Tuscany takes first place: The best insider tips for 2025!

Tuscany takes first place: The best insider tips for 2025!

Italy remains a popular holiday destination with different regions that have their own charm. The “Regional Tourism Reputation Index” from Demooskopika names Tuscany the most popular holiday region in Italy after knocking Trentino-South Tyrol out of first place. The evaluation of Tuscany is based on factors such as visibility of tourism portals, social media reach and the quality of tourist offers.

Tuscany impresses with almost 79,000 positively rated establishments, picturesque landscapes, medieval cities and cultural treasures such as Florence. Sicily follows in third place in the ranking, showing the growing interest in southern Italy with its beaches, volcanic landscapes and historical sites.

Tourism numbers on the rise

Italy recorded a total of 458.4 million overnight stays in 2024, an increase of 2.5% compared to 2023. The number of overnight stays by international tourists was particularly noticeable, which amounted to over 250 million and represented an increase of 6.8%. In contrast, domestic tourism experienced a slight decline. Travelers are increasingly seeking “slow travel” experiences that prioritize cultural immersion and authentic local experiences.

Italy remains attractive due to its cultural heritage, natural beauty, excellent cuisine and improved tourism infrastructure, despite the challenges of mass tourism.

Insider tips of Tuscany

However, Tuscany not only offers well-known highlights, but also hidden gems that are worth discovering. Places like Populonia being an Etruscan city on the coast. Here visitors will find the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia with well-preserved ruins, as well as a medieval fortress with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Another notable village is Bolgheri, which is known for its excellent wines. A four-kilometer-long cypress avenue leads to the small village, where wine bars offer tastings, including the famous wine “Sassicaia”. Visitors should definitely explore the highlights of the cypress avenue and the historic castle.

Ideal for a one-day trip Massa Marittima which is off the typical tourist path and has a well-preserved medieval old town. The imposing cathedral in Piazza Garibaldi and the viewpoint on the city walls are further attractions of this charming city.

Tuscany also surprises with the untouched Cala Violina, a bay with a white sandy beach that can only be reached on foot and is ideal for hiking. There is also a historic fishing village Castiglione della Pescaia worth a visit with its old town and long sandy beaches. Gourmets will find excellent fish restaurants here.

The peninsula Monte Argentario impresses with rocky cliffs and picturesque harbor towns. The coastal road offers fantastic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, while the famous Isola Giglio With its crystal clear waters and charming villages, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Tuscany, with its diverse attractions and magical landscape, fulfills the expectations of an unforgettable holiday in Italy.