An Overture
Cortona is an "exceedingly pleasant" hilltop city in eastern Tuscany near the Umbrian border, world-famous as the setting of Frances Mayes' memoir and film Under the Tuscan Sun. Perched high above the Valdichiana with sweeping valley views, it combines Etruscan and medieval history with a romantic, sun-drenched atmosphere and a steady but manageable flow of visitors. It serves both as a charming day trip and as a relaxed base for the eastern edge of Tuscany and nearby Umbria.
Top Things to Do
Piazza della Repubblica
The lively central square with its town-hall staircase, the social heart of Cortona.
Basilica of Santa Margherita & the Medici Fortress (Girifalco)
A steep climb to the top of town rewarded with panoramic views over Lake Trasimeno and the valley.
Getting there — a steep 15–20 min walk up from Piazza della Repubblica, or a local minibus to the top of town.
Walking Tours
The Rugapiana & Girifalco Walk
Up from Piazza Garibaldi along Via Nazionale — Cortona's only level street, the beloved "Rugapiana" — to the main squares and Duomo, then a steep climb to Santa Margherita and the Girifalco fortress for the sweeping view over Lake Trasimeno and the Valdichiana.
Piazza Garibaldi → Via Nazionale → Piazza della Repubblica → Piazza del Duomo → Santuario di Santa Margherita → Fortezza del Girifalco
Day Trips & Beyond
Lake Trasimeno
and Umbria (Perugia, Assisi) lie just over the border to the southeast.
SearchHidden Gems
Wine and yoga retreats
Cortona is a known base for countryside retreats (Blonde Atlas describes attending a yoga retreat here).
SearchSunset over the Valdichiana
from the upper town or the fortress is a standout, romantic experience.
SearchCortona Mix Festival
The Cortona Mix Festival and antique-market events animate the town seasonally.
SearchFood & Dining
Signature Dishes
Restaurants
Local Food Notes
Where to Stay
Practical Notes
Getting There
- without a car: Cortona has two valley rail stations (Camucia-Cortona and Terontola-Cortona) on the Florence–Rome line, with bus or taxi up the steep hill to the center. Reachable from Florence or Rome by train, but the final climb requires a connection.
- with a car: Straightforward via the A1/valley roads; park outside the ZTL center and walk up.
Getting Around
- Getting around: The hilltop center is steep but walkable; no car needed within town. A car helps for exploring the eastern hills and crossing into Umbria.
Practical Tips
- Timing: Spring and autumn are ideal; summer brings Under the Tuscan Sun fans but Cortona absorbs crowds better than the small Chianti/Val d'Orcia villages.
- Terrain: Expect steep climbs within town — wear good shoes.
- ZTL: Standard limited-traffic rules in the historic core.
Notable Insights
Good to Know
- Consensus: Blonde Atlas calls Cortona "exceedingly pleasant" and uses it as a retreat base — underscoring its appeal for slower, wellness-oriented travel.
- Consensus: Its position on the Florence–Rome rail line near the Umbrian border makes it one of the more accessible eastern hill towns and a natural bridge into Umbria.
- Consensus: The Under the Tuscan Sun fame is real but does not overwhelm the town's authentic medieval character.