Winter vacation in Tuscany
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In winter, Tuscany is peaceful, affordable, and surprisingly diverse: you can ski in the Apennines, bathe in hot springs, visit Florence and Siena without the crowds, and sample truffles. The coast remains mild, while the mountains snow. Here you'll find the best ideas for a winter holiday in Tuscany – including ski resorts, thermal baths, and dates.
Winter holidays in Tuscany – at a glance
- To ski: Abetone (Province Pistoia, approximately 50 km of slopes) and Monte Amiata (approx. 10 km of slopes, cross-country skiing) – more information at Ski holiday in Tuscany
- Thermal baths: Free hot springs like the Cascate del Mulino near Saturnia (approx. 37 °C) are also accessible in winter.
- Cities: Shorter queues in Florence, Siena and Pisa – Uffizi tickets officially on uffizi.it or with guided tour via GetYourGuide
- Enjoyment: White truffles in November (San Miniato truffle fair), fresh olive oil after the harvest
- February highlight: Carnival of Viareggio
- Air conditioning: Mild on the coast, cool inland, frost and snow in the mountains
Skiing and winter sports
Abetone – the largest ski resort in Tuscany
The Abetone – Val di Luce ski resort is located in the Apennines, in the municipality of Abetone Cutigliano (province of Pistoia). Around 50 kilometers of slopes and 17 lifts are spread across altitudes of approximately 1.200 to 1.950 meters, including around Monte Gomito. Abetone is particularly popular with families from Florence, Pisa , and Lucca; consequently, it gets quite busy on weekends. Accommodation directly in Abetone can be found on Booking.com . Details about the slopes and ski passes can be found in our article " Ski Holidays in Tuscany ."
Monte Amiata – Skiing on the ancient volcano
Monte Amiata (1.738 m) in southern Tuscany is a small ski area ideal for day trips: approximately 10 kilometers of slopes with several lifts reaching an altitude of around 1.738 meters, spread across the Vetta, Prato delle Macinaie, and Prato della Contessa areas. Cross-country skiers can enjoy trails through the beech forest, for example, between Marsiliana and Macinaie. Access points are Abbadia San Salvatore and Castel del Piano. Snow conditions vary considerably depending on the winter – check the snow report at amiataneve.it beforehand . Without snow, the mountain offers beautiful hiking opportunities; see Hiking on Monte Amiata.
| Ski Area | Slopes | Lifts | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abetone – Val di Luce (PT) | about 50 km | 17 | approx. 1.200–1.950 m |
| Monte Amiata (SI/GR) | about 10 km | 7 | approx. 1.270–1.738 m |
Thermal baths in winter
Hot water in cold air – the thermal baths of Tuscany are particularly appealing in winter. The Cascate del Mulino near Saturnia (municipality of Manciano, approx. 37°C), the springs of Bagni San Filippo and Petriolo, and the public pool in San Casciano dei Bagni are freely accessible and free of charge. However, bathing in the historic pool in the village of Bagno Vignoni is prohibited. Classic spa towns with thermal baths include Montecatini Terme, about 50 km west of Florence, and Venturina Terme on the Etruscan Coast (admission fee applies).
Cities and culture without crowds
From November to February (excluding the Christmas/New Year period), Florence , Siena , Lucca , and Pisa are significantly quieter than in summer, and hotels are cheaper. However, you should still book museums like the Uffizi Gallery in advance, specifying a time slot – officially at uffizi.it or as a guided Uffizi tour through GetYourGuide . For rainy days, a cooking class in Tuscany is a great option. Please note: Many beach resorts, campsites, and some restaurants along the coast are closed during the winter.
Truffles, olive oil and festivals
Truffle season
The white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) is in season in late autumn. The most important event is the Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco in San Miniato, between Pisa and Florence, which takes place over three weekends in November (2026: November 14./15, 21./22, and 28./29). The largest white truffle ever documented, weighing 1954 grams, was found in the hills around San Miniato in 2.520. The black truffle season follows in winter.
Olive oil and markets
After the olive harvest in late autumn, the fresh, green, and tangy Olio Nuovo is available at the olive mills. Weekly markets also take place in winter – you can see which town has a market on which day in our overview of markets in Tuscany.
Carnival of Viareggio
In February, the carnival in Viareggio attracts visitors from all over Italy with its huge papier-mâché floats. 2027 the parades take place on 30 January and on 4, 7, 9, 14 and 20 February along the seafront promenade (as of November 2026).
Winter holiday with a motorhome
Even with a campervan, Tuscany is worth a visit in winter: the campsites are empty, and the temperatures on the coast are mild. However, many campsites are closed, and gas for heating is an issue – German gas cylinders are not exchanged in Italy. You can find tips on this under Winter Camping in Tuscany and Camping Gas in Italy.
Frequently asked questions about winter holidays in Tuscany
Is it possible to go skiing in Tuscany?
Yes. The largest ski area is Abetone – Val di Luce in the province of Pistoia, with around 50 km of slopes and 17 lifts. The ski area on Monte Amiata is smaller, with about 10 km of slopes and cross-country trails.
What is the weather like in Tuscany in winter?
Mild on the coast, cool inland with frosty nights, cold with snow in the Apennines and on Monte Amiata. Rain is more frequent in winter than in summer.
Is it possible to bathe in thermal baths in Tuscany during the winter?
Yes. The natural springs such as the Cascate del Mulino near Saturnia (approx. 37 °C), Bagni San Filippo and Petriolo are accessible all year round, in addition to thermal baths in Montecatini Terme and other spa towns.
When is truffle season in Tuscany?
White truffles are in season in late autumn. The highlight is the truffle fair in San Miniato, held over three weekends in November; black truffles follow in winter.
When is the Carnival of Viareggio?
In February, around carnival time. 2027 the parades take place on 30 January and on 4, 7, 9, 14 and 20 February.
Is Florence worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Outside of the holidays, museums and the old town are significantly less crowded, and hotels are cheaper. However, you should still book tickets for the Uffizi Gallery in advance, specifying a time slot.
