One of the things that our customers and any visitors to Tuscany can often find surprising is that those romantically winding roads through the region can present more challenging driving conditions than sometimes expected. While we usually recommend renting a car if you are booking a villa in Tuscany in order to make the most of your time in the region, this does come with the big caveat that there are some key things to keep in mind before going ahead...
Roads In Tuscany Can Be Narrow, Steep, And Partially Unpaved
In particular, those who book a holiday rental in Tuscany and in the more remote and scenic parts of her famously lovely countryside are going to encounter narrow roads, steep roads, and lanes down to houses that can be totally or partially unpaved.
These unpaved stretches of road that lead off main roads and down to properties are quite common and our listings will almost always mention them in their property descriptions but you can also contact us and ask one of our villa experts if you want to find about the driving conditions around a particular property or have further questions.
Are You A Confident Driver?
If you are thinking about booking a property in a romantic and rural area for the peace, tranquillity, privacy, and unparalleled views, then you could very likely have to deal with these types of driving conditions. So, you need to know if you, or someone else in your travel party, is a confident enough driver to deal with it.
If you take your time, know to expect some challenges, and breathe, most drivers should absolutely be okay. Just don’t panic!
However, if you really think you can’t do it, then you might consider a vacation rental in Florence or a holiday rental in Pisa. This way, you can enjoy the Tuscan lifestyle, make the most of public transportation in the cities, and still have the option to join bus tours or trips to more rural areas should you wish – without having to actually do the driving yourself!
Pick The Right Rental Car
Another consideration for those who have decided to commit to driving in rural Tuscany is to be careful when they are selecting their rental car. Sports cars and vehicles that are closer to the ground might appeal as a stylish way to explore Tuscany but they are probably not the best way to go in this instance, especially if you are going to be driving down one of those aforementioned unpaved lanes on a daily basis.
So, ensure that you pick the right option if you are renting a car and planning to head to a remote rural property or if you want to really get around the region and explore it all by diving into the Orcia Valley, all around Chianti, to pretty little thermal spa towns, and all through the winding roads of the Tuscan Countryside.
This Is A Trade-Off For The Beauty Of Tuscany
It is simply a fact that if you want to enjoy the pastoral wonder of the Tuscan Countryside then these roads and considerations are almost certainly something you will have to deal with – it’s just the trade-off. It’s also simply the reality of road conditions in the area and the local cultural norms and expectations when it comes to these things. Unfortunately, this is pretty unavoidable.
However, if you come prepared and knowing what to expect, keeping everything we have said in mind, be careful, and take your time, it should not prove to be too much of an issue. So, plan that vacation in Tuscany now, armed with this key knowledge and see the quirks of the region as romantic, rather than as a massive obstacle.