Urlaubstipp Winter in der Toskana

Visit authentic Tuscany / Italy in winter

Lovers of Italy, who want to know Tuscany more intim­ately, prefer to visit Italy in winter. Then, tourism hustle and bustle has ceased. For us Tuscans it is a time of recrea­tion, of reflec­tions and of big plans for the future. Also in our holiday home, we dedicate to the nice side of life, such as cosy conver­sa­ti­ons in front a blazing fire. We light it the antique focarile, a walk-in open fireplace next to the kitchen. Its worn-out benches bear witness to several genera­ti­ons that have warmed themsel­ves there before us.

Night tempe­ra­tures below 0°C are extre­mely rare. Lucky for us, because the olive trees are not frost-resistant. A touch of snow was last seen here in 2016. The climate in Tuscany is mostly mild, with an average maximum tempe­ra­ture of around 12°C. These are best condi­ti­ons for hikes, walks and bike tours. Of course, all the important sights and museums are open. Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca are worth to be visited in winter. Enjoy visiting attrac­tions such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa without queuing. Once in Florence, take all your time to visit the Galle­ria degli Uffizi or the Cathe­dral and its world-famous Brunel­le­schi dome without crowd. It is a moving experience to linger undis­tur­bed in front of Michelangelo’s David or to rest silently in the wonderful Cathe­dral of Siena. Visit our things to do section for further suggestions.

Christmas holiday in Tuscany

The specta­cu­lar Christ­mas lights in the cities of Tuscany are worth a visit. The same goes for smaller towns, where Christ­mas lights create a very homely atmosphere. Because it seems as if the many small lights build a roof over the narrow alleys. When you stroll under that sea of lights, there’s something magical about it. Also, you may do a day trip from the holiday home Podere Palazzone to the three pictures­que villa­ges of Sovana, Sorano and Pitig­liano to enjoy winter in Italy.

Sunsets and wafts of mist

Winter in Italy is the time of specta­cu­lar sunsets, such as those you can observe just behind our Agritu­rismo. Instead, in the morning, we are deligh­ted by wafts of mist, above which the hilltops float like on a sea of cotton. In winter, the red berries of myrtle and the yellow flowers of winter margue­ri­tes shine in colour. Also, it is blossom time for the Italian natio­nal plant, the corbez­zolo. Indeed, this tree blooms when the fruits of the previous year’s flowers ripen. There­fore, it carries all three natio­nal colours of Italy at the same time: green leaves, white flowers and red fruits. In winter we take care of the forest, prepare the firewood and look after the vines. They need to be pruned, aligned and tied. We are happy to show you how.

Hot springs and seafood

It takes a bit of effort to bathe in the hot springs right in open nature in winter. But once you lie in the warm pools, the bliss is all the greater. However, those who prefer profes­sio­nal anti-ageing appli­ca­ti­ons, fango and massage can shift their wellness bath to one of the thermal centres in the area.

The sea in Italy has its charm also in winter. You may go for an early evening sunset on a deser­ted beach, follo­wed by some good seafood in a beachs­ide restaurant. Winter is the best time to eat good, fresh fish and seafood. For example, cozze, the black Mediter­ra­nean mussels, are never as full and tender as in winter. Hence the habit, to eat them only in the months with an “r”. However, better in winter only.

Hearty winter specialties from Tuscany

On long winter evenings, the restaurant of Agritu­rismo Podere Palazzone serves hearty pecorini with nuts and honey, penne alla boscaiola, gnocchi with cheese sauce, vegeta­rian lasagne or ragù varia­ti­ons. For meat lovers, ossobuco and pollo al Chianti are perfect main courses during cold evenings. And, of course, we prepare the typical cavolo nero. Further­more, we warm up with jams in delicious crostate, that remind us of the past summer. While outside the holiday home foxes, porcu­p­i­nes and deer scurry through the darkness.

Visit authentic Tuscany / Italy in winter

Authentic Tuscany without hustle and bustle

Lovers of Italy, who want to know Tuscany more intim­ately, prefer to visit Italy in winter. Then, tourism hustle and bustle has ceased. For us Tuscans it is a time of recrea­tion, of reflec­tions and of big plans for the future. Also in our holiday home, we dedicate to the nice side of life, such as cosy conver­sa­ti­ons in front a blazing fire. We light it the antique focarile, a walk-in open fireplace next to the kitchen. Its worn-out benches bear witness to several genera­ti­ons that have warmed themsel­ves there before us.

Night tempe­ra­tures below 0°C are extre­mely rare. Lucky for us, because the olive trees are not frost-resistant. A touch of snow was last seen here in 2016. The climate in Tuscany is mostly mild, with an average maximum tempe­ra­ture of around 12°C. These are best condi­ti­ons for hikes, walks and bike tours. Of course, all the important sights and museums are open. Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca are worth to be visited in winter. Enjoy visiting attrac­tions such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa without queuing. Once in Florence, take all your time to visit the Galle­ria degli Uffizi or the Cathe­dral and its world-famous Brunel­le­schi dome without crowd. It is a moving experience to linger undis­tur­bed in front of Michelangelo’s David or to rest silently in the wonderful Cathe­dral of Siena. Visit our things to do section for further suggestions.

Christmas holiday in Tuscany

The specta­cu­lar Christ­mas lights in the cities of Tuscany are worth a visit. The same goes for smaller towns, where Christ­mas lights create a very homely atmosphere. Because it seems as if the many small lights build a roof over the narrow alleys. When you stroll under that sea of lights, there’s something magical about it. Also, you may do a day trip from the holiday home Podere Palazzone to the three pictures­que villa­ges of Sovana, Sorano and Pitig­liano to enjoy winter in Italy.

Sunsets and wafts of mist

Winter in Italy is the time of specta­cu­lar sunsets, such as those you can observe just behind our Agritu­rismo. Instead, in the morning, we are deligh­ted by wafts of mist, above which the hilltops float like on a sea of cotton. In winter, the red berries of myrtle and the yellow flowers of winter margue­ri­tes shine in colour. Also, it is blossom time for the Italian natio­nal plant, the corbez­zolo. Indeed, this tree blooms when the fruits of the previous year’s flowers ripen. There­fore, it carries all three natio­nal colours of Italy at the same time: green leaves, white flowers and red fruits. In winter we take care of the forest, prepare the firewood and look after the vines. They need to be pruned, aligned and tied. We are happy to show you how.

Hot springs and seafood

It takes a bit of effort to bathe in the hot springs right in open nature in winter. But once you lie in the warm pools, the bliss is all the greater. However, those who prefer profes­sio­nal anti-ageing appli­ca­ti­ons, fango and massage can shift their wellness bath to one of the thermal centres in the area.

The sea in Italy has its charm also in winter. You may go for an early evening sunset on a deser­ted beach, follo­wed by some good seafood in a beachs­ide restaurant. Winter is the best time to eat good, fresh fish and seafood. For example, cozze, the black Mediter­ra­nean mussels, are never as full and tender as in winter. Hence the habit, to eat them only in the months with an “r”. However, better in winter only.

Hearty winter specialties from Tuscany

On long winter evenings, the restaurant of Agritu­rismo Podere Palazzone serves hearty pecorini with nuts and honey, penne alla boscaiola, gnocchi with cheese sauce, vegeta­rian lasagne or ragù varia­ti­ons. For meat lovers, ossobuco and pollo al Chianti are perfect main courses during cold evenings. And, of course, we prepare the typical cavolo nero. Further­more, we warm up with jams in delicious crostate, that remind us of the past summer. While outside the holiday home foxes, porcu­p­i­nes and deer scurry through the darkness.