Tuscany Bus Fares Rise August 1, 20 Blue Flag Beaches, and Beating the Summer Heat

Tuscany Bus and Tram Fares Rise from August 1

If you plan to use buses or trams in Tuscany after July 31, budget a little more. According to The Florentine, a single ticket will cost around 2 EUR starting August 1, 2026. Multi-ride passes and monthly subscriptions stay the same, so if you are in Florence for more than a couple of days, buy a book of tickets or a travel card instead of paying per ride. The fare applies to regional public transport across Tuscany, including city buses in Florence, Siena and Pisa. Buy your ticket before boarding, at a tabacchi, newsstand or machine, and validate it once on board. Riding without a validated ticket can bring a steep fine.

20 Blue Flag Beaches for 2026

Tuscany earned 20 Blue Flag beaches this year, one more than in 2025, according to The Florentine. The award means clean water, safe swimming and good services. Awarded spots include Castiglione della Pescaia, Marina di Grosseto and stretches of the Versilia coast near Viareggio. If you are driving between Cinque Terre and Rome, a stop at one of these beaches is worth the detour. Skip the pricier lidos in peak August, bring your own towel, and aim for early morning or late afternoon to dodge the crowds.

Escaping the July Heat

Cities like Florence and Rome get uncomfortably hot in late July and August, and a Euronews report notes more travelers are choosing milder destinations instead, a trend dubbed the coolcation. In Italy that means Lake Como, the Dolomites or Tuscan hill towns like Montepulciano and Cortona. If you are set on city sightseeing, do it early, between 7 and 9 AM, and save museums for the hottest hours. The same logic applies on the Amalfi Coast and in Sicily, both stunning but crowded and hot in August.