10 towns for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day in Tuscany

You can choose between a snowshoe hike in the woods, relax at the spa and dinners by candlelight. There are many romantic stories related to these places: there is the Prato della Contessa which tells the legend of the amorous meetings between the knight Adalberto and Gherarda; there is the Eremo di Vivo in Vivo d’Orcia, where access to the village is from the romantic “Lover’s Bridge”. 

I know, a little expected but it’s unquestionable that the Tuscan city par excellence has many romantic views to offer. Just think about Ponte Vecchio, a walk around Piazzale Michelangelo, the view from the top of the Duomo. Or, if you want to be more original, follow a movies itinerary since Florence is often a location for films. A Room with a View, Tea with Mussolini and Under the Tuscan Sun are just some of the most famous ones. 

It is a small medieval village overlooking the Valdichiana, halfway between Siena and Arezzo. It is known for the beauty of the place but also for a great treasure: the Tree of Love, a true masterpiece of Gothic jewelry decorated with coral, enamel and rock crystal. Legend has it that this golden tree seals the promises of love of the couples with fortune and eternal happiness. 

In the maze-like narrow alleys of this Renaissance town, there are many romantic streets such as the street of the kiss, the street of love and the street of fortune. This village has even caught the attention of the director Franco Zeffirelli, who in 1968 chose Pienza as a set to film Romeo and Juliet. 

Located on the waterfront of the province of Livorno, besides being the location of the film The Easy Life by Dino Risi, it is also ideal for a walk from the pinewood to the sea. 

Is there anything more romantic than a castle? Yes, many castles! An original idea for this Valentine’s Day could be a tour of the castles of Lunigiana: from Castle Verrucola in Fivizzano to the Castle Lusuolo in Mulazzo; from Malgrate Castle in Villafranca Lunigiana to Piagnaro Castle in Pontremoli, you have plenty of choice! 

Dining by candlelight in an old mill has undoubtedly its charm. In the province of Pisa there are many farms where you can taste the typical Tuscan recipes immersed in a fairy tale medieval and natural set. 

For a special Valentine’s Day treat yourself to a relaxing day at the spa: this area of Tuscany is renowned for its healing thermal waters. Sometimes it’s good to pamper yourself! 

A nice walk hand-in-hand along the 16th-century walls of Lucca, followed by a dinner in one of the many taverns of the city. What do you think about this idea? 

It is a walled medieval village at the top of a hill of Montalbano (Prato area), with lots of artistic places of interest like one of the most beautiful Tuscan Medici villas. You could take a walk in the centre of the village and do a tasting of the famous Carmignano DOCG.