CORTONA INSIDER TIPS
Cortona FAQs
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Cortona is located in southern Tuscany, about 2.5 hours north of Rome and 90 minutes south of Florence, directly in the middle of Italy.
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You can contact us to book your stay by emailing hello@sojournventurestravel.com
We suggest you contact us as soon as you know when you would like to travel so we can do our best to book your preferred dates. We reccomend booking 1 year out if possible.
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Cortona is easy to access from both airports, with Florence being slightly closer. Rome is about 3+ hours by train or car, Florence is about 2+ hours by train or car. Florence is a smaller airport while Rome is a large international airport. We recommend that you make your selection by the city that works best for your specific travel needs and preferences.
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The best season in Cortona depends on what type of experience you would like to have. Do you enjoy warm summer months, temperate spring and fall months, or winter weather? The busiest times are April through October.
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You will only need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of departure from Europe.
Visas will be required starting in 2025 to enter Europe. The visa is called an ETIAS visa
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You can get to Cortona by train, rental car, or private taxi.
When you book your stay, we will send you your Cortona arrival instructions.
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It will depend on your accommodations. Cortona is an ancient, stone village not designed for cars and is a controlled traffic zone.
While some of our homes have nearby parking, you may need to park up to 10 to 15 minutes by foot from your accommodations.
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Yes, you will check in with our local Tuscan team. Specific arrival instructions will be sent to you upon confirmation of your stay.
Someone will escort you to your accommodations, regardless of your mode of transport. All our Cortona partners speak English.
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You need to get a special international plan for texting and phone service before arriving in Italy. We strongly encourage you to bring a Smartphone that has been activated with an international plan, in the event of an emergency or unforeseen delay to your arrival in Cortona.
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You can usually buy euros in advance through your bank. There are ATMs in all airports and train stations, as well as several in central Cortona. Many restaurants and shops accept Visa and Mastercard.
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Wheelchair access is unfortunately not as prevalent in Europe as it is in the U.S. You should be aware that most public buildings such as museums are not wheelchair accessible. In addition, city centers and train transport can be extremely difficult. Cortona is very hilly and has very few level areas for wheelchairs.
None of the in-town accommodations are entirely accessible by wheelchair. If you are an individual with reduced mobility, please contact us for more information.
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Train and bus services are excellent.
There are two train stations close to Cortona. A train ride to Florence is just over an hour and a half and to Rome just over 2 hours. Buses depart from Cortona to much of the surrounding area from Piazza Mercato
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Cortona is very small but very hilly. You can walk the entire town in about 1 hour. You would not use a car to get around town, only to leave Cortona for day trips. Only resident or commercial vehicles are allowed in the town center.
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We recommend you book local tours with our partners to get an authentic experience of the area. They have many personalized tours available, the most popular being the wine tours and cooking classes.
We encourage you to book your tours far in advance of your arrival to insure that the tour you wish to take is available during the week you are in Cortona.
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Comfortable clothing — and layers for different temperatures (consult your preferred weather website before departure). Always bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Cortona is not a fancy town, so casual dress is not a problem.
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You will check out via our Concierge Service. Instructions will be provided upon check-in or you can make arrangements in advance via email.
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Italy operates on a 220 volt system. You will need simple plug adapters for items like computers, cameras, and phone chargers.
You will need an actual electrical transformer or converter to convert the voltage for items like hair dryers, hair curling and straightening irons, or electric shavers.
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Italians are used to having Americans tip, since we are a tipping culture. Your tips are more than welcomed and appreciated.
A 15-20% tip is recommended. These are some services where you would be expected to tip:
Restaurants
Taxis
Tour guides
Chefs from cooking classes
Hotel concierge service, bellhop
Cleaning services in private residences (Cortona) and hotels
Travel Tips
PASSPORTS & CREDIT CARDS
We suggest you make photocopies as well as digital scans of your passports and credit cards. Keep these documents in a place where you can easily access them if you need to replace them in the event of loss or theft.
ATMs, CASH WITHDRAWAL & BANK CARDS
ATMs are easily found all throughout Italy and Europe in major airports, train stations, and city centers. Cash withdrawal at ATMs once you are already in Italy (or Europe) is the easiest way to obtain euros. Although we recommend always having some cash on hand, major credit and debit cards are accepted at most locations. Check with your bank before leaving about fees for international withdrawals and transactions. To avoid the automatic freezing of your bank cards potentially triggered by transactions abroad, be sure to inform your bank that you will be traveling internationally prior to your departure.
