looking for peace and quiet, so the best options sell out sooner than you might expect.
Spring is short, and more sought after than ever. If you’re planning a trip during this time, now is the right moment to find your villa in Tuscany, before the pace changes.
Spring in Tuscany: Markets, Villages and the Best of the Season: Read More
Outdoor dining in Tuscany: dining under the stars
Thursday, April 16, 2026,
Experience the magic of dining outdoors in Tuscan country homes. Villas and farmhouses among olive groves and hills, sunsets over the sea, and unforgettable evenings.
The first day in a Tuscan house is always something special.You arrive in the late afternoon, drop off your bags, open the windows, and the evening air drifts in gently. The house is exactly as you expected… often even better!But it’s when someone asks, “Where do we eat?” that the vacation truly begins.Unhurriedly, the table starts to come alive with the few things bought along the way: bread, tomatoes, a piece of cheese, a bottle of wine… The table is set with what’s there. Nothing is perfect, but everything works.In many Tuscan country homes, the heart of the evening is an outdoor table.It might be under a pergola covered in wisteria, with light filtering through the leaves, or in the garden beneath a tree. Sometimes it’s a terrace with a view of the lake.Often, the first dinner is the most memorable: simple, spontaneous, with no plans at all. Plates arrive without any particular order, someone gets up to fetch more bread, someone pours the wine, someone tells a story.No one checks the clock. In Tuscany, dinner seems never-ending. Cicadas fill the air, then slowly fall silent. All that remains are voices, clinking glasses, a few laughs. There’s no music. None is needed.What makes it all feel real are the people. The host who welcomed you and left a bottle of wine saying, “This is the right one for your first evening.” The lady in the village selling vegetables from her garden. The small nearby restaurant that prepares something to take home. Simple details, but they’re the ones that stay with you.The light changes little by little, night falls, but no one wants to get up. You stay at the table a little longer, even without eating.Then, almost without realizing it, the evening ends. You clear the table together, close the house gently, and go to bed with that sense of fulfillment that only simple days can bring, already thinking about breakfast the next morning, outside with the same calm.It’s not the house that makes the difference. It’s the way you live it.Take, for example, Casa degli Olivi, a charming farmhouse recently fully renovated, nestled among the picturesque hills of Pisa and surrounded by hundreds of olive trees: a peaceful retreat with a beautiful garden, a shaded pergola, and breathtaking sunsets over the Tuscan valley.Some homes are tucked among the olive trees, more intimate, where the evening arrives slowly, and dinner easily becomes a shared moment, with a glass of wine and a conversation that seems endless.La Furbina, with its large porch overlooking the pool and countryside, invites outdoor living without overthinking it. The table is there, the view is open, everything encourages slowing down.Then there are smaller homes with wide views stretching to the sea, where dinner is more intimate, almost silent, with the light and sounds of the countryside as a backdrop.Il Castagno, on the hills of Camaiore, is one of those places. An old house surrounded by olive trees and terraces, with open views and sunsets over the sea.Slow evenings, outdoor dinners, fresh air, the pleasure of dining without hurry, the sound of silence, and light giving way to the night: wasn’t this what you were looking for?Evenings like these are what make a holiday in Tuscany truly special. Our homes are meant to be lived this way: among gardens, terraces, porches, and tables under the stars. Choose yours on Tuscanhouses.com.
Outdoor dining in Tuscany: dining under the stars: Read More
Lucca and surroundings: the perfect slow Tuscany escape
Wednesday, March 11, 2026,
A journey through Lucca’s historic centre and the surrounding countryside, discovering homes, villas and the quiet rhythm of a true slow Tuscany escape.
