Things to do in San Gimignano, Tuscany’s Medieval Manhattan
From exploring the charming cobbled streets and medieval towers to immersing yourself in the town's rich history, enjoying wine tastings, and indulging in world-famous gelato, these are the best things to do in San Gimignano, Italy
A unique town of unimaginable beauty, San Gimignano has stood the test of time. Literally.
Situated in a patchwork of fields, rolling hills and vineyards in Tuscany, San Gimignano’s history is long, dating back to the Etruscans & Romans. However, it was during the town's golden age, characterised by intense rivalries between influential families, that an indelible mark was left on the town and the landscape.
Agricultural prosperity in the name of wine and saffron made local families immensely wealthy, and as a symbol of this power, each family strived to build taller and more impressive towers than the others. The result was a sort of “medieval Manhattan”, filled with towers up to 70m tall.
Despite the course of time, wars, plagues, and modernity, many of these towers still remain, making San Gimignano one of Tuscany’s most important tourist attractions.
We’re ashamed to admit, but we knew nothing of San Gimignano before our visit to Florence & Tuscany. Nothing. Zilch. This “medieval Manhattan” of outrageous beauty had not so much as made it into our oversaturated Instagram feed.
It was only after we decided to extend a late summer Tuscan stay, did we stumble across it. Scandal.
As it turns out, we’re happy we did. This remarkably preserved UNESCO World Heritage-listed town stole our hearts. Our time here was short but filled with endless memories of cobbled laneways, stunning views, and delightful food & wine.
San Gimignano offers the perfect day trip from Florence, and its iconic skyline, adorned with ancient towers, is just one part of the appeal. The narrow streets and alleyways hide exceptional restaurants and enotecas serving local delicacies straight from the land. Its piazzas offer the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy “la dolce far niente” - the sweetness of doing nothing. The surrounding countryside is home to some of the best wines you’ll ever sample.
But for those willing to stay a little longer, it offers the opportunity to live the Italian dream.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to enjoy your time in San Gimignano, from the best things to see and do, where to eat, drink and sleep, and how to get there from Florence, Siena and beyond.
Unlike any other village (borgo in Italian) you’ve ever seen, here’s our guide to San Gimignano.
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SAN GIMIGNANO SNAPSHOT
WHERE | San Gimignano, Tuscany
HOW TO GET THERE | Private tour, or car rental. Alternatively, public transport from Florence or Siena
WHAT TO DO | Get lost amongst the cobbled streets, Climb Torre Grosso, History + art at Palazzo Communale
WHERE TO STAY | Hotel La Collegiata, Hotel Leon Bianco, or Hotel San Michele
WHERE TO EAT | Le Vecchie Mura, Gelataria Dondoli & La Vecchia Nicchia di Alessandro Pieragnoli Enoteca
THE HISTORY OF SAN GIMIGNANO
To truly understand San Gimignano, we feel it’s important to first understand its history.
As we mentioned above, San Gimignano’s origins can be traced back to ancient times. The Etruscans settled in the area and were followed by the Romans, who left their architectural and cultural marks across the town and surrounds.
However, it was during Europe’s medieval period that San Gimignano flourished as a hub for trade and industry. Its favourable location and agricultural prosperity made it a thriving centre of commerce, particularly for saffron and wine, while its position along the pilgrim path of Via Francigena contributed to its growth via early tourism.
San Gimignano's golden age was marked by intense rivalry between its influential families, each striving to construct taller and more impressive towers. This competitive spirit resulted in the town's unique skyline, however, the Black Death in the 14th century, and the resulting economic decline led to a halt in tower construction. At one time, there were 72 towers, standing up to 70m in height.
Over the resulting centuries, the town submitted to Florentine rule, and remained in its medieval state until the 19th century, when its significance and importance began to be recognised.
San Gimignano's historical significance and well-preserved medieval architecture led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and it’s now one of Italy’s major tourism attractions.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN GIMIGNANO
GET LOST AMONGST THE COBBLED STREETS OF SAN GIMIGNANO
For long-time readers of The Common Wanderer, you’ll know there’s nothing we love more than getting lost amongst the old laneways and streets of a quaint European town. Such strolls help us discover a place with our own eyes and often lead to the most wonderful outcomes. And this is certainly the case in San Gimignano.