CORTONA ATMs:
Monte dei Paschi di Siena: Via Nazionale 42 – Open every day
Intesa San Paolo: Piazza Signorelli 7 – Open M-F
Banca Popolare: Via Guelfa, 4 – Open M-F
CELL PHONES
We strongly recommend you contact your phone service provider before leaving for Europe to activate your smartphone with a temporary international plan that will allow you to use data, send text messages, and make calls while traveling abroad. This is especially important when dealing with potential flight changes, train scheduling, navigation, and other logistical matters. WhatsApp is the main messaging service used in Europe and we recommend you download the app for your trip. Please consult our list of recommended apps just below for more information.
RECOMMENDED MOBILE APPS
WhatsApp (add +39 when creating an Italian contact)
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you look into purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Sojourn Ventures shall not be held responsible for any cancellation made due to health emergencies, weather, natural phenomenons, or acts of God.
PICKPOCKET AWARENESS
Cortona is a small and very safe town, but we nonetheless recommend you remain vigilant, as you should anywhere, with your electronics, wallets, purses, documents, and other valuables. When traveling through major Italian cities, keep your precious belongings closely guarded, particularly in train stations, restaurants, museums, and other crowded places.
If anyone offers to help you with your luggage at the train station, be extremely wary as this is a common tactic used to steal your belongings.
MEDICAL & EMERGENCY SERVICES
Italian Emergency Services Number: 1-1-2
Nearest Emergency Room and Hospital:
Hospital Santa Margherita (Ospedale Santa Margherita), 10-15 minutes by car from Cortona.
Località Fratta, 145, 52044 La Fratta, Cortona AR, Italy
+39 0575 6391
Additional Hospital:
San Donato Hospital (Ospedale di San Donato), 35-50 mins by car from Cortona.
Via Pietro Nenni, 20/22, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
+39 0575 2551
uslsudest.toscana.it/ospedali/arezzo-san-donato
Cortona Pharmacy:
Farmacia Centrale
Via Nazionale, 38, 52044 Cortona AR, Italy
+39 0575 603206
*As of winter 2023, this pharmacy offers COVID-19 rapid antigen testing.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
Italy operates on a 230 volt system. Plug adapters are required for computer, phone, and camera chargers. Voltage converters are required for larger appliances such as hair dryers, curling/straightening irons, electric shavers, and more.
Electric wall plug adapters are available on Amazon.
Voltage converters for larger appliances are available on Amazon.
Lavanderia Cortonese
A simple laundromat for extra laundry services, dry cleaning, or dryer access.
INSIDER TIP:
Dryers are very uncommon in Europe. Clothes are typically dried by using a drying rack or hanging your clothes on a laundry line outside.
C F L
Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Cortona, Italy
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you and your stay.
RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL AIRPORTS
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is 3+ hours by train or 2.5 hours by car from Cortona. Rome Fiumicino is a large international airport where many US airlines operate. Fiumicino offers direct flights to and from the United States.
Florence Peratola Airport (FLR) is 1.5 hours by train or car from Cortona. Florence Peratola is a regional airport closer to Cortona and is our recommended option if possible, although flight options may be limited due to its smaller size.
Once you have landed in Italy, you have several transportation options for traveling to Cortona.
Transportation to Cortona
GETTING TO YOUR CORTONA ACCOMMODATIONS
Regardless of how you choose to travel to Cortona, you will make arrangements with our Cortona concierge service to ensure smooth check-in and arrival at your accommodations. As soon as your trip is booked, we will put you in direct contact with our Cortona Concierge service so you may inform them of how you plan to arrive at the town center: via taxi, train, private hire car, car rental, or bus. Please make contact at least 1 month prior to your arrival to confirm your travel plans.
CAR TRAVEL TO CORTONA
If you choose to rent a car, we strongly recommend having Google Maps or a similar navigation software installed on your smartphone.
