Our guide to self-catering in Tuscany

Choosing to stay in one of our charming villas not only provides a cosy and authentic experience, but also the perfect opportunity to explore the art of self-catering. Imagine waking up to the scent of fresh, local produce from the market, ready to be transformed into a delightful homemade meal in your villa’s fully equipped kitchen. Whether you're savouring a leisurely breakfast on a sun-dappled terrace or enjoying a candlelit dinner with the finest Tuscan wine, self-catering in Tuscany allows you to embrace the region’s bountiful offerings at your own pace, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Supermarkets

Chianti and south of Siena

For guests staying in our charming villas in the picturesque regions of Chianti and south of Siena, finding the best supermarkets to stock up on local delicacies and everyday essentials is a breeze. In the heart of Chianti, Coop in Poggibonsi offers a wide selection of fresh produce, local wines, and gourmet items that will enhance any meal. Meanwhile, in the southern part of Siena, the Conad in Montepulciano is renowned for its excellent selection of Tuscan specialities, including artisanal cheeses and cured meats.

Florence

Florence boasts a variety of supermarkets perfect for guests. To start, the Coop.fi is a popular choice, offering a wide range of fresh produce, local specialities, and household essentials. Another excellent supermarket is Esselunga, known for its high-quality products, extensive selection of international foods, and convenient locations. Lastly, Conad City provides a convenient and cost-effective shopping experience with a good mix of everyday items and Italian delicacies.

Lucca, Pisa and Lunigiani

In Lucca, Esselunga and Carrefour Market are top choices, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local cheeses, and fine wines. Pisa boasts the well-stocked Coop and Conad, where you can find everything from artisan bread to high-quality meats. For those exploring the charming region of Lunigiana, the Sigma and Eurospin supermarkets provide a delightful selection of groceries, including regional specialities and organic options.

The Tuscany coast

For a delightful shopping experience, Esselunga in Livorno offers a wide selection of fresh produce, local cheeses, and fine wines, perfect for creating authentic Italian meals. Coop in Grosseto provides an extensive range of organic and sustainably sourced products, ideal for health-conscious visitors. For those looking to explore local specialities, Conad in Viareggio boasts an impressive deli section with Tuscan cured meats and artisanal breads.

Val D'Orcia and Cortona

In Val D'Orcia or Cortona, guests will find an array of excellent supermarkets to meet all their needs. In Val D'Orcia, the COOP in San Quirico d'Orcia offers a wide selection of fresh local produce, meats, and cheeses, ensuring you can savor the region's renowned culinary delights right from your villa. For those staying in Cortona, the Conad Superstore is a top choice, featuring an extensive variety of groceries, including organic and speciality Italian items, perfect for crafting homemade meals.

Food markets

Chianti and south of Siena

Among the best food markets is the Mercato di Greve in Chianti, where local vendors offer an array of fresh produce, artisan cheeses, cured meats, and regional wines that capture the essence of Tuscan flavours. Another gem is the Poggibonsi Market, renowned for its selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and homemade olive oils. South of Siena, the Buonconvento Market stands out with its traditional pastries, fresh pasta, and truffles, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the region. These markets are not just places to shop; they are vibrant social hubs where locals and visitors alike can experience the true spirit of Tuscan life.

Florence

Florence, a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, also boasts some of the best food markets in Italy. The Mercato Centrale, located in the San Lorenzo district, is a must-visit for any food enthusiast. This bustling market offers a delightful array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and artisanal goods, all under one historic roof. On the upper floor, a modern food court serves a variety of local and international dishes, perfect for sampling Tuscan cuisine. For a more traditional experience, the Sant'Ambrogio Market is a local favourite, providing a large atmosphere with its open-air stalls and a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. Each market encapsulates the essence of Florentine life, blending the old with the new.