The labyrinth of narrow alleyways, stone arches, and hidden corners, tell a story of San Gimignano’s past.
The towering ochre-coloured buildings and towers, adorned with centuries-old coats of arms and family crests, evoke a sense of history that's almost palpable.
Around every corner, you'll discover inviting cafes, artisan shops, local wine sellers and local trattorias serving up the finest Tuscan dishes. It's a town where getting lost becomes an adventure.
Despite the town’s popularity, as you meander through these charming alleys, you'll often find yourself alone, allowing you to soak in the peaceful ambience and the secrets these streets hold - linen drying in the summer breeze, the sound of fresh pasta being rolled for dinner, the echoes of kids playing hide and seek.
It’s mesmerising.
We suggest starting your stroll along the main entrance to town, the 11th-century Porta San Giovanni, before slowly making your way up via S. Giovanni towards the town centre. From Piazza della Cisterna, the world is your oyster - simply choose a laneway, and follow it to wherever it may go.
Follow your nose and if you stumble across a picture-perfect restaurant or bar, stop, order a local vernaccia wine, and whisper a thank you to us.
WANDERER TIP | Staying in San Gimignano? Book accommodation in the centre of town and enjoy the old town ambience before/after the crowds arrive.
We recommend Fabio Apartments or Hotel Bel Soggiorno
LEARN ABOUT SAN GIMIGNANO’S HISTORY AT PALAZZO COMUNALE
If you’ve visited Florence, Siena, Montepulciano or beyond, you’ll know that Tuscans knew how to make a grand civic building. And San Gimignano is no different.
Located on the gorgeous Piazza del Duomo, the grand 13th-century Palazzo Comunale (also known as Palazzo del Pópolo) is characterised by its medieval towers and red-stone facades, which hide grand interiors filled with Medieval and Renaissance frescoes, intricate cloisters, and the tallest tower in San Gimignano, Torre Grosso.
It now houses the Civic Museum, a cultural repository that showcases the town's remarkable history and artistry and is a must-visit to fully understand and appreciate San Gimignano.
The first floor houses Sal del Consiglio/Sala Dante (the council room), named after Italy’s most famous poet and literary master, Dante, who addressed the town’s council as an ambassador of the Guelph League here in 1299 (how cool is that!). The room also has several incredible frescoes dating from 1290. The standout piece is the mesmerising "Maestà" by Lippo Memmi, a masterpiece of 14th-century Sienese art that portrays the Madonna and Child surrounded by angels. Additional frescoes showcase jousting tournaments, scenes of hunting, and majestic castles.
On the upper floors is the Camera del Podestà, which features a restored cycle of frescoes by Memmo di Filippuccio. These frescoes depict saucy (for the 1400’s anyway) scenes of a husband and wife in the bath and bed, showcasing the rewards of marriage. On the opposite side of the staircase, some rooms house the town's small but charming Pinacoteca. Highlights include artworks by Filippino Lippi, Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Taddeo di Bartolo, showcasing various themes such as the Annunciation and the life of St. Gimignano.
Located in the same precinct is Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano, which offers the best panoramic views of the town's iconic towers and the surrounding Tuscan countryside (more on that below).
THE DETAILS
Where | Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Duomo
Entrance Fee | €9 per person
Opening Hours | 10 am - 7:30 pm
CLIMB SAN GIMIGNANO’S FAMOUS TOWERS
Seeing the soaring sentinels that dot San Gimignano’s skyline for the first time can feel a little overwhelming.
As you approach the town, you’ll see a group of red-brick towers reaching toward the sky, seemingly out of nowhere. They look horribly out of place against the backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, but it’s this juxtaposition that makes San Gimignano’s towers all the more impressive. It’s little wonder, then, that San Gimignano holds UNESCO World Heritage status.
The iconic towers, often referred to as "Medieval Manhattan," were originally built in the 12th and 13th centuries by the town's wealthy families, not only as status symbols but also as defensive structures during times of political unrest in Tuscany.
At the height of San Gimignano's tower-building craze, there were reportedly 72 towers gracing the town's skyline (can you imagine?!), but today, only 14 remain.
The towers, some more than 700 years old, have seen the ebb and flow of history, and from their lofty summits, you can hear the whispers of the centuries - tales of traders, nobles, and everyday folk who walked these streets long ago.