Directions: Take the A1 autostrada from Florence or Rome. Exit the autostrada at Vadichiana-Bettole, follow the signs for Perugia, and merge onto the SS715 highway towards Perugia. Continue on this highway for 10 minutes and exit towards Cortona. After the exit, turn right, and follow directions for Cortona on the SP32. It is a 15-20 minute drive from this point up to the city center of Cortona.
CAR RENTAL:
You can rent a car from your arrival airport. We encourage you to get a car that is small/compact and able to navigate through narrow cobblestone streets of Tuscany’s medieval hill towns.
All the major car companies have offices in the Rome or Florence airport as well as in the city center. You can take your pick between Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Alamo, Europcar, Dollar, Sixt, AutoEurope, Enterprise, and others. A helpful article on renting and driving a car in Italy can be found here.
For a local car rental company in the Cortona area, we recommend Panichi Auto in Camucia, located in the valley just below Cortona and only 10 minutes away. Given the current high rates of tourism, we recommend that you reserve a car well in advance, at least 2-3 months prior to your stay.
Panichi Auto
Località Piagge, 1204/A, 52044 Camucia AR
+39 0575 63 05 98
International Driver’s Permit:
To drive a vehicle in Italy, you are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your driver’s license from your home state. The IDP does not replace your regular license, so you must carry both while driving. You can obtain an IDP from your local AAA office in person or by mailing an application to your local AAA office. It is not necessary to be a AAA member. For an application and more information, visit their site here.
PARKING IN CORTONA
Click here for a list of Cortona’s public parking lots
There is limited traffic within the town of Cortona and only residential vehicles are allowed to park within the city walls. There are several free public parking lots outside the town walls that are about a 10-minute walk uphill or downhill from the center of town.
TRAIN TRAVEL TO CORTONA
Train schedules and tickets can be found in English on the Trenitalia website here. You can obtain schedules by using the menu option: select the town you are departing from and the town you want to arrive at, the date, and the approximate time of day. You will need to use the Italian names for cities and stations. Rome is Roma Termini and Florence is Firenze S.M. Novella. Cortona’s station is called Cortona-Camucia. For other cities, the Italian spellings can typically be found on Google. Tickets may be purchased online or at the automated ticket machines at the train station, where attendants can help you. IMPORTANT: If you buy a printed ticket, it is imperative that you stamp your ticket before boarding the train at the automated validation machines (usually these are small green machines) located on every platform.
On the Trenitalia website, you may now also purchase a complete train+bus ticket that will take you directly to Cortona’s Mercato or Piazza Garibaldi bus stations. Please speak with our tour operators for advice on the best bus station to choose based on your accommodations.
Train from Rome:
Taxis to Roma Termini train station are available just outside of baggage claim. The ride takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
There is also an express shuttle train from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini (Rome’s main train station). For directions to Roma Termini via the Leonardo Express shuttle train, click here.
Once at the station, you will need to take the train from Roma Termini to the Camucia-Cortona stop. It takes approximately 2 hours from Roma Termini. For schedules and/or to purchase train tickets online from the Trenitalia website, click here. Alternatively, you may purchase tickets once within the Roma Termini station by going to any of the automatic ticket machines. Be sure to date stamp/validate your ticket at the machines located near the entrance of each train platform. Your stop is Camucia-Cortona. When you pass the stop called Terontola-Cortona, the stop just before Camucia-Cortona, it is a good time to get your bags ready and wait near the doors so you are prepared to exit at Camucia-Cortona. Please be aware that the train stops for only about 1 minute. Once in the Camucia-Cortona station, you can purchase a ticket that includes bus transfer from the train station up the hill to Cortona. This is an easy and convenient way to get to Cortona without a car. Please note: taxi and car transfers must be arranged ahead of time. Cortona is a small community and is not serviced by ride-sharing apps such as Uber.
Train from Florence:
To get to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station, you can take a taxi from the airport. Click here for train schedules and to purchase train tickets online from Trenitalia website. Alternatively, you may purchase tickets once within the Santa Maria Novella station by going to any of the automatic ticket machines. Be sure to date stamp/validate your ticket at the machines located near the entrance of each train platform. Your stop is Camucia-Cortona. When you pass the stop called Casteglion Fiorentino, the stop just before Camucia-Cortona, it is a good time to get your bags ready and wait near the doors so you are prepared to exit at Camucia-Cortona. Please be aware that the train stops for only about 1 minute. Once in the Camucia-Cortona station, you can purchase a ticket that includes bus transfer from the train station up the hill to Cortona. This is an easy and convenient way to get to Cortona without a car. Please note, taxi and car transfers must be arranged ahead of time. Cortona is a small community and is not serviced by ride-sharing apps such as Uber.