Lucca, Pisa and Lunigiani

In Lucca, the vibrant Mercato di Lucca is a must-visit, with its bustling stalls brimming with fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and an array of local cheeses and meats. Pisa's Mercato delle Vettovaglie is equally enchanting, set in a historic square where you can savour the flavours of Tuscany with fresh seafood, artisan breads, and an impressive selection of wines. Meanwhile, Lunigiana, known for its picturesque landscapes, hosts charming markets like the Mercato di Pontremoli, where you can discover unique regional sspecialities such as testaroli, honey, and chestnut flour products.

The Tuscany coast

Among the best is the Mercato Centrale in Livorno, where you can find fresh seafood directly from the Tyrrhenian Sea, alongside an array of local produce, cheeses, and cured meats. Another favourite of ours is the Forte dei Marmi Market, held on Wednesdays and Sundays, renowned for its high-quality local delicacies, including truffles, olive oil, and artisanal pastas. The Viareggio Market, open every Thursday, is also a must-visit, boasting a rich selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and delightful baked goods.

 Val D'Orcia and Cortona

In Val D'Orcia, the markets brim with locally produced delights, from pecorino cheese, which is famous for its rich, nutty flavour, to fresh truffles and honey that exude the essence of the region. Visitors can also find an array of organic fruits and vegetables, ensuring a true farm-to-table experience. Meanwhile, Cortona's lively markets are a treasure trove of Tuscan culinary treasures. Here, stalls overflow with handmade pastas, aromatic olive oils, and an assortment of cured meats that reflect the area's rich gastronomic heritage.

Typical breakfasts in Tuscany

A typical Tuscan breakfast is a delightful blend of simplicity and richness, offering a perfect start to your day.

Begin your morning with a warm cup of freshly brewed Italian coffee. Whether you prefer a robust espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a simple caffè latte, the rich aroma and full-bodied flavour of Tuscan coffee will awaken your senses. Pair your coffee with a selection of freshly baked pastries, such as croissants (known locally as cornetti), sfogliatelle, or a slice of rustic ciambella cake. These pastries are often lightly dusted with powdered sugar and filled with delectable options like chocolate, custard, or fruit preserves.

For a more savoury option, consider preparing a traditional Tuscan bruschetta. Start with a slice of crusty, locally-sourced bread, toasted to perfection. Rub it with a clove of fresh garlic and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, a staple in Tuscan cuisine. Top it with ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a pinch of sea salt for a simple yet incredibly flavourful treat.

Another classic choice is the Tuscan breakfast platter, featuring a variety of local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits. Indulge in the creamy goodness of pecorino cheese, the delicate slices of prosciutto, and the sweet burst of flavour from figs or grapes. This combination of tastes and textures will provide a well-rounded and satisfying start to your day.

Don’t forget to include a bowl of yogurt, preferably plain or lightly sweetened, accompanied by a drizzle of local honey and a handful of nuts or granola. This adds a healthy and nutritious element to your breakfast, ensuring you’re fuelled for the adventures that await.

Finally, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a simple fruit smoothie can refresh your palate and provide a dose of vitamins. Seasonal fruits like peaches, apricots, and plums are abundant in Tuscany and can be easily incorporated into your morning routine.

Typical lunches in Tuscany

A typical Tuscan lunch often begins with an assortment of antipasti. Why not explore the local markets we suggested for fresh ingredients such as bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil, or crostini di fegatini, small toasts generously spread with a flavourful chicken liver pâté. In addition, enjoy a selection of locally cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and finocchiona, paired with a variety of cheeses such as pecorino, often drizzled with honey or fig jam.

Primi piatti is where the heart of Tuscan cuisine truly shines. Prepare a classic ribollita, a hearty vegetable and bread soup that epitomizes Tuscan comfort food. Alternatively, try pappardelle al cinghiale, which is wide ribbons of pasta served with a rich wild boar ragù. For a simpler option, pasta al pomodoro, made with fresh tomatoes and basil, this dish captures the essence of Italian summer.

For the main course, or ‘secondi piatti’, indulge in traditional dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina, a sumptuous T-bone steak seasoned with just salt, pepper, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. Pollo alla cacciatora is also a favourite, this is a rustic chicken stew with tomatoes, onions, and herbs. For seafood lovers, cacciucco, a robust fish stew from the coastal areas of Tuscany, is a must-try.

