Skip San Gimignano. Here’s Where to Go Instead

I know, I know—San Gimignano is on almost every Tuscany itinerary. But what if I told you it’s not really worth the stop?

Yes, the medieval towers are cool, but the town itself? Overrun with day-trippers, overpriced gelato, and honestly… not much to do. It’s not conveniently located near other must-visit spots, and once you’ve walked through the main streets, there’s little to keep you there.

If you’re looking for a more rewarding, off-the-beaten-path experience, here’s where I’d go instead:

🏰 Volterra: More History, Fewer Crowds

A true medieval gem with Etruscan roots—it’s actually much older than San Gimignano.
A stunning Roman amphitheater, Etruscan gates, and authentic charm—not just a tourist showpiece.
Way less crowded but still offers that hilltop Tuscan magic.

Why go?

If you want a town that actually feels authentic, Volterra is a win. It’s also closer to the coast and has better food options than San Gimignano. Not to mention the views are spectacular. It is a little bit of a haul from the B&B but so is San Gimignano.

📅 Events & Festivals in Volterra:

Volterra AD 1398 Medieval Festival (Second & third Sundays of August) – A medieval reenactment with markets, performances, and parades.
Volterragusto (Late October) – A food festival celebrating local products, especially white truffles.
The Red Night (Notte Rossa) (Second Saturday of September) – A cultural and artistic night dedicated to Volterra’s history and beauty.
International Festival at the Roman Theatre (July & August) – Opera, theatre, and music performances in an ancient setting.

🛕 Colle di Val d’Elsa: Underrated & Full of Surprises

A split-level town with a fascinating mix of medieval and modern architecture.
Famous for its glass-making tradition—visit workshops and bring home handcrafted Tuscan crystal.
Best part? It has a hidden national park area (Sentierelsa) with natural swimming holes, perfect for escaping the summer heat
.

Why go?

If you want medieval charm plus a nature escape, Colle di Val d’Elsa beats San Gimignano any day.

📅 Events & Festivals in Colle di Val d’Elsa:

Sagra della Miseria (Every weekend in June) – A festival dedicated to traditional Tuscan peasant dishes.
Festival of the Holy Nail (Festa del Sacro Chiodo) (First & last weekends of September) – A historic religious celebration.
Liberacollarte (Early September) – A festival of artistic installations, street performances, and craft exhibitions.
Fiera degli Uccelli (September 21st) – A historic fair celebrating rural and hunting traditions.

Lorenzo Calamai

So, Should You Skip San Gimignano?

If you’re just dying to see the towers, go. But if you want a town with more character, fewer crowds, and a more rewarding experience, consider Volterra or Colle di Val d’Elsa instead.