Exploring different diasporas around the globe is a preferred hobby of mine. I have a strong interest in migration patterns, and learning about why people choose (or are forced) to leave a place in exchange for another is not only interesting, but a great way to practice empathy. So, when I heard there was a town in Tuscany deemed as the most Scottish town in Italy that made for an easy day trip from nearby Lucca aka my favorite Florence dupe, I simply had to understand why that was so. And the best way to understand, in my case, is always to travel there.
The History of Barga
So, why is there a random Scottish town in the middle of dreamy Tuscany? Well, it’s not so random. In the late 19th century, a lot of Italians in this particular part of Tuscany decided to leave Italy for better opportunity. Legend has it that once they reached Scotland, they believed they were in the US, though whether that’s true or not is not confirmed. Regardless, many Italians ended up in Scotland during this period, but over time, they slowly returned back to Barga. This caused a mesh of Scottish and Italian cultures, making Barga the most Scottish town in Italy.
What to do in Barga
The town of Barga is quite small, but as small as it is, it’s equally beautiful. Barga is considered one of the I Borghi più belli d’Italia, or “most beautiful villages in Italy/” I Borghi più belli d’Italia is a nonprofit that’s dedicated to preserving some of Italy’s smaller and most beautiful towns; close to 1,000 towns throughout all of Italy’s 20 regions apply to be a part of it each year, and less than 400 are chosen, including Barga.
Walk around and notice the plethora of Scottish flags hung all around. Swing by the classic U.K. red telephone booth, which is actually a book exchange (“the smallest book exchange in Tuscany”).
For a true taste of Tuscany, head to Podere Concori, a family-run biodynamic winery that makes some great white wines that are obviously best paired with a Tuscan lunch plate of chickpea soup, cured meats, pecorino cheese, and plump sun-dried tomatoes.
There is one spot in town where you can put your hands in the wall and make a wish. Just around the corner from that, there’s a condom vending machine!
Speaking of I Borghi più belli d’Italia, Barga is near four other borghi, so to best see them all, take a hike through Cinque Borghi, or five total borghi.
- Fashion Tip: There’s tons of hiking in and around Barga. Wear a stylish outfit like this one to really pop in photos (like my bright green top that worked great against the colorful buildings!).
How to get to Barga
Barga does have a train station, but it would be slightly foolish to come here without a car. While the town itself is walkable, you’ll want to have the opportunity to explore some nearby gems, like the cinque borghi hike, the winery Podere Concori, and anything else you might find interesting while over here. Not having a car is severely limiting, so I’d recommend finding a good deal on Booking.com.
The closest airports to Barga are Florence and Pisa.
Where to stay in Barga
Since Barga is small, the options are a little limited on where to stay. I was able to visit Barga because I stayed at nearby Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa, a dreamy sprawled out resort with a pool that’s only about a ten-minute drive to Barga. I can’t speak for any other accommodation, but my time at Renaissance Tuscany was one of my more memorable hotel stays in Italy and I’d highly recommend it if you want that quintessential rolling hills of Tuscany type of feel.
Where to eat in Barga
Barga is home to plenty of great restaurants, and yes, most of them are Italian, not Scottish. Some of my favorite spots for true and tried Tuscan food were:
- Trattoria L’Altana
- Wine Not?
- Pizza Indie
- Locanda Alla Posta
If you happen to be in Barga in the summertime, keep an eye out for their annual fish and chips festival. Because even though you’re in Italy, you’re still in the most Scottish town IN Italy, so, naturally, there’s a fish and chips festival.
DISCLAIMER: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!
DISCLAIMER II: Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa hosted me for two nights