Tuscany sits at the top of bucket lists for travelers worldwide, as it is a region like nowhere else. But is visiting Tuscany in April the best time to enjoy its charming hilltop towns, rolling landscapes, and unique wines?
April is the beginning of the tourist season in Tuscany, as the weather is mild, the days are longer, and the countryside awakens with scenic splendor. Whether enjoying Easter festivals, visiting dreamy gardens, or tasting some of the best wine in the world, traveling to Tuscany in April is an excellent choice.
If you want to make the most of your springtime Tuscany trip, continue reading to learn all about what you can expect.
Is April a Good Time to Go To Tuscany?
April is one of the best times to visit the Tuscan countryside. Smaller towns begin opening up their hotels after the hiatus during the winter season, and people flock from all over the world to get a taste of the region.
Note that you’ll likely pay more to stay in Tuscany during the peak season, though the vibrancy of the landscape makes it worth the additional cost. Plus, you’ll find plenty of great festivals, events, and activities!
The Weather in Tuscany in April
Temperatures in Tuscany in April range between 63°F to 79°F.
Evenings are often cool and you can expect a few rainy or windy days. However, if you’re lucky enough to get a nice, sunny day, it almost feels like summer!
At the end of April, warmer weather starts to make its way through the Tuscan countryside, with temperatures heating up to a comfortable balmy.
If you’re planning on staying at a local hotel, note that many of them keep their pools closed until June.
What to Wear In Tuscany In April
Because the weather in Tuscany can be slightly sporadic in April, we recommend bringing numerous types of clothing. Bring a raincoat and umbrella to prepare for rainy days, as well as a swimsuit for days when it’s warm enough to lie out on the beach, even with sea temperatures too cold to bear.
As a side note, try not to bring spiked heels, as many streets in Tuscany are cobblestone. Instead, nice button-up shirts, sundresses, flat sandals, or nice pants should do you just fine!
Read more: What To Wear In Florence Italy – A Traveler’s Guide
The 6 Things To Do In Tuscany In April
1. Climb the Dome of the Cathedral of Florence
While it is certainly admirable at street level, climbing to the top of this cathedral dome makes it all the more impressive.
This incredible piece of architecture was crafted by Brunelleschi and is one of the best experiences in Florence. When inside the dome, nicknamed the ‘Cupolone’ by locals, you’ll find 3,600 square meters of frescoes.
However, step outside, and you will find one of the most incredible photo opportunities you may ever have.
2. Visit the Medici Villas Around Florence
A good portion of the Medici dynasty conducted business and centered their artistic patronage around Florence. However, when summer came about, many of them decided to stretch out to the vibrant hills surrounding the city.
What is left today is the many splendid villas they built, filled to the brim with immaculately tended flower gardens and iconic works of art. One of the most popular Medici Villas to visit is Villa di Poggio a Caiano, which can be found between Florence and Pistoia.
However, if you want to take a day trip from Florence, you can head out to Villa la Petraia, which offers gorgeous views of the city from well-tended grounds that once belonged to an Italian royal family. The adjacent Villa di Castello is also home to fantastic gardens filled with statues, fountains, and grottos.
3. Visit “Piazza Grande” in Arezzo
Many refer to Piazza Grande as the heart of Arezzo. It may be one of the most awe-inspiring Piazzas in all of Tuscany, as it showcases many different buildings from different points in time. What is truly odd about Piazza Grande is its down-sloping shape. During the Middle Ages, it was the city’s main market location, while it became somewhat of a city center for civic life during the Renaissance.
The entire place is steeped in history, and you’ll find plenty of outstanding architecture, ranging from Gothic style to Renaissance style and beyond.
Explore more: Anghiari – Guide to a Picturesque Town in the Arezzo province
4. Rent a Car and Drive It Along the Coast
There’s no better way to enjoy Tuscany in April than with a rental car. Some people spend most of their time cruising around the Tuscan countryside, but we recommend also exploring the coastline and its picturesque views.
