A Hidden Gen in Tuscany: The Deceptively Sleep Town of Seggiano, Italy
It’s really no surprise that visitors to Tuscany would drive through the windy roads of Seggiano and not think twice about stopping. It’s a beautifully deceptive sleepy town to the naked eye, but when you step inside, you find a non-crowded local gem. The better-known Tuscany is full of rolling hills, stone towns, and piazzas packed with tourists sipping Aperol. But if you prefer the road not-so-traveled—somewhere between Montepulciano and Montalcino—you’ll find Seggiano: an actual hidden gem that still feels lived in, loved, and unbothered by outside noise. It’s small. It’s slow. And it’s exactly what you’re looking for if you want the real Tuscany (not the Instagram version). I’m planning my wedding here in 2026, which should say something. But whether you're eloping, escaping, or just driving through the wine routes, Seggiano deserves 2–3 days of your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Seggiano, Tuscany
La Scottiglia Hotel & Restaurant is our personal go-to. It’s family-run, passed down since the 1800s, and offers a clean, A/C-equipped, shockingly affordable stay with one of the best meals you’ll eat in Tuscany. More on that below.
Looking for something with boutique charm? Castello di Potentino, a British-owned castle-turned-B&B with about 15 boutique rooms and a pool overlooking the valley. Almost like a museum, this castle is quiet, moody, and beautifully curated, and includes breakfast.
Vitabella is surrounded by olive groves and wheat fields, with just four rooms and four apartments. Rustic pool, on-site olive oil tastings, and free mountain bikes.
On the Monte Amiata slopes, Antico Casale Pozzuolo and Il Giardino Spoerri are two hotels great for travelers who want an authentic, local agriturismo feel. Pozzuolo also has a pool. Both are located on beautiful properties with a more rustic but authentic experience. Il Giardino are big apartment-style rooms with kitchens in an old building within artist Daniel Spoerri’s sculpture garden. When my fiance and I stayed here, we actually took an evening stroll to Sculpture #3 to see the view from the hilltop of Seggiano at night.
Prefer a traditional hotel experience? Grand Hotel Impero offers a 4-star setup with spa, sleek rooms, and a solid on-site restaurant. Clean, consistent, and ideal if you’re less into rustic and more into polished.
Skip: Montale Podere Il Borgo. We stayed here once and nearly destroyed our rental car on the rock-riddled road. The staff felt stiff, the breakfast completely forgettable.
Where to Eat Delicious Italian Food in Seggiano, Tuscany
La Scottiglia: Do not let the modest setting fool you. This family-run restaurant delivers Michelin-level food at very un-Michelin prices. Go at sundown for views and order whatever is in season. The wild boar and handmade pasta are standouts.
Silene: Remember, I said a deceptively sleepy town? While this same sleepy town has a Michelin star. Yes, a Michelin star restaurant lives here. And yes, it’s worth it. Go for the tasting menu if you’re adventurous (pigeon included), or order à la carte for a slightly more low-key but still exceptional experience. Reservations required.
Da Luca: For a more casual, traditional Tuscan lunch or dinner. This is where the locals go, and it shows.
Il Giardino (Non Solo Eat Art Restaurant): Located inside Daniel Spoerri’s sculpture park, this organic spot is open for lunch after you wander the grounds.
What to Do in Seggiano
Seggiano isn’t about doing; it’s about being. But here are a few places worth your time:
Daniel Spoerri Sculpture Garden (Il Giardino): A hillside art park featuring over 100 sculptures across nature trails. Download the map and take your time. Go around 11:30 am, and when you’re done, stop into Non Solo Eat Art for a delicious lunch.
Olive Oil Tour & the Suspended Tree Project: Seggiano is home to an internationally recognized olive oil initiative, including the now-famous suspended olive tree, which has been fed with the aeroponic technique by nebulization (with the hanging roots) since November 2014. Book a tour for both the story and the tasting.
Wander the Old Town: Up on the hill in Seggiano proper, walk the cobbled streets, stop for an espresso, and take in the view from the Antico Borgo. (Side note: it’s also for sale if you're dreaming of uprooting your life and owning a cocktail bar in Tuscany.)
What You Need to Know About Visiting Seggiano
There are no taxis. No Ubers. No local buses. Rent a car when you fly into Rome or Florence. It’s the only way to access Seggiano and the surrounding region.
Respect the pace. Things take time here. That’s the point. Your morning espresso may take 20 minutes. Lean in. Everyone knows everyone. You’ll see the same people at the bar, the shop, and dinner. Smile, say hello (in Italian!), and you’ll feel part of the town before the end of your first night.
Seggiano isn’t trying to be discovered. It just is. And that’s exactly why it’s so special. If you’re looking for a Tuscan town that’s still for the locals, not the crowds, this is it. And if you hear wedding bells in 2026, that’s probably us.