Torre Grosso, the tallest and most impressive tower, sits alongside Palazzo Communale, and is the easiest to visit for day trippers, providing breathtaking panoramic views over the town and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
As you ascend the 200 or so stairs, you'll wind your way through narrow stone staircases and cool, dimly lit chambers, some of which host exhibitions about the towers and the town's history. From the top, the views are breathtaking - below, town folk and tourists scamper between piazzas and attractions. In the distance, rolling hills dotted with vineyards mark the famous landscape - for photographers like us, it’s the ultimate subject.
Now for the practical information; there’s a fee of €9 which includes entrance to the town hall (Palazzo Communale), Gallery and Tower. We purchased our tickets in advance, which you can do here. It does get very very busy, so we recommend booking ahead to avoid issues.
In summer months, the tower is daily between 10.00 am - 7.30 pm.
THE DETAILS
Where | Torre Grossa, located in Piazza del Duomo, the heart of San Gimignano
Entrance Fee | € 9,00 includes entrance to Palazzo Communale, Gallery and Tower (fee as of 2023)
Opening Hours | 10.00 am - 7.30 pm
WANDERER TIP | You can stay in one of the San Gimignano towers, which is all kinds of awesome. Book your stay at Torre Salvucci Maggiore here
BOOK | Torre Grosso + Duomo ticket
ENJOY A WINE TASTING
One of the simple joys of spending time in Italy, and indeed Tuscany, is that wine is always good. And always affordable. And always appropriate, at any time of day.
Beyond its towers, San Gimignano's other claim to fame is Vernaccia, an exquisite white wine that proudly boasts the title of "the first Italian DOCG wine." This historic variety, known for its crispness and floral notes, has been cultivated in San Gimignano for centuries.
If you can’t visit San Gimignano without climbing its towers, you can leave without trying Vernaccia.
Thankfully, you don’t need to look far to find an appropriate place to sample some of the town’s best drops. San Gimignano is home to a variety of wineries and enoteche (wine shops) where you can try all the local varietals, or simply grab a glass and sit in the sun admiring your life choices.
Our favourite place in town to enjoy a drop was La Vecchia Nicchia di Alessandro Pieragnoli Enoteca - long name, but exceptional wine and a gem of a find. Serving a range of Vernaccia, as well as Chianti and Rosato, the wine selection here is astounding.
We suggest settling in for a meal as well, the bruschetta is a work of art, and the location, down a cobbled laneway on the edge of town, is wonderful.
Alternatively, La Fiaschetteria di Boboli is one of the most delightful wine, deli and panini stores in town, perfect for a takeaway vino.
Beyond the town, the vineyards surrounding San Gimignano are as picturesque as they are productive. Rolling hills dotted with grapevines stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop for your tasting experience.
Three of the best wineries close by include:
Fattoria San Donato | This family-run winery is known for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti wines. The estate also produces olive oil and saffron. You can enjoy tours of the vineyards and cellars, followed by tastings of their exquisite wines. The views back towards San Gimignano are stunning
Poggio Alloro | Poggio Alloro is a working farm and winery. Here, you can take a tour of the vineyards, learn about winemaking processes, and enjoy tastings of their organic wines, along with farm-to-table Tuscan cuisine.
Tenuta Torciano | A short drive from San Gimignano, Tenuta Torciano is a family-owned winery that offers a diverse selection of wines, including reds, whites, and Super Tuscans. Their wine tastings are often paired with Tuscan specialties.
To fully understand and enjoy the local wine scene, we suggest booking a wine-tasting tour at Fontaleoni, a picturesque winery just outside of San Gimignano. Or, if Vernaccia is more your vibe, this tour samples the best in the region.
THE DETAILS
Where | La Vecchia Nicchia di Alessandro Pieragnoli Enoteca
BOOK | This popular, romantic wine-tasting tour
STEP INSIDE DUOMO SAN GIMIGNANO, AND CHIESA DI SANT’AGOSTINO
Situated in the heart of San Gimignano, the 12th-century Duomo di San Gimignano may be nondescript from the outside, but its frescoed interior showcases a wall-to-wall treasure trove of medieval artistry that simply can’t be missed.
Also known as the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the interior also showcases polychrome decorations commonly seen in medieval churches, including the stunning blue-painted cross vault and the zebra-like motif adorning the arches such as those found in Siena Cathedral.