CORTONA TAXI
There are very few taxis in Cortona, and Uber or similar apps do not service the town. We strongly encourage you to reserve taxis in advance to assure a reservation. Our two preferred local taxi drivers are listed below. Both use Whatsapp exclusively and can be hired for transportation to and from airports, you will need to make arrangements for this weeks/months in advance.
Enzo Balleri +39 335335394
Enzo Andreani +39 3358196313
Italian airplane
Italian train
Car winding through Italian roads
Taxis
Cortona Parking Map:
THE RHYTHM OF VILLAGE LIFE
The tempo of life in Cortona changes throughout the day. Early morning is reserved for delivery trucks and people enjoying an early cappuccino. Mid-morning is when people pass through to do errands, and visitors begin sightseeing. The town center fills up around noon, just before lunch. Around 1pm, the Cortonese go home for pranzo (lunch). Most stores close, and only cafes, bars, and restaurants remain open. Shops generally re-open around 4pm, and life trickles back into the Piazza. From about 5-8 pm, people come out to enjoy nice weather, have drinks or aperitivo, or partake in the evening passeggiata, a stroll up and down Via Nazionale, the town’s main street. Around 8pm, people tend to go home for cena, or dinner. Later in the night, around 10pm, more people will return to the Piazza for a promenade or an evening drink.
SUNDAY, THE DAY OF REST
If you are in Cortona on a Sunday, please know that most shops and business hold limited hours, as this “day of rest” is widely respected in small-town Italy. Although many restaurants and bars stay open, especially during the high season, if you are looking to do grocery shopping on a Sunday, you may have to go to down the hill to one of the larger chains, COOP or CONAD (see food markets for more).
Cultural Tips
TIPPING CUSTOMS IN ITALY
Contrary to what you may have heard, tips are very appreciated in Italy. Just as in the United States, it is customary to leave a small tip for taxi drivers, luggage carriers, and other service staff. While tipping is not required at restaurants, we recommend it. For more guidance on tipping in Italy, have a look at this article.
CULINARY SPECIALTIES OF CORTONA & TUSCANY
Insider tip: Cortona, along with the broader region of Tuscany, is home to many world-famous ingredients and dishes as well as some that only locals are likely to know about. Here just a small selection of our favorites:
Pici
Pasta al fumo
Truffles
Bruschetta
Salsiccia
Fagioli
Tagliata
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
RESERVATIONS
Reservations are very common in Italy, and necessary during high season. We strongly recommend you make a reservation prior to the day you want to eat at a given restaurant. This is especially important for weekend reservations (Friday-Sunday). For more exclusive restaurants, you may need to make reservations weeks or even months in advance.
**It is best you make a reservation directly with a restaurant that way either party can inform the other of any changes to said reservation*
MEALTIMES & DINING CUSTOMS
Italians’ dining habits differ slightly from those of Americans. Occasions for trying delicious local foods are plentiful throughout the day and are generally structured as follows:
7am-9am: Breakfast, usually an espresso and a small pastry or piece of toast with jam.
10am-12pm: Morning snack, often a small sandwich or savory pastry.
1pm-2pm: Pranzo (Lunch), a very important meal for Italians often consisting of a pasta course followed by meat and vegetables.
3pm-4pm: Afternoon coffee or tea.
5pm-6pm: Merenda (late afternoon snack), often a small salty snack, a sandwich, or piece of pizza.
6pm-8pm: Aperitivo (cocktail hour), an evening drink and small hors-d'œuvres.
8pm-9pm: Cena (dinner), a large meal similar to pranzo.
Plate of spaghetti in velvety tomato sauce
Ristorante La Loggetta, Cortona, Italy
Tagliatelle in tomato sauce
Shops & Boutiques
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TERRABRUGA CERAMICA
Giulio Lucarini makes traditional Cortona ceramics using motifs and patterns that are typical to Cortona and Tuscany. Giulio and Antonella, whose splatter ware has been featured in New York Times Style Magazine, are the proud owners of this shop, which is located right in the center of town, on Via Nazionale. Their beautiful handmade pottery is a wonderful addition to anyone's home. They can ship your purchases to the U.S. as well. When you go, be sure to tell them you are friends of Rob and Stacey.
