On our way back from Pisa, we decided to make a stop at the charming hilltop town of San Miniato. Our friend Gabriele, who hails from Sicily, had recommended it during our trip around Italy last year.
During our previous visit, we barely had any time to explore. This time, however, we had the entire evening to leisurely stroll through the town, enjoying the warm summer evening with a slice of pizza in hand.
When you get to San Miniato, it’s best to start your journey at the top, where the castle, La Rocca, is located. From there, you can slowly make your way down through the town. The views of Tuscany from up here are stunning, and catching the sunset makes it even more special, with the sun setting over the rolling hills.
Exploring San Miniato is easiest on foot since it’s a small town, making it convenient to see its sights. Plus, it gives you the perfect excuse to stop for gelato whenever you fancy.
One of the best things about San Miniato is that it doesn’t feel overrun by tourists. While bustling tourist spots have their charm, here, the vibe is more relaxed, like stepping into an idyllic Italian scene.
I somehow managed to lose Lloyd during my visit (not quite sure how that happened), but in a place this charming, getting lost doesn’t really matter—it’s the perfect setting for wandering aimlessly. The only concern might be if he’s carrying the gelato money!
Eventually, it was time to say goodbye to San Miniato, though I’d love to return someday to see how it looks during the day compared to the tranquil evenings we experienced. We headed back to our Tuscan farmhouse to unwind, recharge, and decide on our next adventure in Montaione over glasses of prosecco.
Today was a lovely reminder that Italy, much like many other places around the world, is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, without a strict itinerary.