The Tuscany region of central Italy is known for its landscapes, history, artistic legacy, and its influence on high culture. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Interior sections feature hilltop towns and historical valleys, while the coastal section stretches from just north of Pisa to just south of Grosstto. The approach for our guide to running in Tuscany is to focus on some of the most visited locations, plus some particularly scenic spots in the countryside. Runners should note that interior sections can be very hilly — many of the towns are atop hills! Also, summers can be very hot. Note that we have a separate guide for running in Florence, the capital of Tuscany.
The order of our routes below for the best places to run in Tuscany starts at the northern end and works its way down the coast, with seaside jogs on the coastal “lungo mares” of Maremma, Livorno, Elba Island, Castiglioncello, Carrara, and the Piombino area. See also riverfront routes in Grosseto and Pisa. In the interior, we’ve recommended some of the most scenic spots for running along quiet roads in the famed Strade Bianche in Val d’Orcia and Chianti, plus some favorite ancient canal routes, multi-use trails, parks, and preserves. For ‘runseeing’ tours of Tuscany’s iconic towns, see our routes in Pisa, Lucca, Siena, and Volterra.
Trains and buses connect the main towns, but a car is needed for exploring the famous Tuscan countryside.