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ROSSI WOODWORKERS
Giancarlo Rossi, the young shop owner, is not only a longtime family friend, but an internationally renowned artist with a following in many countries. Giancarlo’s sensational wood pieces are made painstakingly by hand on a lathe with local materials. Today, his once-common trade is unfortunately a dying one, and he is one of the last artistan woodworkers working by hand without the assistance of computerized machinery. Beyond his craftsmanship and talent, Giancarlo has a uniquely charming and hilarious personality, making the experience of stepping into his small workshop/showroom a true pleasure.
Insider tip: Be sure to ask about his materials and process, as Giancarlo is a wealth of knowledge and eager to share.
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IL POZZO & TABACCHERIA DEL CORSO
The street level of the premises is an upscale tabaccheria, where they sell gifts, postcards, tabaco, and even train and bus tickets, but the lower level (accessible through the main shop or the side alley) is a cellar reformed into a stunning art gallery. Il Pozzo, “the Well,” was given to this shop in honor of the ancient well which has been preserved and highlighted in the center of the gallery. The owner, Ivan Botanici, excavated and remodeled this space over 20 years ago. He offers beautiful handmade crafts, paintings, and jewelry. An engaging personality of Cortona, he is a delight to meet.
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BAM CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Enzo and his son, Matteo, own one of Cortona’s finest clothing boutiques, where they offer elegant, high-style fashion for men and women.
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ANTONIO MASSARUTTO JEWELRY & SCULPTURE
One of our favorite Cortona jewelry boutiques. Antonio’s jewelry and sculpture is one-of-a-kind. His beautifully minimalist shop is the perfect backdrop for his exquisite designs.
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MARRI CORTONA
Marri features gorgeous handbags, scarves, jewelry, home accessories, and more. This shop is a feast for the senses and a must-visit for fans of fine goods.
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I ROCCHI
This shop has been producing and selling quality cashmere since the mid-1970’s. All of their scarves and clothing pieces are made entirely by hand in the neighboring region of Umbria. This tiny shop is a local favorite: you will see many Cortonese wearing I Rocchi attire.
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LIBRERIA NOCENTINI
Roberta, the owner of Nocentini Libri carries a lovely selection of art and stationery supplies, along with Italian and English books. She also has a copy machine, allowing you to purchase photocopies by the page.
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ELTRE WOMEN'S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
This boutique owned by Mirta, has been in business over 20 years, specializing in fashion forward women’s clothing and accessories.
CORTONA LANDMARKS
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PIAZZA DELLA REPUBBLICA
Piazza della Repubblica, 27, 52044 Cortona AR
The Piazza Repubblica is the heartbeat of Cortona, as are most piazzas (central squares) in Italy. The Piazza is traditionally where people gather to chat, grab a coffee, do business, and much more. Cortona’s Piazza Repubblica is wonderful for socializing, with several cafe-bars directly on the piazza. Molesini Market (the town’s main grocery store) creates a steady stream of activity with people doing their daily grocery shopping.
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VIA NAZIONALE
Via Nazionale, translating as “National Street,” is the central artery in Cortona, connecting Piazza della Repubblica with Piazza Garibaldi. This historic street is home to many of Cortona’s finest restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and more. Colloquially referred to as Ruga Piana or “Flat Wrinkle,” this winding 200-meter stretch is said to be the hill town’s only perfectly flat street, thus has it become one of Cortona’s main gathering spaces.
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TEATRO SIGNORELLI
Piazza Luca Signorelli, 52044 Cortona AR
Cortona has the rare bonus of having two piazzas, the second being Piazza Signorelli, where there are some lovely restaurants and cafe-bars. There is a bar/restaurant inside the Teatro Signorelli, a historic opera building. When the weather is nice, you can sit on the open air loggia and look over the piazza. Take the opportunity to take a peek at the theater in the back of the building, it is magnificent with the old opera box seats and gilded red curtains. We recommend seeing a movie or performance here during your stay.
