Rent a holiday home in Tuscany
A holiday home is the most popular type of accommodation in Tuscany: from a farmhouse (casale) with a pool in Chianti to an apartment in an agriturismo to a house near the sea. The key is choosing the right region, keeping a realistic eye on additional costs, and finding a good location for excursions. Here you will find tips for selecting and booking.
Holiday home in Tuscany: The most important things
- Select region: Hilly countryside (Chianti, Val d'Orcia) for culture and wine, coast (Versilia, Etruscan Coast, Maremma) for beach holidays
- Plan to use a car: Many houses are located in remote areas, often accessible only via gravel roads.
- Check additional costs: Final cleaning, security deposit, electricity/heating, tourist tax (imposta di soggiorno)
- Reputable providers: Short-term rentals in Italy require a national identification number (CIN), which must be included in the advertisement.
- Book early: For July and August, houses with pools are quickly booked.
Find and book a holiday home
Use the search box below to compare holiday homes throughout Tuscany. Alternatively, you can also find holiday apartments, agriturismos, and country houses on Booking.com.
Here's what you should pay attention to when booking.
- Location and access: Check the map to see how far away the nearest town, supermarket, and beach are. "Strada bianca" means gravel road.
- Pool: Ask about the pool season – many pools are only open from around May/June to September – and whether it is shared with other guests.
- Charges: Final cleaning, bed linen, electricity, heating and security deposit are often charged separately. Many Tuscan municipalities also levy a tourist tax per person per night.
- Air conditioning: In the height of summer, it gets very hot inland – thick natural stone walls help, but air conditioning is still a plus.
- Cancellation policy: Compare the deadline for free cancellation; a deposit is common with private landlords.
- Have your ID ready: Landlords in Italy must register their guests with the authorities and therefore need your ID upon arrival.
- With dog: Dog-friendly houses and tips can be found at Holiday home with dog in Tuscany.
Free cancellation: pay attention
Many providers offer properties that can be cancelled free of charge up to a certain date before arrival. The deadlines vary depending on the property and are stated in the description of each offer.
- Read the deadline carefully: "Free cancellation" usually only applies up to a specific date before arrival; after that, cancellation fees apply.
- Check deposit: Clarify whether and when the deposit will be fully refunded in case of cancellation.
- Compare tariffs: Cancellable offers are sometimes slightly more expensive than non-refundable ones.
- Travel cancellation insurance: It kicks in for insured reasons such as illness, once the free period has expired.
The most beautiful regions for a holiday home
The wine from Tuscany's Chianti region is world-renowned and a highlight for gourmets. Extra virgin Tuscan olive oil , a staple in the regional cuisine, is also highly prized. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of the world's great art centers; its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Tyrrhenian coast of the region is famous for its white sandy beaches and pine forests. In August, Florentines flock to places like Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and the island of Elba.
Florence and Chianti
For those who want to combine culture and scenery, the best place to stay is south of Florence in the Chianti region . From here, Florence, Siena, Monteriggioni, and San Gimignano are easily accessible. A house in Florence itself is worthwhile for purely city breaks; however, if you have a rental car, accommodation on the outskirts of the city is more practical, as the historic center is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL). Around Radda and Gaiole in Chianti are renowned wineries such as Castello di Volpaia and Badia a Coltibuono. Learn more about Tuscan wine.
Siena, Val d'Orcia and Crete Senesi
Siena ist eines der am besten erhaltenen mittelalterlichen Stadtbilder Italiens. Zweimal im Jahr, am 2. Juli und am 16. August, findet der Palio statt, bei dem 10 der 17 Contraden um den Sieg reiten – dann sind Unterkünfte rund um die Stadt früh ausgebucht. Südlich von Siena liegen die typischen Postkartenlandschaften des Val d’Orcia mit Pienza, Montalcino und Montepulciano sowie die Thermen von Bagno Vignoni und Bagni San Filippo.
Arezzo and Cortona
Arezzo, to the east, is less crowded and known for Piero della Francesca's fresco cycle in the Church of San Francesco and for its goldsmithing tradition. From a holiday home in the area, Cortona, Montepulciano, and Siena are easily accessible for day trips.
Holiday home by the sea
For a beach holiday, Versilia with Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, the Etruscan Coast around San Vincenzo, and the Maremma with Castiglione della Pescaia are ideal. The coastal towns are crowded in August, as many Italians also take their holidays then. Our page on Tuscan beaches provides an overview ; holiday homes inland from the coast are often cheaper and quieter.
Frequently asked questions about holiday homes in Tuscany
When should I book a holiday home in Tuscany?
For July and August, it's best to book several months in advance, especially for houses with a pool. The selection is larger and the prices are lower in the shoulder seasons.
Do I need a car for my holiday in a holiday home?
In most cases, yes. Many holiday homes are located in the countryside, often only accessible via gravel roads, and bus connections are rare.
What additional costs will be incurred?
Often, final cleaning, bed linen, electricity or heating, a security deposit, and the local tourist tax are included. Check the final price before booking.
How can I recognize a reputable holiday home offer?
Short-term rentals in Italy require a national identification number (CIN), which must be included in the advertisement. Never pay strangers via cash transfer.
Which region is the best for a holiday home?
For culture and wine, Chianti between Florence and Siena; for scenery, Val d'Orcia; for beach holidays, the coast from Versilia to the Maremma.