The frescoes that line each wall recount the stories of the New and Old Testaments and were painted by many of the region's most illustrious artists.
The most notable fresco housed within the church is the Chapel of Santa Fina, where Domenico Ghirlandaio depicts the life of the beloved local Saint, Fina. Within the chapel are the inscribed words “The bones of a Virgin lie hidden in the tomb which you behold, stranger; she is the glory, the example, the guardian of her fellow citizens. Her name was Fina; this (is) her native land. Seeking for miracles? Observe what the wall and vivid images teach. MCCCCLXXV”.
Another impressive piece is The Last Judgment by famed Sienese painter Taddeo di Bartolo, located at the rear of the church.
A visit to the Duomo should only take 20 - 30 mins (€5 entry fee), but it is an essential thing to do in San Gimignano.
Located on the northern border of the walled city stands the 13th-century Chiesa di Sant’Agostino, also renowned for its exquisite frescoes, yet without the crowds (nor fee).
Its simple yet elegant Romanesque facade belies the incredible treasures found within. The frescoes that grace the interior walls, many of which date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, are exceptionally detailed and remain vivid in colour, despite the passing of time. Of particular note are the works of Benozzo Gozzoli, whose frescoes in the Chapel of St. Jerome depict the life of St. Augustine in captivating detail.
Contentious, we know, but we preferred Chiesa di Sant’Agostino to Duomo San Gimignano, however, we suggest visiting both on your visit to the town.
THE DETAILS
Where | Duomo San Gimignano & Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
Entrance fee | €5 for Duomo San Gimignano, free for Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
Opening hours | Mon to Fri 10 am – 7:30 pm, Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun 12:30 – 7:30 pm for Duomo San Gimignano
WORLD FAMOUS GELATO & PEOPLE WATCHING IN PIAZZA DELLA CISTERNA
You’ll see the lines. Most likely 10-20 deep, slowly moving forward into a hole-in-the-wall store filled with layers upon layers of gelato. Then, you’ll see the sign. Gelataria Dondoli.
Our advice. Stop everything, line up, order the pistachio gelato, and enter heaven.
Located in San Gimignano’s largest square, Piazza della Cisterna, Gelateria Dondoli is famous. Really famous. It's a multiple-time Gelato World Champion (that’s a thing, apparently!), and its in-house gelato artisans have perfected the art of creating exceptional gelato, using only natural, seasonal ingredients.
As you step inside (finally), you're welcomed by an overwhelming (Mim took at least 5 mins to decide what flavours she wanted) array of gelato flavours, ranging from the classic to the innovative.
Popular flavours include the classic stracciatella, fragrant lavender, and the intriguing saffron and pine nut or gorgonzola and walnut gelato. However, if you enjoy simple pleasures like us, the pistachio is one of the best flavours we’ve ever tried.
Another benefit to sampling world-famous gelato in San Gimignano is enjoying it while people watch in the sprawling Piazza della Cisterna. A triangular square surrounded by stately medieval townhouses and a range of restaurants and shops. The centrepoint of the square is the 13th-century cistern, for which the square is named.
We recommend sitting on the steps and witnessing the captivating crossroads of life in town - tourists, locals, and passersby mingling, their voices echoing off the medieval walls. Share a moment with a gelato, and let the world go by.
THE DETAILS
Where | Gelataria Dondoli, Piazza della Cisterna
Opening Hours | March to October, it is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then again from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
SOAK IN THE GORGEOUS TUSCAN VIEWS FROM PARCO DELLA ROCCA & CITADEL
To be honest, there are many wonderful vantage points throughout San Gimignano, including the best of all, Torre Grosso.
However, the lush Parco della Rocca & historic, albeit crumbling 14th-century fortress, with its medieval walls and timeless charm, offers equally breathtaking Tuscan vistas and the town’s searing towers, and is worth a visit, if not just to escape the crowds and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the shade.
If you’re staying in town, we suggest visiting at sunset, when the golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the land.
It’s worth noting the fortress is also home to the excellent Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience.
THE DETAILS
Where | Parco della Rocca
TAKE A LONG LUNCH AT LE VECCHIE MURA
Le Vecchie Mura is San Gimignano’s best restaurant, home to excellent food and idyllic views, so we suggest making yourself a reservation and spending a long, relaxed afternoon enjoying the very best of Tuscan food and wine.
