Photo tour through Tuscany
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Cypress-lined avenues, secluded chapels, hills shrouded in morning mist, and medieval towers – few regions are as photogenic as Tuscany. For a photography trip, the Val d'Orcia and the Crete Senesi south of Siena are particularly worthwhile, along with viewpoints in Florence, Lucca, and San Gimignano. Here you'll find the most famous photo spots, the best time of year and light, and helpful tips for your trip.
Photo tour of Tuscany – at a glance
- Top region: Val d'Orcia (UNESCO World Heritage) around San Quirico d'Orcia and Pienza, and the Crete Senesi
- Best light: Sunrise and the hour before sunset
- Best season: April/May (green fields), June (golden grain), October/November (morning fog)
- Features: Telephoto lens for landscapes, wide-angle lens for cities, tripod for twilight
- Respect: Many of the subjects are located on private property – photography is only permitted from paths and roads.
The most famous photo spots in Val d'Orcia and Crete Senesi
| motive | Location | Tip: |
|---|---|---|
| Chapel of the Madonna of Vitaleta | near San Quirico d'Orcia | Short walk from the gravel road; beautiful in spring and in the morning light. |
| Cypress group of San Quirico (Cipressi di San Quirico) | on the road between San Quirico and Radicofani | Parking spaces are scarce; less rush in the morning |
| Podere Belvedere | near San Quirico d'Orcia | Classic fog scene in autumn; telephoto lens |
| Switchbacks near Monticchiello | between Pienza and Monticchiello | Best view from the opposite side, evening light |
| Cypress avenue at Agriturismo Baccoleno | Crete Senesi near Asciano | Only take photos from the street |
| Fields below Pienza | Pienza | Filming location of a famous scene from the movie "Gladiator"; sunrise |
Read more about the town of Pienza and its surroundings in our Pienza town tour . Those who want to experience the Val d'Orcia from above can find hot air balloon rides from Pienza ; for those without their own car, there are day trips to the Val d'Orcia from Florence.
Cities and viewpoints
Florence
The classic view is from Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno River – most beautiful at sunset. From the Duomo dome or Giotto's Campanile, you can photograph the city's rooftops from above (tickets with time slots). More information can be found in the Florence city tour and on the Ponte Vecchio.
Lucca, San Gimignano and Volterra
- Lucca: Torre Guinigi with the holm oaks on the roof and panoramic view over the old town; the tree-lined city wall in the evening light.
- San Gimignano: the silhouette of the family towers from the surrounding hills, best seen in the evening light.
- Volterra: the location high above the hills of the Val di Cecina and the Balze, steep cliff edges at the edge of the village.
Siena and Pisa
In Siena, it's worth climbing the Torre del Mangia above the Piazza del Campo. In Pisa , photograph the Leaning Tower early in the morning before the tour groups arrive.
The best time of year for photos
- April and May: Lush green grain fields, poppies at the edge of the field, clear air.
- June and July: Golden fields and hay bales; sunflower fields bloom around June and July, depending on the location. Harsh light and heat at midday.
- October and November: Morning mist in the valleys, autumn foliage in the vineyards. More information at Tuscany in autumn.
- Veranstaltungen: Palio in Siena (2. Juli und 16. August), Karneval in Viareggio im Februar.
Practical tips for your photo trip
- Location: An agriturismo or hotel near San Quirico d'Orcia or Pienza saves you long morning commutes. You can find accommodations, for example, via Booking.com (Pienza).
- Private property: Fields, yards, and gated driveways are private. Do not walk through fields or block driveways.
- drones: EU drone regulations apply; operator registration in the home country is valid EU-wide. Before flying, also check the regulations of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and the flight restrictions on the d-flight portal map. Flights over towns and villages are severely restricted.
- Car: The scenic landscapes are almost impossible to reach without your own vehicle. Plan your route with our Road trip through Tuscany.
Frequently asked questions about the photo tour to Tuscany
Where are the most beautiful photo spots in Tuscany?
The most famous are located in the Val d'Orcia: the Cappella di Vitaleta, the cypresses of San Quirico, Podere Belvedere, and the serpentine road near Monticchiello. Other notable examples include the cypress avenue near Baccoleno in the Crete Senesi and the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence.
When is the best time to take photos in Tuscany?
For green hills, April and May; for golden fields, June; for morning mist, October and November. The light is best shortly after sunrise and before sunset.
Is it legal to fly a drone in Tuscany?
Generally, yes, according to EU drone regulations; operator registration in the home country is valid EU-wide. Additionally, check the regulations of the aviation authority ENAC and the flight restrictions on d-flight. Flights over populated areas, crowds, and protected areas are restricted or prohibited.
Which lens do I need for the Val d'Orcia?
A telephoto lens is particularly important for the well-known landscape motifs, because many cypress groves and farmsteads are located far away. A wide-angle lens is helpful for cities and interiors.
Do I need a car for a photography trip?
Yes, practically always for landscape shots. The spots are located on country roads and gravel tracks that are hardly accessible by public transport, and the best light is early in the morning.