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IL CIMITERO DI CORTONA (CORTONA CEMETERY)
SC del Sodo, 10, 52044 Cortona AR
Cortona’s walled cemetery just below the town is a stunning and fascinating place to visit. To get to the cemetery on foot, start at Piazza Republica, walk down the hill on Via Roma, the street leading down from the Piazza to the left of the main clock tower stairs. As you arrive at the exit arch of the city walls. Walk directly across the street and take the furthest tree-lined street to the left going down a steep hill. A few hundred yards further, you will see the cemetery to your left. Continue down this road which will take you to the cemetery entrance.
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FORTEZZA DEL GIRAFALCO
Via di Fortezza, 52044 Cortona AR
Just above and behind Santa Margherita, you will find a large stone structure, the Medici Fortress, or Fortezza del Girafalco, one of the many Medici fortresses that were built during the Renaissance period.
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BASILICA SANTA MARGHERITA DI CORTONA
Via S. Margherita, 1, 52044 Cortona AR
Located at the summit of the hill, the church of Santa Margherita is Cortona’s main church and its most famous. The Church is home to Santa Margherita, Cortona’s patron saint, whom you can read about here. Her remains can be viewed in a glass case at the exquisite head altar
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IL PARTERRE DI CORTONA (CORTONA PARK)
Via del Crocifisso, 176, 52044 Cortona AR, Italy
Scenic and tranquil, Il Parterre consists of greenery and breathtaking vistas that surround a 1-kilometer path stretching along the hillside of Cortona. The design of the park, uncommon in Italy, is said to have been inspired by the French. With its long promenade and manicured gardens, the feeling is reminiscent of parks in Paris.
To reach Il Parterre, walk to the end of Via Nazionale until you reach the parking lot. Keep going past San Domincio Church and you will see the entrance. It is a beautiful walk with green space, a few residences on one side, and a magnificent view of Lake Trasimeno, the valley, Montepulciano, and the mountains beyond.
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Villa Bramasole
Località Torreone, 151, 52044 Cortona AR, Italy
Located just past the park is the Villa Bramasole, a home made famous by the book Under the Tuscan Sun (Francis Mayes, 1996). To see this famous house, proceed through the park until the very end, where you will come to a road that continues on around the mountain (to the left). Walk up this road (it is an uphill walk from this point) for about 15 minutes and you will find Bramasole, a large, pink stucco home, on your left. The home features beautiful terraced grounds going up the hill with the palm tree out front. It is a wonderful walk around the mountain, and a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of the Tuscan hills.
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Hermitage Le Celle
Case Sparse, 73, 06065 Torreone, Cortona AR, Italy
The Convent de Le Celle is a 13th-century Franciscan Convent located in Le Celle, just outside Cortona. A small hermitage was erected in circa 1211 or 1221, and it briefly housed St Francis of Assisi himself in his lifetime. The rustic stone buildings nestle in terraces on a mountain-side with a Holly Oak and cypress grove. The main convent is accessed through a stone pedestrian bridge spanning a small spring stream. The church has a few ancient works, but many of the present artwork is modern.
FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS
Insider Tip: We strongly recommend you make a reservation prior to the day you want to eat at a given restaurant, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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ORGANIKA
Loc. Santa Maria Nuova, 115, 52044 Cortona
Gourmet, creative take on traditional Tuscan Cuisine
Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday
Lunch: Saturday and Sunday
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RISTORANTE IL CACCIATORE
Via Roma, 11/13, 52044 Cortona AR
Cacciatore’s elegant, authentic Tuscan cuisine makes use of local seasonal ingredients. Their service is warm and friendly, and guests rave about the “old-school” dining experience. Alessandro, the owner, now runs this family restaurant, which opened in 1904.
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AD BRACERIA
Via Nazionale, 10, 52044 Cortona AR
Tucked away, just below the main Via Nazionale, this beautifully curated restaurant located in a beautifully restored wine cellar specializes in grilled meats and fresh pasta, offering modern adaptation to traditional Tuscan cuisine. Insider tip: This place is known for their steaks!
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CORTONA BISTROT
Via S. Margherita, 13, 52044 Cortona AR
With innovative Tuscan cuisine and a cozy, vintage-inspired atmosphere, Cortona Bistrot is a hidden gem off the beaten path. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace overlooks the valley below.