It’s an absolutely enchanting experience and an activity we couldn’t recommend enough for any spring visitor.
Not sure where to start?
Here are a few of the most popular beaches in the region:
- Versilia
- Costa Degli Etruschi
- Golfo di Baratti
- Cala Violina
- Castiglione della Pescaia
Luckily for you, every beach on this list is only a short day trip away from Tuscany proper, allowing you to enjoy a day sunbathing by the water without having to waste time on your trip.
5. Cycling on the Chianti Hills
Don’t feel like renting a car?
Join the many other tourists who explore the Chianti region on two wheels!
Many bicycle tours in the Chianti area offer unique ways to traverse through the Chianti villa, vineyards, and olive groves. There’s nothing like a scenic cycle to enjoy the stunning landscape while tasting some of the country’s most delicious wine and olive oil.
While there are many places throughout the Chianti region to go cycling, nothing quite beats the south of Florence between Volpaia and Radda in Chianti. Here you will find one of the most popular riding areas amongst cycling enthusiasts. The ride begins in Radda and brings you 19 kilometers over steep roads and varied elevations. Though it may not be an easy ride, the postcard-perfect views make it worthwhile.
6. Take a Boat Tour in the Tuscan Archipelago
You might be surprised to hear that visiting Tuscany in April offers more than just charming villas and rolling hillsides. If you want to truly get in touch with the Italian coast, charter a boat out into the Tuscan Archipelago. You have the opportunity to pick from seven captivating islands, including Elba, Gorgona, Giannutri, Pianosa, Montecristo, Capraia, and Giglio.
The Tuscan Archipelago delivers some of the most well-preserved natural wonders in Italy, with such crystal-clear waters that you can enjoy schools of brightly-colored fish swimming beneath you.
Best 4 Tuscany Events in April
1. Holy Week and Easter
Easter in Italy isn’t a quick celebration that lasts a single day. The country celebrates the holiday over five days, starting on Holy Thursday before Easter and finishing up the following Monday.
During this time, you’ll find a wide range of folkloric and religious events, picnics in the countryside, and colorful processions.
Explore more: Massa Marittima – A Guide to the ancient Tuscan hill town
2. April 25 Liberation Day
Italy’s Liberation Day celebrates the country’s liberation from the Fascist regime and Nazi occupation. Italians view it as a significant day of remembrance, as it was the same day the tyrannical five-year war came to a close.
Events take place on April 25 every year, and though they are subject to change, here are a few we recommend checking out while on your trip:
- The Freedom Park of Sant’Anna di Stazzema commemoration
- Ceremony for the Italian Resistance Day in Piazza Santa Croce
- Pistoia, Piazza della Resistenza street market
- Festa della Stagion Bona in Chianti
3. Orcia Wine Festival
The Orcia Wine Festival takes place every April, offering an idyllic way to sit back, relax, and enjoy the finest wines Tuscany has to offer. The festival is held in San Quirico d’Orcia and celebrates the excellence of Val d’Orcia’s long wine-making history.
You’ll get to enjoy the beauty of eighteenth-century architecture in the Palazzo Chigi while immersing yourself in technical tasting sessions and specialist panels. If you’re planning on visiting Tuscany in April, this festival provides surprisingly profound insight into the region’s wine culture.
4. Arezzo Antiques Fair
The Arezzo Antiques Fair offers a step back into Italy’s brightly-colored past. The fair began back in 1968, and to this day, takes place on the first Sunday of each month. Here, you’ll find hundreds of exhibitors lining the streets and showcasing their unique treasures.
Many say the Piazza Grande is the heart of the square, as you can find just about any type of collectible you’re looking for, from art to furniture to jewelry to books and beyond.
If you’re looking for a place to shop for a souvenir, we can’t think of a better place!
Read more: What to Buy in Florence, Italy — Shop Artisan Fashion Goods
