Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and modern-day regional capital, attracts millions of visitors yearly thanks to its rich history, magnificent architecture, and enticing cultural charm. For the discerning traveler seeking a truly immersive and luxurious experience, renting the right villa in Florence during your stay in this enchanting city is the perfect choice.
Luxury villas in Florence provide a sense of exclusivity and the opportunity to enjoy a personalized, comfortable, and intimate vacation with family and friends. Equipped with modern amenities and surrounded by the stunning Tuscan countryside filled with olive groves and the most famous wine regions, visitors can bask in the serenity of their surroundings while still being close to Florence’s city restaurants, bustling historic center, and world-famous attractions and museums.
We have compiled a list of the best villas in Florence, offering valuable insights into their offerings, specifications, and unique qualities. Whether you are planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or group trip, we can help you decide which Florence villa best suits your preferences and requirements.
Why Stay Near Florence
Staying in a villa near Florence offers numerous advantages for travelers. For one, the villas are near a major airport, making travel much easier. Florence is well-known for its rich artistic heritage, with attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, and numerous Medici villas and palaces. By choosing a nearby villa as your accommodation, you can experience a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere with easy access to these remarkable sights of the city center.
Villas near Florence provide a range of amenities that differ from those found in typical hotels or apartments. Guests benefit from more space, privacy, and access to private gardens and outdoor areas for relaxation and al fresco meals. Moreover, many villas are carefully designed with modern and traditional elements, providing a unique and comfortable living environment and often have a private outdoor pool or hot tub (or even an entire wellness center or gym), concierge service, private chef services, and ample private parking that is all included in the villa rental. (And we haven’t even mentioned the views yet).
In addition to the art and history, the area surrounding Florence is known for its beautiful countryside filled with olive groves, vineyards, and culinary delights such as Chianti wine, extra virgin olive oil, truffles, fresh pasta, Pecorino cheese, and much more. Renting a nice villa close to Florence allows you to explore the surrounding region easily, immerse yourself in the local culture, and try dishes made from fresh ingredients at local Tuscan restaurants or even in the comfort of your villa rental with a private chef.
Staying in a Florence villa rental during your visit to Florence is an excellent choice if you want a mixture of art, history, local gastronomy, and a scenic atmosphere while enjoying the comfort and privacy that a “home away from home” offers and amenities like an outdoor pool, en suite bathrooms and accommodations for large family gatherings, weddings or retreats.
When to Visit Florence
Florence is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are April through May and late September through November. During these months, the weather is more favorable, and there are fewer crowds.
The city’s iconic attractions are a must-see regardless of the time of year. The Duomo—Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, an architectural marvel, is a testament to Renaissance design and engineering. Piazza della Signoria is a vital hub housing cultural festivals and numerous outdoor sculptures. When you have had enough of churches, you can enjoy a stroll through the Pitti Palace and Renaissance gardens of Boboli.
Of course, no visit to Florence would be complete without seeing the Ponte Vecchio. This medieval stone bridge that crosses the river Arno embodies the essence of the Oltrarno neighborhood with its charming shops, galleries, and captivating views.
The Uffizi Gallery houses an unparalleled collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo Da Vinci. In contrast, the nearby Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a museum and exhibition space showcasing various works of art. And then there is, of course, the beautiful Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world.
Florence is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region, with many day trips from the city offering unforgettable experiences. The picturesque towns of Siena, Pisa, and Lucca are within easy reach, providing opportunities to explore Tuscan culture, history, and gastronomy. Suppose you rent your villa in Florence during the summer. In that case, you can attend events such as the Palio di Siena horserace or the famous summer opera festival dedicated to Puccini (the open-air Puccini festival) near the composer’s lakeside home.
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Best Florence Villa Rentals
Villa Dante’s Manor
Villa Dante’s Manor features five well-appointed bedrooms with en suite bathrooms in a private villa with a beautiful private pool and hot tub, a huge and luxurious Italian garden, a full kitchen, a dining area, and many areas to relax and enjoy the Dolce Vita.
This historic luxury villa with air conditioning comfortably sleeps 10 people and is located just a 5-10 minute drive into the city center of Florence in one of the most exclusive areas near Fiesole. It has commanding views of the Florentine hills and classic Tuscan scenery. The villa, “La Magione degli Alighieri,” inspired the famous Italian poet Dante Alighieri and was even home to the family of his muse, Beatrice Portinari.
Villa Dante’s Manor is a stunning example of an entire villa available in Florence with a private pool. It is perfect for a large family or group of couples (given that there are 6 bathrooms and plenty of space to spread out). With all the amenities one needs, this Italian gem has comfort, style, and an unforgettable atmosphere that will make your stay unforgettable.