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RISTORANTE LA LOGGETTA
Piazza Pescheria, 3, 52044 Cortona AR
La Loggetta provides exquisite local Tuscan cuisine in the heart of Cortona, to be enjoyed on their fantastic outdoor terrace overlooking the Piazza and clocktower. The restaurant’s terrace was recently a setting in HBO’s Succession.
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OSTERIA DEL TEATRO
Via Giuseppe Maffei, 2, 52044 Cortona AR
This is one of Cortona’s best fine-dining restaurants. Cosy and elegant, they serve refined Tuscan cuisine.
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TRATTORIA DARDANO
Via Dardano, 24, 52044 Cortona AR
Paolo, the owner, built this restaurant with his family in the early 1980’s. Dardano is a typical Tuscan trattoria that preserves the culinary traditions of the region. Warm, casual, and friendly, this restaurant is a fantastic lunch or dinner spot for both locals and visitors alike. Insider tip: We like the Orrechiette al Fumo, Cortona’s signature tomato cream-based pasta with smoked pancetta and rosemary.
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ANTICA TRATTORIA
Via Ghini, 14, 52044 Cortona AR
Paola and Franco are the owners of this elegant restaurant, which offers creative and elevated Tuscan cuisine in a comfortable and elegant dining room.
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PRELUDIO
Via Guelfa, 11, 52044 Cortona AR
Set within the 16th century Palazzo Baldelli, this elegant restaurant is a Cortona favorite. They serve fresh and seasonal cuisine, while managing to preserve ancient Tuscan traditions.
CAFÉ-BARS AND CASUAL RESTAURANTS
Insider tip: Italian bars and cafés (and sometimes restaurants) are often the same place and the names are used almost interchangeably. Typically open all day, most bar-cafés will serve coffee, tea, pastries, and small sandwiches in the morning, a casual meal during lunch, and snacks, drinks, and dinner throughout the afternoon and evening.
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Bar Caffè La Saletta
Via Nazionale, 26, 52044 Cortona AR, Italy
This no-frills local staple located right on Via Nazionale is one of our favorite casual spots to grab a coffee or a snack. With cozy leather benches and dark tables, this bar feels like it’s from another era. It is also a great place to camp out if you want to work on your laptop outside the house.
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Caffè degli Artisti
Via Nazionale, 18, 52044 Cortona AR, Italy
This cozy and elegant café located right on Via Nazionale is a perfect spot for relaxing drinks or an afternoon snack. The owner is very warm and welcoming. Insider tip: If you are a big eater, consider indulging in their lunch service, as they are known for their exceptionally large portions and Tuscan comfort food!
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Bar Signorelli
Via Nazionale, 1, 52044 Cortona AR
Situated in an ideal location right on the main Piazza della Reppublica, this bar is one of the classics in town. In nice weather, this is an ideal spot to sit out on their patio and enjoy a refreshing drink while immersing yourself in village life.
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Pizza e Focaccie (Gina’s Pizza)
Via Benedetti, 5, 52044 Cortona AR
Gina’s is our family favorite. You can get pizza by the slice or order whole pies to take away. Located next to the main Piazza Repubblica, it is always easy to indulge in a slice of Gina’s pizza.
Insider Tip: Our favorite pizza to order to go is the Salsiccia e Cipolla (sausage and onion).
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Birrificio Cortonese
Via Guelfa, 16, 52044 Cortona AR
One of our favorite spots for wonderful pizza and home cooking, great for a casual lunch or dinner over handcrafted beers.
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Beerbone Art Burger
Via Nazionale, 55, 52044 Cortona AR
This is a great casual restaurant for burgers, pizza slices and breakfast pastries, located centrally on Via Nazionale.
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La Dispensa
Via Guelfa, 5-7, 52044 Cortona AR
Brand new to Cortona, high-end small snacks and drinks
EVENING & NIGHTTIME BARS
Insider Tip: These are the bars that tend to stay open late, great for those looking to have an exciting night on the town!
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Globe Cortona
Piazza Luca Signorelli, 28, 52044 Cortona AR
Globe, which serves beer, wine, and spirits, is nestled under iconic arches in the second square, Piazza Signorelli, and is one of the focal points of Cortona’s nightlife.
