This Historic Italian Village In Southern Tuscany Is Brimming With Rural Charm And Scenery

Tuscany is quintessential Italy. It's rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, picturesque Mediterranean coastline, and vineyards that stretch to the horizon. It's where travelers come to take those wonderfully touristy pictures of themselves keeping the Leaning Tower of Pisa from tipping over. And Florence, the region's capital, should be on every travel bucket list with Michelangelo's "David," Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" painting, and the instantly recognizable dome of Santa Maria del Fiore. Bigger cities and rural villages are full of dreamy cobblestone streets, quaint chapels, and sunlit piazzas rimmed with cafes and locals slowly sipping regional wines like Chianti. 

The village of Capalbio is quintessential Tuscany and a hidden gem of the region. The charming Medieval town sits on the border between Lazio and Tuscany, atop a hill that offers the perfect blend of history, scenic vistas, and coastal beauty. It's known as the "last village of the Maremma," which is a region on the western coast of the Italian peninsula.

Capalbio is a wonderful escape that feels a bit removed from the more popular Italian destinations and these 13 must-visit spots in Tuscany. Not only is it a short drive from some of the most pristine water and best beaches in Tuscany, it also has well-preserved walls that enclose this village of narrow alleyways, stone arches, and tiny cobbled squares. It's a historic gem worthy of any Italian vacation itinerary.

Getting to Capalbio is relatively easy, but being a small village tucked away in southern Tuscany, it's not that close to any major airport hubs. Visitors can either fly into Rome and take the train north (around 1.5 hours), fly into Pisa and take the train south (just over 2 hours), or they can train from Florence — with a transfer in Pisa (roughly 3.5 hours). Of course, having a rental car gives freedom, and Rick Steves says it's best to rent a car while visiting Tuscany. A scenic drive doesn't get you there much faster than the train, but allows for spontaneous stops along the way. And having a personal vehicle comes in handy for exploring the Mediterranean coast, which shimmers on the horizon a few miles away from Capalbio.

For lodging, the village and surrounding area offer many options from hotels, boutique guesthouses, and agrotourism farm stays — Tuscany also has many breathtaking camping destinations. Once you get there, it's all about exploring the thin, winding streets and all they have to offer. The village is defined — both literally and figuratively — by the ancient city walls that surround it. Walking along them offers breathtaking vistas and photo-worthy moments, especially with the setting sun.

Another standout feature of the village is the tower of Rocca Aldobrandesca, a medieval fortress that reaches above the surrounding buildings. Visitors can climb the steep steps to the terrace, where the views stretch across the surrounding countryside and all the way to the coast. In the same small square lies another historic attraction, the Church of San Nicola, a Romanesque gem famous for its 15th-century frescoes. Capalbio is a dreamy place to wander slowly, admiring the quaint, old buildings with their flower vases and picturesque shutters.

The coastal region of the Maremma around Capalbio is full of natural and cultural gems to explore on day trips. One of the most famous attractions is The Garden of Tarots, created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. A few miles away in the village of Garavicchio, this charming park of colorful, tiled sculptures was influenced by Gaudí's Park Güell in Barcelona.

The nearby Lake Burano Nature Reserve is worth a visit for those who enjoy the outdoors. Spread out over 1,000 acres, the reserve has many walking trails and observation huts for visitors to admire the unique flora or do some bird watching. It's very family-friendly and offers guided tours so visitors can learn more about the beauty and importance of the oasis.

A short drive to the Mediterranean Sea, and one finds many enchanting coastal towns like Castiglione della Pescaia and Porto Santo Stefano. The latter is a quaint harbor town rich in maritime history, crystalline waters, and a 16th-century Spanish fortress. Of course, travelers can lie down on a towel and spend a day at one of the nearby beaches of Chiarone, Macchiatonda, la Torba, and more. The beach resort Ultima Spiaggia, or "Last Beach," is located on Chiarone and is the final stretch of sand in Southern Tuscany, bordering the Lazio region. There, one can sit on a terrace, enjoying spaghetti with clams, fresh fish, and a glass of wine, the relaxing rhythm of clean blue water lapping soft sand a perfect backdrop to a dream Tuscan vacation in Capalbio.