There are places in Tuscany that reveal themselves slowly. Lucca is one of them.At first glance it may seem simply a perfectly preserved Renaissance town, enclosed within its ancient walls, set between gentle hills and the sea. But spend even a short holiday here, walk through its quiet streets or stop in a small square where everyday life unfolds without hurry, and it quickly becomes clear that Lucca is much more than that.This elegant corner of Tuscany has long been loved by those looking for a different way of travelling: an experience built not around busy itineraries, but around the simple pleasure of enjoying a holiday at a slower pace.The beauty of Lucca lies in its balanceInside the historic walls, the city moves with a natural calm. Choosing a home in Lucca’s historic centre means waking up in the morning and beginning the day among soft conversations and the gentle clinking of coffee cups in the cafés.You might cross the city by bicycle, riding peacefully along its cobbled streets, stopping at the small neighbourhood shops that have existed for generations, where locals still pause to exchange a few words.The city walls welcome joggers and cyclists commuting to work. Walking past medieval towers you eventually arrive at the famous Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and by climbing Torre Guinigi you can enjoy a sweeping 360-degree view that begins with the rooftops of the city and stretches across the surrounding countryside.This is the Lucca most visitors first discover, a place that never fails to surprise with its beauty.Then there is the Lucca of everyday life: the markets (including the Mercato Antiquario Lucchese, which fills the historical centre with stalls on the third Sunday of each month and the Saturday before) the shops where you can truly find everything, and the restaurants that still preserve the flavours of traditional Lucchese cuisine.Among our favourites are Gli Orti di Elisa, a place we can now consider something of a local institution, and Osteria La Dritta, a newer and more contemporary restaurant with an urban feel that we are certain will soon earn a special place in the city’s dining scene.Where to stay in LuccaStaying in the centre of Lucca means experiencing the city as those who live here do.Among the homes available in Lucca’s historic centre, Casa Lilla, for example, is perfect for those who want to explore the city on foot. It sits just a few steps from Via Fillungo and the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. This classic Tuscan house is arranged over three levels and has been tastefully restored while preserving its original architectural features. On the ground floor there is a secure space for bicycles, ideal for exploring the city on two wheels, while at the top of the house a small private terrace overlooking the rooftops offers the perfect setting for an evening aperitivo at sunset, surrounded by the atmosphere of Lucca.Another beautiful option in the historic centre is Casa Lauren, located inside the majestic Palazzo dei Nobili, once home to the Banca d’Italia. Here historic elegance blends with modern comfort. The Tessieri marble floors run throughout the apartment in refined geometric patterns, echoing the spirit of old Lucca. Staying here means experiencing the quiet charm of the historic centre, with everything just a short walk away.Villas and countryside near LuccaJust beyond the city walls, the Lucca countryside opens into gentle hills, vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages that seem suspended in time. Here Tuscany reveals its most authentic and unhurried side, perfect for anyone looking for a true slow Tuscany escape.Mornings begin with open windows and warm air drifting in from the garden. The day may unfold with the discovery of a hidden hilltop village, a long outdoor lunch beneath ancient olive trees, and a quiet moment on the terrace, while evenings stretch slowly under vine-covered pergolas, accompanied by the golden light of sunset.Staying in the Lucca countryside offers something many travellers are increasingly looking for: space, silence and the feeling of living within the landscape, rather than simply visiting it.What makes Lucca truly special is the sense of authenticity it conveys. Life here moves at a human pace: bakeries open early in the morning, trattorias serve recipes that have not changed for decades, and evenings still belong to the simple ritual of a stroll through the piazza before dinner.It is a place where slowing down feels natural, and where every stay, whether in the city or in the countryside, becomes a slow experience that stays with you.Choosing a villa near Lucca allows you to experience Tuscany in a more personal and unhurried way, guided more by curiosity than by schedules.In the countryside around Lucca you will find many homes that perfectly reflect the spirit of this landscape: old stone farmhouses, villas surrounded by olive groves and hilltop houses overlooking the valley.These are welcoming homes designed for outdoor living: shaded gardens, terraces where breakfast is enjoyed in the morning light, and large tables beneath pergolas where summer dinners stretch long into the evening.Many villas near Lucca offer a private swimming pool, perfect for cooling off on warm days and enjoying a glass of wine at sunset. Others, perhaps smaller and more intimate, simply offer the quiet of a garden, the scent of olive trees and the feeling of being immersed in nature.There is no single way to experience the Lucchese countryside. Some travellers look for a villa with a pool near Lucca where they can spend most of the day outdoors, while others prefer a house in the hills to use as a base for exploring villages and the surrounding territory. In both cases, what makes a stay here special is the same thing: a sense of space, light and time moving more slowly.Browse our homes in Lucca and the surrounding countryside and start planning your own slow escape in Tuscany.
Lucca and surroundings: the perfect slow Tuscany escape: Read More