Choosing the Best Villas in Tuscany

The trouble with the decision to rent one of the lovely villas in Tuscany for your holiday is that you’re likely to be spoilt for choice. Of course, some companies offering villas in Tuscany may have a larger selection than others, or perhaps they may have more luxurious and exclusive accommodation than their competition. However, it’s a fair bet that you’ll see some truly beautiful villas with wonderful facilities, surrounded by breath-taking scenery. So, how do you choose between them?

Spoilt for choice

One of the biggest differentiators is likely to be that old question of location, location, location. While it’s true that no luxury villas in Tuscany are likely to be located anywhere unpleasant, what is probably going to be the case is that their environs may be better suited to some guests’ expectations than others.

Which area?

Let’s take the example of the area around Arezzo. It’s beautiful, wild and offers fantastic attractions, but it’s around a two-hour drive from the Mediterranean, or a little more to the Adriatic around Riccione. Arezzo is a fantastic town with a medieval centre and some incredible things to see and do. It’s wonderful for people who love some of the best in Italian history, art, cuisine and culture. Yet if you have a younger family, you may find the little ones like their sea and sand, so perhaps somewhere a little closer to the coast might suit you better.

Of course, the reverse could also be true. Take, for example, the beautiful coastal areas around Albinia. Here you’ll find some staggeringly beautiful beaches, coves and hills towering over the waves. It’s a fantastic location if you love the sea and nature. Yet if you like the sophistication, history and buzz associated with the region's major towns, it’s worth keeping in mind that from this gorgeous coastline you’ll be just a two-hour drive from Florence and about one and a half hours from Siena.

Many visitors like to ‘hedge their bets’ a little by selecting a location somewhere towards the middle of this large region. That way it is relatively easy to reach all of the attractions of the north and south – plus have the coast close-by too.

Inevitably, many villas will be located in rural environments, though some may be close to a larger town with full amenities. That might also make a difference if you prefer your holidays to be isolated or, by contrast, on the edge of civilization when it comes to things like shops and entertainment.

Another factor might be the proximity to local restaurants. This region is, of course, famous the world over for its cuisine, and you’ll want to sample delights like Porchetta (suckling pig) washed down with some generous (but responsible) helpings of Chianti or Montepulciano wine. That though, might be less easy to experience if your nearest quality restaurant is a 30 minute drive away.

Wherever you go you’ll find fantastic villas in Tuscany; do your research, however, and make sure their location is suited to your personal requirements.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular villas in Tuscany or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.