Camping Guide | Toskana

Tuscany is located in central Italy and extends from the Apennine region to the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It borders the regions of Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, and Lazio. The ten provinces of Tuscany are Arezzo, Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, and Siena. Various routes are available for arrival by car. From Munich, you can reach Tuscany via the Brenner motorway A13 (Austria) and then via the A1 in Italy. Plan about 8 hours for this route. Tolls apply in both Austria and Italy. From Frankfurt, the route via Switzerland (A5 and A2) and then through Italy is recommended. The journey takes about 10 hours. Those starting from Hamburg take the A7 and A1; the driving time is approximately 13 hours. As an alternative to arriving by car, you can also travel by train. There are regular connections from many German cities to Florence and Pisa. From there, you can continue to your destination by regional trains or buses. Arrival by air is also an option. Florence (FLR) and Pisa (PSA) airports are served by many airlines. Bus connections and car rental offers are available from both airports. Within Tuscany, having your own vehicle is recommended to explore the region flexibly. The roads are in good condition, although mountain roads can be winding. Regional trains and buses connect the larger cities, but smaller towns are often harder to reach. Near the coast, there are ferry connections to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, such as Elba. Tolls in Italy depend on the distance and can be paid online or at toll stations. The cost for the Brenner motorway from the border to Florence is about 20 euros. The parking situation in cities can be tense, especially in high season. It is advisable to look for parking spaces outside the historic centers and continue from there on foot or by public transport. Many campsites are easily accessible by public transport, but a shuttle service from the train station or airport can be useful.

Tuscany can be roughly divided into different sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. The coastal region, also known as Maremma, stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here you will find long sandy beaches, dense pine forests, and charming coastal towns like Castiglione della Pescaia and Follonica. The Maremma is ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts. Inland, nature reserves like the Parco Naturale della Maremma beckon with untouched nature and diverse wildlife. The Chianti region, located between Florence and Siena, is famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. Picturesque villages like Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and Gaiole in Chianti line up here. Chianti is a paradise for gourmets and wine lovers. Numerous wineries offer wine tastings and tours. Hikers and cyclists also get their money's worth here. The Crete Senesi, southeast of Siena, are characterized by a unique lunar landscape of clay hills. The region is less touristy than the Chianti area but no less charming. Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino are just a few of the places worth seeing in the Crete Senesi. Here you can enjoy the peace and vastness of the Tuscan landscape. The Val d'Orcia, south of Siena, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for its postcard-perfect panoramas. San Quirico d'Orcia, Bagno Vignoni, and Castiglione d'Orcia are some of the highlights. The Val d'Orcia is ideal for photographers and nature lovers. The thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni invite you to relax. The Apuan Alps, in northern Tuscany, offer a completely different landscape. Here, steep marble mountains tower into the sky. Carrara, known for its white marble, is an interesting place to visit. There are numerous hiking trails and climbing routes in the Apuan Alps. The region is ideal for active vacationers. For camping vacationers, Tuscany offers a large selection of campsites in all sub-regions. Whether directly by the sea, in the middle of the hilly landscape, or in the mountains – everyone will find the right pitch here.

The camping landscape in Tuscany is diverse and offers something for every taste. There are an estimated 350+ campsites in the region, ranging from large resort sites with pools and entertainment to small, nature-oriented sites. Agriturismo camping, i.e., camping on farms, is also very popular in Tuscany. Many farms offer simple pitches for motorhomes and tents. Prices for a pitch vary depending on the season, location, and facilities. In the high season (July/August), you should expect prices between 30 and 50 euros per night for a pitch for two people. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are often significantly lower, sometimes under 20 euros per night. The size of typical pitches also varies. On larger resort sites, the plots are often generously sized and offer enough space for a caravan, awning, and car. On smaller sites, the pitches are often a bit tighter. Many sites offer both shaded and sunny pitches. The sanitary standard at campsites in Tuscany is generally good. Many sites have modern sanitary facilities with showers, toilets, and washbasins. Electricity connections are also available at most pitches. The amperage varies but is usually between 6 and 10 amps. Wi-Fi is available at many campsites, but the quality can fluctuate. A reservation is recommended, especially in the high season, as the most popular campsites are often booked up early. However, there are always last-minute opportunities, especially at smaller sites. For motorhomes, there are also numerous parking spaces outside of campsites in Tuscany. These are often cheaper or even free, but usually offer no or only few sanitary facilities.

Toll fees apply for driving on Italian motorways. The amount of the fees depends on the distance and can be paid at the toll stations in cash or by credit card. Alternatively, there is the possibility of renting a Telepass box, with which the fees are automatically debited. The cost for the journey from the Austrian border to Florence is about 20 euros. Diesel prices in Italy are generally slightly higher than in Germany. Gas stations along the motorways are usually open around the clock, while gas stations in cities and villages often take a lunch break and are closed on Sundays. For shopping, there is a large selection of supermarkets in Tuscany, including well-known chains such as Conad, Coop, and Esselunga. The supermarkets are generally open from Monday to Saturday, some also on Sunday mornings. In tourist centers, there are often smaller grocery stores that stay open longer. The supply of gas cylinders can be a bit difficult in Italy, as German gas cylinders usually cannot be exchanged. It is recommended to take an adapter with you or buy an Italian gas cylinder. Disposal stations for motorhomes are available at many campsites and also at some motorway service areas. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Tuscany, although there may be restrictions in mountain regions. Roaming charges within the EU have been abolished, so you can use your German mobile plan. Medical care in Tuscany is good. In the larger cities, there are hospitals and pharmacies. It is recommended to take a European Health Insurance Card with you. The tap water in Tuscany is generally drinkable but may be chlorinated. Wild camping is officially prohibited in Tuscany and is punished with high fines. However, there are some gray areas, especially in remote regions. It is best to inform yourself locally about the applicable rules.

The low season in Tuscany (May/June and September/October) has many advantages. The weather is pleasantly mild, the tourist centers are less crowded, and prices are often cheaper. Especially in spring, the landscape blooms in full glory and the temperatures are ideal for hiking and cycling. A less known place is the mountain village of Volterra, located about 50 kilometers southwest of Florence. Volterra is known for its Etruscan past and its alabaster workshops. From the city wall, you have a magnificent view over the Tuscan landscape. Another insider tip is the beach of Cala Violina in the Maremma. The beach is only accessible via an approximately 2-kilometer-long footpath, but the effort is worth it. The water is crystal clear and the sand creaks when walking, which gave the beach its name (Violina = little violin). At local markets, you can buy fresh products from the region, such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, and sausages. The weekly market in San Gimignano is particularly recommended. Many wineries offer direct sales. Here you can buy the famous Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino directly from the producer. In summer, festivals and events take place in many Tuscan cities and villages. The Palio di Siena, a horse race in the Piazza del Campo, is a spectacle not to be missed. It takes place twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th. Culinarically, you should definitely try Ribollita, a hearty vegetable soup typical of Tuscany. Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a grilled T-bone steak from Chianina cattle, is also a specialty of the region. Locals like to visit Trattoria Mario in Florence or Osteria Le Logge in Siena. A worthwhile day trip is the island of Elba, which can be reached by ferry from Piombino (travel time approx. 1 hour, cost approx. 20 euros per person). Elba is known for its beautiful beaches and its eventful history. Napoleon was in exile here for a few months.