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Enoteca Enotria
Via Nazionale, 81, 52044 Cortona AR
This decades-old mainstay doubles as both a wine bar and high-end corner store selling local products and souvenirs. With its great ambiance and no-frills vibe, this is a perfect place for a relaxing glass of wine, a cold pint of beer, a delicious focaccia sandwich.
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Il Solco
Via Guelfa, 2, 52044 Cortona AR
Situated just off of the main Piazza della Repubblica, this bar is known for its cocktails and lively music
LAKE TRASIMENO
This spectacular lake is located just 15 minutes by car from Cortona. It has walking and biking trails as well as some wonderful villages to visit. Notable towns close to Cortona are Passignano sul Trasimeno, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, and Castiglione del Lago, where there are many restaurants and cafe options, as well as stunning lakeside promenades.
At Tuoro sul Trasimeno, you can swim at the beach, rent paddle boats or take the ferry to the only populated island on the lake, Isola Maggiore, where there are several restaurants with outdoor dining and spectacular lake vistas.
For more information about the famous Lake Trasimeno, visit www.trasimeno.ws/index.html.
OFFICINA PROFUMO - FARMACEUTICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA (Florence) +39 0575 630518
This ancient Florence apothecary was founded in the early 1200’s, by Domenican monks and is the oldest apothecary/pharmacy in the world. If you are in Florence, the headquarters is not to be missed and we are fortunate in Cortona to have a small outpost that carries these wonderful products. You can read about their story here.
Arezzo
COMING SOON, STAY TUNED!
Antique Markets
COMING SOON, STAY TUNED!
Beyond Cortona
AGRITURISMO RISTORANTE ACQUAVIVA
+39 348 666 5898
Loc. San Pietro a Dame, 52044 Cortona AR, Italy
Located high in the picturesque hills just 30-40 minutes beyond Cortona, this restaurant offers a perfect excuse for a scenic drive and an adventure outside of town. We love this casual restaurant owned and run by our dear friends Maria and Angelo. Maria does all the cooking herself, makes incredible wood-fired lasagna, pizza, grilled bistecca (steak), and plenty of other delicious dishes. You will need a car for this experience and reservations are required. The restaurant is open only Friday and Saturday evenings as well as Sunday for lunch. Insider tip: Maria’s lasagna is truly phenomenal, and tastes nothing like what you could get in the United States, but she sometimes runs out, so when you call to make your reservation, be sure to tell her you want to try the lasagna!
LA TUA PIADINA (Arezzo) +39 0575 23240
Via Dè Cenci, 18, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
Located in the of Arezzo, the nearest large city to Cortona, La Tua Piadina is a local and family favorite. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth flatbread sandwiches stuffed with delicious local ingredients, La Tua Piadina is a must-visit quick lunch spot for all those passing through Arezzo.
Isola Maggiore on Lake Trasimeno, Italy
Piadina Sandwich at La Tua Piadina, Italy
FOOD MARKETS
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FRUTTA E VERDURA
Piazza della Repubblica 24, Cortona AR
Located just next to Molesini Market, this produce shop sells excellent fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Be sure to mention to the owners Robbi and Nunzi that you know Stacey and Rob. Insider tip: Don’t touch the produce yourself, ask one of them to handle it for you!
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ENOTRIA
Via Nazionale, 81, 52044 Cortona AR, Italy
Also listed with the bars as they serve beverages, this is a fantastic place to shop for dried or preserved local goods such as spices, pastas, meats, and a variety of wines and liqueurs.
Insider tip: be sure to try the fresh focaccia sandwiches, especially with their truffle spread!
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BOTTEGA DELLA PASTA FRESCA
A great local pasta shop serving delicious fresh pastas in many shapes and varieties.
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Macelleria Cipollini
A trusted local butcher, Cipollini provides high quality meats from the local area.
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COOP
Piazza Sandro Pertini, Camucia AR
For a larger, American-style supermarket, you can go to the COOP just a short drive down the hill in Camucia. The COOP is generally a bit cheaper and sells goods in larger quantities.
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CONAD
Viale Antonio Gramsci, SNC, 52044 Cortona AR
Similar to COOP, CONAD is another larger, American-style supermarket just a short drive from Cortona.