Where Stay
Arezzo & Cortona (est)

Where to Stay in Arezzo & Cortona (East) : Complete Guide

Eastern Tuscany reveals its gentle hills bathed in golden light, where Arezzo and Cortona dominate the Chiana valley. These history-laden lands breathe the Renaissance with their cobbled squares, timeless frescoes and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. The peaceful atmosphere of medieval villages invites wandering through narrow lanes and grand panoramas. Lively markets, scents of olives and fresh wine compose a living tableau. Away from crowds, this preserved area offers an authentic immersion in the rural heart of Tuscany, between cultural heritage and serene nature.

Safety score: 9/10midHoneymoon couplesArt and culture enthusiastsGastronomy enthusiastsFamilies seeking calm

Pros

  • Authentic rolling landscapes
  • Unique Renaissance heritage
  • Markets and local gastronomy
  • Preserved peaceful atmosphere
  • Easy access from Florence

Cons

  • Limited public transport
  • Winding roads to drive
  • Less lively in winter

The 5 best hotels in Arezzo & Cortona (est)

Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotels of the World - Vue d'ensemble
1

Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

5-star hotel
9.6326 reviews
Top pick

Situated in the secteur est d'Arezzo et Cortona, Villa di Piazzano forms part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. This five-star hotel features a swimming pool and a fitness centre. Its restaurant and room service ensure a high-end experience. Accessibility for disabled guests and Wi-Fi throughout enhance its comfort.

Restaurant1 piscineCentre de remise en formeService d'étageÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesWi-Fi disponible partout
From ~1653EUR / night
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Il Maggese - Vue d'ensemble
2

Il Maggese

9.833 reviews
Excellent

In the secteur est d'Arezzo et Cortona, Il Maggese offers an intimate setting with a swimming pool and restaurant. Its facilities include Wi-Fi throughout and free private parking. The establishment appeals with its calm atmosphere and attentive service. Its high rating reflects the consistent quality of service.

1 piscineRestaurantWi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéParking gratuitConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~422EUR / night
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Casa Biagiotti - Vue d'ensemble
3

Casa Biagiotti

9.866 reviews
Recommended

Casa Biagiotti is located in the secteur est d'Arezzo et Cortona. This establishment offers a swimming pool and Wi-Fi available throughout. Free private parking completes its amenities. Its refined style and quality service make it a popular choice for a serene stay.

1 piscineWi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéParking gratuitConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~330EUR / night
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B&B Casa Fattorini - Vue d'ensemble
4

B&B Casa Fattorini

9.825 reviews

In the secteur est d'Arezzo et Cortona, B&B Casa Fattorini offers a restaurant and room service. Wi-Fi throughout and free private parking are included. Pets are allowed. Its attentive welcome and discreet comfort characterise this establishment.

RestaurantService d'étageWi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéParking gratuitAnimaux domestiques admis
From ~210EUR / night
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Grey House - Vue d'ensemble
5

Grey House

9.755 reviews

Grey House is located in the secteur est d'Arezzo et Cortona. The establishment features Wi-Fi throughout and parking. Its clean atmosphere and reliable services make it a popular address. The quality of service is reflected in its high rating.

Wi-Fi disponible partoutConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteParking
From ~237EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & Landscapes

The Arezzo and Cortona region seduces with its typical rolling landscapes of eastern Tuscany. Hills covered with cypress, olive trees and vines create changing tableaux according to the seasons. Warm light bathes sunflower fields and the fertile Valdichiana valleys. Hilltop villages such as Cortona offer unbeatable views over the plains and distant Lake Trasimeno. The atmosphere remains calm and authentic, paced by agricultural work and weekly markets. The ochre colours of ancient facades contrast with the intense green of surrounding forests. This harmony between nature and architecture invites contemplation and gentle hiking.

Things to See and Do

Visit Arezzo's Basilica of San Francesco to admire Piero della Francesca's frescoes. Explore Piazza Grande and its monthly antiques market. In Cortona, climb to the fortress for an exceptional valley panorama. Discover the diocesan museum housing works by Fra Angelico. Do not miss Sansepolcro and its municipal museum dedicated to Piero della Francesca. Stroll the lanes of Anghiari or attend a local medieval festival. Taste wine in Cortona's cellars and hike the trails of Valdichiana park to observe local fauna and flora.

