SUMMERS IN TUSCANY
Florence and the Tuscan countryside have a way of slowing time. Mornings begin over espresso at marble counters, afternoons disappear between vineyards and hill towns, and evenings stretch long after the sun has set, gathered around long tables with good wine and even better company. It's a rhythm that has drawn people back for generations.
For Danish Brand Manager and Buyer Sofie Liv Madsen, those rituals began in childhood. Travelling to Italy with her family almost every summer, Florence became the natural starting point before continuing into the Tuscan countryside. Over the years, those trips have taken many different forms: weekends with her mother and sisters, holidays with larger groups of family and friends, and countless stays in agriturismos and villas scattered across the region.
Today, Tuscany remains the place she returns to more than anywhere else. Drawn by its understated hospitality, exceptional food, antique markets, family-run wineries and the quiet beauty of its landscapes, she has built a personal collection of places that have stood the test of time. Here, she shares the hotels, restaurants, wineries and hidden finds that continue to define her summers in Tuscany.
FLORENCE
Honestly, I’d splurge a little in Florence and book somewhere really nice and then keep it a bit more low-key and budget-friendly at a farm stay somewhere in Tuscany. Guadagni was absolutely magical! So beautiful, with the sweetest staff.
The loveliest little spot just outside the centre of Florence. Proper, rustic Tuscan cooking, where you drink wine from water glasses and get the most delicious, beautifully simple dishes. Since it’s only about 15 minutes from the centre, it still feels incredibly local and authentic. Not far from Porta Romana <3 Order the anchovies with butter, and finish with a huge slice of ice-cold watermelon!
One of my (and everyone else’s) absolute favourites in Florence. So OG. Make sure to book a table in advance
Maybe my absolute favourite place in Florence! So simple, but insanely delicious. Their chicken is mandatory, and they might have the best tomatoes I’ve ever tasted in my life. If wild strawberries are in season, you HAVE to order the ice cream cake with wild strawberries!!! Call to book a table - it’s a bit of a hassle, but totally worth it.
TUSCANY
STAY
My mum is a world champion at finding the loveliest places. Decide roughly where you want to stay, and then zoom in on Maps until you find the perfect little countryside escape! Our favourite area is definitely Chianti and around Siena. We have a particular soft spot for the little town of Radicondoli. I’m totally useless and can’t really recommend specific places, other than saying that Villas in Med has some absolute banger villas if you can’t be bothered with my mum’s method. Loved staying at Villa La Madonna.
A lot of the authentic countryside houses you can rent come with their own little flaws. I actually think that’s part of the charm - you just have to be okay with it. More often than not, the rustic kitchens and fabulous views make up for the slightly tragic bathroom?! If rustic isn’t your thing, I’d recommend Cenerentola Chianti. So chic! Perfect for a group.
WINE TASTING
There’s a lot of very conventional wine in Chianti, which I personally find a bit boring. It can be hard to know what’s actually worth trying. If you’re into something a little more “fancy”, I’d recommend Rufino. The most beautiful setting, and they make a fab Prosecco!
If you’re after something much more low-key and chill, I’d recommend Tenuta Montiani. Totally quirky, but such a lovely little winery that’s really passionate about natural wine and organic farming. His family also owns Cibréo in Florence, which I definitely take as a quality stamp!
ANTIQUE SHOPPING
There are some seriously amazing gems to be found. Every time I’m there, I dream of renting a van and just going completely wild!!! There are some incredible markets, but make sure to check the dates beforehand! I’d definitely recommend checking out the antique markets in Lucca and Arezzo.
If you’re after endless vintage and second-hand shops, head to Pescia. It’s kind of the OG town for vintage and antiques.
Search “mercatino dell’usato” on Maps and you’re guaranteed to find something! If you’re in the area Pogibonssi, I’d recommend Mercatone dell’Usato Selezionato. If you’re near Siena, I’d also stop by the vintage shop Mercatino Compravendita Usato. You can get lucky and find vintage Prada, Max Mara, etc. I once found a pair of Prada kitten heels for €55!
