Stargazing and astrotourism are having a moment. As light pollution increases by an estimated 10 percent each year, clear starry skies are becoming increasingly rare. Today, around 80 percent of the world’s population lives under skies affected by artificial light, leaving fewer people with regular access to a truly dark night sky.
Yet in places like Tuscany and Umbria, where rolling hills and rural landscapes still offer pockets of darkness, light pollution is minimal, making it one of the best places in Europe for observing the night sky. The region’s balanced climate also means that you can enjoy stargazing for much of the year, with clear skies being most common in late spring, summer and early autumn.
A stay at one of our private villas comes with a complimentary concierge, who can organise everything from ranger-led walks in Val d’Orcia to guided workshops near Chianti, as well as professional telescope sessions and in-villa astrophotography lessons during key celestial events.
Take your pick with our guide to the best stargazing spots in Tuscany and Umbria.
Berignone Nature Reserve, Volterra
Volterra’s blend of wide-open fields and dense forests are a prime location for stargazing. As soon as night falls, the region’s inky black skies light up with constellations and distant planets. On moonless nights, you may even glimpse the faint glow of the Milky Way flickering across the sky.
Where to stay: With a stay at Pieve di Ponsano, you’ll gain doorstep access to the Berignone Nature Reserve, which offers an unparalleled view of the stars. Located near San Gimignano in the Val d’Elsa countryside, the villa’s secluded location also means you can organise stargazing workshops from the comfort of your villa.
Maremma Regional National Park
The beauty of Maremma goes beyond its wild and rugged beaches. Tuscany’s southern coast benefits from remarkably dark skies compared to most of Europe, with small villages strictly following traditional lighting practices. During certain celestial events or moonless nights, you might even spot the milky way or a constellation of planets with the naked eye. Maremma’s glimmering night skies can be admired from just about anywhere, but the Parco Regionale della Maremma is especially exceptional, with zero light pollution in the protected zones.
Where to stay: A stay at Sartomare offers doorstep access to the park, where you can embark on moonlit night walks with a professional guide. Ideal for families, this luxurious eco-villa is primely located for first-time stargazers and child-friendly workshops alike.
Rural Umbria
Between wine tastings and village hopping, Umbria’s sparse population and low light pollution make it a prime spot for marvelling at the cosmos. The region’s rugged landscapes and wide-open fields add an element of drama to the spectacle, and thanks to its elevation and hyper seclusion, the sheer density of stars appears in high definition year-round, rivalling professional observatory sites.
Where to stay: Located in rural Umbria, Solomonio is a welcoming farmhouse with stargazing spots aplenty. Get comfy on your private terrace to watch the night sky light up the countryside, either independently or with the help of a professional guide. Speak to your private concierge for the best observation points, including Parco Fluviale del Nera and Marmore Falls.
Chianti Countryside, Tuscany
Despite its close proximity to urban centres, such as Siena and Florence, Chianti’s sprawling countryside offers uninterrupted views of the sky. Embark on atmospheric night walks with a professional guide and learn all about nature’s glimmering light display. On moonlit walks, a guide can help you spot certain planets or the moon’s surface using a professional-grade telescope.
Where to stay: Experience Chianti’s brightest constellations with a stay at Il Cortile Pratolino – a spectacular villa with sensational gardens and landscapes. Nestled in the remote countryside, the villa comes with its own private concierge, who can enrich your stay with tailored, local experiences, including a trip to the Observatory of Chianti in Barberino Tavarnelle. Villa La Calcinaia’s many lawns and terraces are primed for nights under the stars. Grab a blanket and cosy up for an enchanting light show.
Val d’Orcia, Tuscany
Val d’Orcia’s picturesque landscapes are a sight to behold by day, but they’re just as atmospheric at night. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Val d’Orcia has many protected areas with minimal artificial light. The night skies in Pienza or San Quirico d’Orcia are clear for most of the year, welcoming seasoned pros and beginners alike.
Where to stay: Il Cornello is an elegant choice for your Tuscan stargazing adventure. The views alone from the villa’s paved terrace invite you to linger well after sunset. Poggiobuono near Val d’Orcia is secluded enough to enjoy the region’s clear skies by night, with two terraces to choose from.
Plan your stargazing adventure
Stargazing adds a new dimension to your usual travel itinerary. Between the wine tastings and pool days, consider setting time aside to look up at the glittering skies above. With our local concierge included with every villa stay, you can organise moonlit wine tastings paired with telescope workshops, ranger-led walks near Maremma, full moon ceremonies and more.
Let our Villa Specialists pair you with a secluded villa rental away from urban centres and artificial light, so you can enjoy the region’s brightest constellations.