Villa Cozy
Villa Cozy is a recently renovated villa in Florence with 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms, a private garden, and a gated parking area. It is in a fantastic location to access the best Florence has to offer while enjoying recently renovated rooms and an al fresco dining area with a patio. This Florence villa has recently undergone a full renovation, with new beds and other furniture and a fresh coat of paint to brighten up all the rooms.
The charming villa is located within walking distance (a 15-minute walk or 1.2 miles) from the world-famous Ponte Vecchio in downtown Florence. From there, you can explore museums such as the Uffizi and Accademia, the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, shopping districts, the Arno River, and everything else that this beautiful Renaissance city has to offer.
When desired, instead of walking, you can use the reliable and frequent local bus service, which comes regularly and stops 2 minutes from the villa, or you can take a taxi to get downtown in minutes. Without having to go downtown, you can enjoy local neighborhood restaurants and cafes and pick up supplies at a local grocery store or pharmacy, all within walking distance.
Villa Cozy is a haven for travelers seeking an unparalleled villa experience in Florence. With its very convenient location, exceptional amenities, and prime access to the city, this villa guarantees a memorable holiday for your family or friend group of 7 traveling to Tuscany, central Italy.
Villa “Dream Stay”
Villa Dream Stay is a 5-bedroom exclusive villa in Florence that sleeps up to 10 people. It has a private heated pool and a concierge for all your needs while you’re onsite. You can enjoy the splendid grounds, relax in the sun, and enjoy the heated pool surrounded by rolling hills covered with olive groves. And yes, they do weddings!
When looking at all the Florence villas, Villa Dream Stay stands out because of its secluded hillside location, private access to the entire villa, and private pool. While in this villa in the Chianti hills, you can sip a glass of Chianti Classico wine, make pizza in the traditional wood-fired oven, or barbecue a selection of local meats like Cinta Senese pork or Chianina beef in the beautiful garden. You can even use the villa’s bikes to ride through the Tuscan countryside or to Impruneta, the closest town just 1.2 miles away.
When you want to explore Florence, it is just a 20-minute drive by car, and you will be in the heart of this city of culture. Spend time shopping, seeing the sites, visiting museums, churches, and countless painted chapels, and then return to your villa for an evening meal prepared by the in-house chef. Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, and many other charming hilltop towns are also within easy driving range.
Villa Dream Stay is the perfect option for travelers seeking a luxurious and memorable stay in a villa near Florence with a private swimming pool. It provides a beautiful balance of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty in the heart of Tuscany’s countryside. You can book Villa Dream Stay on VRBO here.
Villa Poggio
Villa Poggio is a very large villa near Florence surrounded by an organic farm and vineyard and just a few miles from the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. It can sleep up to 20 guests in its 11 rooms, has 7 bathrooms, and has many communal and outdoor areas, making it perfect for a family reunion, small wedding, or group consisting of more than one family that wants to enjoy Tuscany.
While at your villa in Florence, you can enjoy the countryside location and taste the property’s extra virgin olive oil and incredible wines. You can also reach the heart of Florence by car in just 20 minutes, and other destinations such as Pisa, Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano are all within easy driving distance.
Villa Poggio is a luxury villa with access to a private swimming pool shared with two other villas on the property. It has a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious dining area that opens onto a garden with a loggia, where you can enjoy al fresco dining during the summer months.
Other Florence villas on the farm are available for rent, including Villa Sughera, which sleeps 11, and Villa Sugherina, which sleeps up to 4 people. Thus, you can rent all three villas for a stay of up to 35 people for a small wedding or retreat.
Villa Poggio provides an exceptional experience for travelers seeking an idyllic retreat that harmoniously blends rich Italian history and gastronomy with the charms of the Italian countryside.
Villa Il Forte
Villa Il Forte is a luxury villa in Florence that sleeps up to 16 people in 8 rooms. Nestled in the countryside in a historic fortress, it is near the small town of San Donato in Collina, only 10 miles from downtown Florence. The villa has ample private parking and a private pool.
For environmentally-minded guests, you will be happy to know that this villa in Florence is equipped with sustainable energy sources such as solar cells for electricity and a geothermal system for heating and air conditioning. The infinity pool, in common with the other villa on site that is also available for rent, will provide hours of fun and relaxation. The beautiful swimming pool is completely fenced for the optimal safety of children staying on the property. There is also a private garden, olive groves, and a gazebo for dining al fresco or relaxing. It is also possible to reserve a private gym on the premises during your stay.