No Tuscan meal is complete without contorni, or side dishes. Prepare simple yet delicious sides like roasted seasonal vegetables, sautéed spinach with garlic, or a fresh panzanella salad made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and stale bread soaked in a vinegar dressing.

To conclude your lunch, indulge in traditional Tuscan desserts. Cantucci, crunchy almond biscuits, are perfect when dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine. Alternatively, try a slice of torta della nonna, a custard-filled tart with pine nuts and powdered sugar.

Of course, no Tuscan meal is complete without a glass of local wine. A robust Chianti Classico or a crisp Vernaccia di San Gimignano can elevate your dining experience and perfectly complement your meal.

Typical dinners in Tuscany

Pappa al Pomodoro

Another delightful bread-based dish is Pappa al Pomodoro. This thick tomato and bread soup is flavoured with garlic, basil, and a generous amount of olive oil. It's a humble yet flavourful dish that captures the essence of Tuscan rustic cooking. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of fresh greens.

Cinghiale alla Cacciatora

For a taste of the Tuscan countryside, try Cinghiale alla Cacciatora, or hunter-style wild boar. This dish features wild boar, slow-cooked with tomatoes, red wine, juniper berries, and herbs. The result is a rich and aromatic stew that pairs beautifully with polenta or fresh pasta.

Tagliatelle al Tartufo

Tuscany is famous for its truffles, and Tagliatelle al Tartufo is a luxurious dish that celebrates this prized ingredient. Fresh tagliatelle pasta is tossed in a simple sauce of butter, Parmesan cheese, and shaved truffles. The earthy aroma and rich flavour make this dish an unforgettable dining experience.

Pici Cacio e Pepe

Indulge in the rustic charm of Pici Cacio e Pepe, a quintessential Tuscan pasta dish featuring hand-rolled thick spaghetti tossed with a luscious sauce of Pecorino cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. The velvety texture and bold flavours of this classic dish capture the essence of Tuscan comfort food at its finest.

Coniglio alla Cacciatora

Delight in the rustic charm of Coniglio alla Cacciatora, a beloved Tuscan rabbit stew that exemplifies the region's approach to slow-cooked, flavourful dishes. Simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and aromatic vegetables, this tender and aromatic stew captures the essence of Tuscan home cooking.

Torta della Nonna

Conclude your Tuscan culinary journey with the exquisite delight of Torta della Nonna, a traditional Tuscan dessert that translates to "Grandmother's Cake." This luscious tart features a rich, creamy filling of pastry cream and a generous sprinkling of pine nuts, all encased in a buttery, almond-flavoured crust, showcasing the artistry of Tuscan pastry-making traditions.

Your starter shopping list

• Tuscan wine

• Artisanal cheeses and cured meats

• Coffee and fresh juice

• Pastries

• Herbs

• Truffle

• Fresh fruit and vegetables

• Fresh bread

• Yogurt, honey, jam and granola

• Pasta

• Fresh fish and meat

• Biscuits and cake

• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Our favourite self catering villas in Tuscany

Villa Mozzafiato is located within easy reach of picturesque villages and towns and is a beautiful Tuscan villa with contemporary furnishings and excellent outdoor living areas including a charming al fresco area and outdoor kitchen complete with barbecue. 

Novedieci is a spacious, stylish and superbly presented villa in Tuscany that is perfect for special occasions and big get-togethers. Set in lawned gardens and just 5km from the beautiful town of Lucca. The highlight of this property is the large,  covered, outdoor terrace that is a living and dining space combined, ideal for long evenings socialsing. 

With a private lake, woodlands and olive groves, and splendid views to distant hilltop castles, this Maniero di Sorbello in Tuscany is an exquisite retreat, exuding tranquility and sophistication. An old stone veranda with rustic wooden beams hosts the al fresco area where guests can enjoy good food, all whilst looking out onto the perfectly manicured gardens.