Where to Eat and Drink

Local tables highlight Tuscan specialities such as pici with homemade sauces, wood-grilled bistecca alla fiorentina and flavoursome ribollita. Sheep's cheeses and artisan charcuterie pair perfectly with Cortona wines, notably Syrah and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Square restaurants serve generous antipasti and almond-based desserts. Arezzo's osterie offer market menus with seasonal vegetables and locally cold-pressed olive oil.

Transport & Access

The area is accessible by train from Florence in under an hour via the direct line to Arezzo. The car remains ideal for exploring winding roads linking Cortona and nearby villages. Regional buses serve smaller communes but with limited frequency. Florence Airport is an hour's drive. Free parking exists on the outskirts of historic centres. Hiring a vehicle allows full enjoyment of the landscapes and isolated wine estates.

Who Is It For?

Couples seeking romance appreciate sunsets over the hills and intimate dinners. Art and history enthusiasts follow the Piero della Francesca trail with passion. Families enjoy safe villages and accessible nature activities. Food lovers explore markets and cellars for authentic tasting experiences. This destination also suits travellers seeking calm and authenticity away from overcrowded sites.

Other neighborhoods in Tuscany

Sienne (cité médiévale)

Honeymoon couplesMedieval history enthusiastsTuscan gastronomy lovers

Sienne, a medieval jewel nestled in the heart of Tuscany, transports you to another time. Its cobbled lanes wind between ochre brick palaces, dominated by the tower of the Palazzo Pubblico. The shell-shaped Campo square vibrates with memories of the Palio races. Surrounded by green hills planted with cypress trees and vineyards, the city invites you to wander under a golden sun. Its timeless atmosphere, between Gothic art and ancestral traditions, appeals to travellers seeking authenticity and pure beauty. Every stone tells centuries of history and passion.

Le Chianti (vignobles Greve, Radda)

Wine enthusiastsHoneymoon couplesHiking lovers

The hills of Chianti unfold their endless vineyards around Greve and Radda, creating an idyllic tableau in Tuscany. The golden sun illuminates rows of vines laden with grapes, while medieval villages emerge from the valleys. Scents of wine and aromatic herbs drift in the pure air. Winding roads lead to wine estates where history blends with gastronomy. This serene landscape, dotted with cypress trees and olive groves, invites contemplation and discovery. Chianti embodies the essence of Tuscany, with its timeless charm and viticultural treasures.

Val d'Orcia (Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano)

Honeymoon couplesWine and gastronomy enthusiastsPhotographers and hikers

Imagine rolling hills bathed in golden light, rows of slender cypress trees winding towards the horizon and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Val d'Orcia, with its hilltop villages such as Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano, embodies the very essence of Tuscany. Here, time seems suspended among ancient olive trees and ochre stone farms. Each season reveals vibrant colours : tender green in spring, burning gold in summer and warm tones in autumn. This World Heritage landscape invites a sensory immersion where wine, gastronomy and tranquillity meet to create unforgettable memories.

San Gimignano & Volterra (villages perchés)

Honeymoon couplesHistory and culture enthusiastsTuscan gastronomy lovers

Perched on the hills of Tuscany, San Gimignano rises with its medieval towers piercing the azure blue sky. Volterra, guardian of Etruscan secrets, reveals Renaissance palaces and lanes steeped in history. These hilltop villages invite immersion in landscapes of undulating vineyards, slender cypress trees and golden light. The atmosphere is peaceful and authentic, away from crowds, between winemaking traditions and local crafts. Discover these gems for a timeless escape imbued with Tuscan beauty and serenity.

Lucca & Pise (nord-ouest)

Honeymoon couplesFamilies with childrenHistory enthusiasts

In north-west Tuscany, Lucca and Pisa unfold an enchanting charm between medieval ramparts and leaning towers. Lucca's cobbled lanes invite shaded strolls under centuries-old plane trees. In Pisa, the Square of Miracles shimmers under the Tuscan sun while the surrounding hills undulate with vineyards and olive groves. Lively squares exude the aroma of coffee and colourful markets. This region combines vibrant history, serene nature and refined gastronomy for an unforgettable sensory immersion in the heart of authentic Italy.