Villa Il Forte has a main villa and guest house as well as an excellent modern kitchen with everything necessary to cook incredible Italian food during your stay. The eight rooms and nine en suite bathrooms, as well as many common areas, dining areas, comfortable sofas, and outdoor spaces, make it the perfect villa near Florence to rent for a large group (16 in the main house and up to 20 if you include the guest house).
From this luxury villa, we highly recommend renting a van or using a limo service for day trips such as Chianti wine tours, Brunello wine tours, or truffle hunting. In the area, you can also spend the day shopping at the luxury outlet mall or pop into Florence to visit the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, or other fantastic artistic or cultural stops in this bustling city on the Arno River in central Italy.
Villa Lacustre
Villa Lacustre is a countryside villa that has four bedrooms and two bathrooms and can sleep between 8 to 12 people. The villa is kid-friendly, with its own private playground. It has a patio, a luscious garden, a swimming pool, a whirlpool hot tub, and a children’s play area. Some of the rooms have air conditioning, and all include bed linen, and there is plenty of free parking. We highly recommend renting a car to stay on the property as it has a half mile of unpaved road.
Florence Villa Lacustre is about 3 miles from San Casciano in Val di Pesa, a cute Tuscan town where you can find restaurants and shops. The drive into Florence is about 20 minutes and we recommend this villa over other villa rentals if you are looking for a relaxing, countryside villa near Florence for a family for a week or two of exploring Tuscany as you can easily reach Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Lucca and Pisa from this centrally located villa.
Villa Acacia
Villa Acacia is one of the most beautiful villas near Florence with an outdoor living area and a private pool. You don’t even need to rent a car when staying at Villa Acacia because it is just a 10-minute bus or taxi ride to the city center of Florence.
The 17th-century villa is located in an area above Florence with olive trees, vineyards, and cypress-lined streets where the wealthy of today and yesterday have their second homes. This Florence villa has 5 bright and welcoming bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an infinity pool and garden with umbrella pines. The panoramic terrace on the roof offers breathtaking views all the way to the Duomo in downtown Florence. A covered pergola makes dining outdoors a pleasure at all times of the year.
While going into Florence is a breeze, you can also use closer shops and restaurants and explore the local neighborhood vibe. This villa in Florence is ideal for a family vacation or a small group of friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there other top-rated villas near Florence?
Florence is filled with top-rated villas, so this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding renting a villa in this fantastic Tuscan city of art and culture. We recommend that if you want to spend a lot of time in the city itself visiting the world-famous museums or participating in unique events such as the Scoppio del Carroantique cart filled with fireworks, an Easter day tradition, that you pick a villa as close to the center as possible. If you are more interested in exploring Tuscany, getting the overnight typical experience in the countryside, and sipping great wine as you gaze out over the Chianti hills, then choosing a villa a few miles outside the city itself is a better choice.
Are there any villa hotels in Florence?
If you are traveling alone or as a couple and don’t need an entire villa in Florence but want to experience the magic of staying in a villa, here are some of our favorite villas that have been converted into hotels in Florence:
- Villa Cora -5 star hotel in the hills above Florence with incredible grounds and opulent rooms.
- Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo – book the suite for a luxurious stay in downtown Florence across from the Duomo.
- Villa Tolomei – set among the vineyards and olive trees, this is a proper resort with swimming pool and lots of great amenities in the hills above Florence.
Which villa is the best for weddings in the Florence area?
Villa Il Cerretino offers an incredible wedding experience, with its dedicated wedding planner on staff and incredible grounds that make for a spectacular backdrop to a small or large wedding. Its elegant architecture and picturesque surroundings create an unforgettable experience and guests will love the proximity to Florence for more travel and exploration after the wedding.
Are there any luxurious villa rentals in Tuscany?
Yes, the Tuscany region is known for its exquisite villas that provide a lavish holiday experience. These villas we have compiled are just some of the incredible historic, majestic, or modern villas you can experience on your next trip to Florence with your family and friends, or for a special occasion.
How do I find the perfect villa outside of Florence city center?
If none of these fantastic villas in Florence are right for you, use Booking.com’s filter options to narrow down your search by price, rating, guest reviews, and distance from the city center. Additionally, consider the type of experience you want – be it a countryside escape or proximity to historical sites – and seek recommendations from travel magazines or trusted online reviews.
Do I need a car when renting a villa in Florence?
That is a great question and it depends. If you are within walking distance of the downtown area you can probably skip renting a car and instead walk, take the bus or taxis, or use private drivers for any transfers you may need. However, if you are out in the countryside you will most likely need to rent a car or van for a larger group or arrange for a private car service ahead of time for your day trips.
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