Perched elegantly on the edge of the village walls, the restaurant terrace opens to a picturesque panorama of Tuscany's rolling hills and serene farms - perfect for a sunset setting. We suggest beginning your Tuscan feast with bruschetta adorned with locally sourced olive oil, a wonderfully fresh and tasty precursor to a menu brimming with regional delights, including fresh pasta dishes, aromatic truffle-infused delicacies, and an exquisite selection of local wines. Our suggestions include pici pasta adorned with a savoury wild boar ragu, or for the vegetarians amongst us, the ubiquitous truffle fettuccine. Oh, and the tiramisu is truly delish and a must-eat.
Now, you’re going to want to reserve an al fresco table here well in advance, particularly during peak seasons, as it gets busy! For the best experience, aim for an early evening reservation to enjoy a real-life embodiment of La Dolce Vita. Oh, and be warned, it’s not cheap, but this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime meals.
THE DETAILS
Where | Le Vecchie Mura, San Gimignano
Cost | $$$
Opening Hours | 6 pm - 9:45 pm, closed Tuesdays
Bookings | To reserve a table, click here
EMBRACE MODERN ART AT GALLERIA GAGLIARDI
Italian cities and towns house many overwhelming Renaissance museums which, dare we say it, can feel a little, boring at times. There are only so many depictions of religious figures we can analyse before we start discussing where the nearest Aperol Spritz is.
Thankfully, San Gimignano has a wonderful contemporary art gallery that breaks the mould. Galleria Gagliardi, located in the heart of the historic town, hosts exhibitions that provide insight into the minds of contemporary artists, offering a glimpse into their inspirations and artistic processes.
Each exhibition showcases an eclectic mix of contemporary works, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media pieces. Artists can find their place within the gallery's walls, which creates an exciting fusion of diverse artistic perspectives. What’s more, you can purchase some of the pieces in the gallery, if you’re looking for a little (or big) keepsake from your time in the town.
A visit here is a journey through the juxtaposition of the old and the new that bridges the gap between centuries.
THE DETAILS
Where | Galleria Gagliardi, San Gimignano
Entrance Fee | Free (as of 2023)
Opening Hours | Daily, 11 am - 5 pm
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN GIMIGNANO
As mentioned above, we recommend extending your stay in San Gimignano and exploring more of the surrounding region.
When it comes to selecting accommodation in this captivating town, there is a delightful array of choices, from charming medieval inns and boutique hotels within the town's historic walls to rustic agriturismo (farm stays) set in the surrounding countryside.
Below are our top accommodation picks for each budget:
HOTEL LA COLLEGIATA // LUXURY
This luxurious boutique hotel, set in a beautifully restored 16th-century monastery just outside of town, offers an exquisite and romantic stay. Its location, overlooking the stunning Tuscan countryside, provides a serene and charming atmosphere. The rooms are large, styled in neo-renaissance finishings that exude old-world charm.
The best part, though, is the infinity pool with panoramic views of the countryside.
BOOK | Hotel La Collegiata
LEON BIANCO // MID-RANGE
It’s all about the location at Hotel Leon Bianco. Set on the medieval square of Piazza della Cisterna in the heart of San Gimignano's historic centre, the property retains the atmosphere of a traditional Tuscan inn while providing modern comfort.
The hotel is a 2-minute walk both from the Palazzo Comunale and from the Duomo di San Gimignano, and each room offers incredible views over the town.
BOOK | Hotel Leon Bianco
HOTEL SAN MICHELE // BUDGET
Hotel San Michele is an affordable and welcoming option for travellers on a budget. It's situated just steps from the town's iconic towers and offers clean and comfortable rooms.
However, the infinity pool elevates it above its competitors - expect exceptional Tuscan views while you enjoy an afternoon dip.
BOOK | Hotel San Michele
SAN GIMIGNANO TRAVEL TIPS
WHERE IS SAN GIMIGNANO, AND HOW TO GET THERE
San Gimignano is situated right in the heart of the province of Siena in the Tuscan region of central Italy. It lies approximately 56 km southwest of Florence and about 40 km northwest of Siena.
GUIDED TOUR
The most popular way to visit San Gimignano is via a guided tour, and there is a huge array of private tours from Florence & Siena that visit Pienza as part of a trip to Tuscany’s many Renaissance towns, including Montepulciano and Montalcino.
While tours are often fast-paced, they’re a great way to see many of Tuscany’s highlights, while learning about the history, culture, and food/wine in the region.
Given the distances involved, we highly recommend a guided tour, and we’ve listed the best options below, which include transport and an English-speaking guide.
BOOK | A guided tour of San Gimignano and beyond
CAR RENTAL
If you like the freedom afforded by car rental, do as we did, and make your own way to San Gimignano
The highways & signage are well maintained, however, we still relied quite heavily on Google Maps.
FLORENCE | From Florence, the most convenient way to reach San Gimignano is by car (which you can rent in advance, here). The drive typically takes about an hour via the Siena-Florence highway.
Alternatively, if you wish to travel via public transport, take the 1hr Regional Express train to Poggibonsi, and then bus 130 to San Gimignano. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
If you’re planning a day trip, we’d highly recommend organising a guided tour like this one. It takes away the stress of driving/parking and will give you a wonderful insight into this part of the world.
SIENA | Siena is another major hub and popular day-trip starting point to San Gimignano. Again, we suggest hiring a car, in which the journey takes about an hour via the Via Cassia.
Alternatively, the quickest public transport option is via bus 130, which departs from Siena-Via Tozzi and takes around 1 hr.
BOOK | Book your car rental here
PARKING IN SAN GIMIGNANO
Parking in San Gimignano, as you could imagine for such a popular tourist attraction, is a bit of a nightmare if not planned (especially if you plan to arrive after 10 am).
Here are the best options for parking when visiting this historic Tuscan town.
Parcheggio Montemaggio | This is the main public parking lot for San Gimignano, and is located just outside the town's walls, about a 5-minute walk from the centre through Porta San Giovanni. It’s easy to find, and as you approach San Gimignano, you'll see signs directing you to Parcheggio Montemaggio. Expect to pay €2.50 for the first hour, and €2 for the second hour
Parcheggio Bagnaia Superiore | A quieter option for parking, located on the other side of town from Montemaggio. There are over 200 spaces, and the parking fee is much the same as above (€2.50 for the first hour, and €2 for the second hour). A good option in peak seasons.
Parcheggio Giubileo | An overflow carpark of sorts, Giubileo is a great alternative located around 7 minutes from the town walls. The fee is €1.50 per hour, or €6 per day, making it the cheapest carpark in town.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN SAN GIMIGNANO?
Due to its small size, the best things to do in San Gimignano are easily enjoyed within a day.
You can see the town's main attractions, including the historic centre, Piazza del Duomo, and its famous medieval towers, enjoy a leisurely lunch & wine, visit a couple of museums, and savour some of the town's renowned gelato all within a day.
Hence the popularity of day trips to San Gimignano.
That being said, the surrounding countryside is genuinely breathtaking, and there is a large range of stunning Agriturismo in the area. Spending two nights or more in San Gimignano, allows you to unwind and delve into the town's culture and surroundings. You can take a day trip to the surrounding Tuscan countryside, visit nearby wineries, and appreciate the town's ambience at various times of the day (morning and golden hour are magical).
So, if you’re in a hurry, a day trip is adequate. If you’d prefer to immerse yourself in the heart of Tuscany, 1 or more nights is highly recommended
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SAN GIMIGNANO?
Given the ever-increasing popularity of Euro-summer, we’re huge advocates for shoulder season travel. And in San Gimignano, this is no different.
We visited in mid-September, and while the crowds were still large, they were not as busy as August. Coupled with pleasant temperatures, early Autumn is a perfect time to visit San Gimignano.
Alternatively, Spring offers a similar experience, although with vast green fields, and a Tuscan countryside in full bloom.
Winter is the least crowded time to visit, and some attractions may have shorter hours, or be closed altogether. Expect mostly grey skies, but in some cases that just adds to the town's charm.
WANDERER TIP | If you love wine, fall during the grape harvest season is perfect. If you prefer a quiet experience, opt for the off-season. But for a balance of good weather and manageable crowds, late spring or early fall are often the best times to visit San Gimignano.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN ITALY
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CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF ITALY
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DOLOMITES | Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, where to stay in the Dolomites, how to get to the Dolomites, 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, Lago di Sorapis, our guide to Lago di Braies
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
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