Things To Do
in Cortona

Perched on a limestone hill in southern Tuscany, Cortona exudes medieval charm with winding lanes, sunlit piazzas, and sweeping views over the Val di Chiana. Its rich history spans Etruscan, Roman, and Renaissance eras, preserved in ancient walls, the Duomo di Cortona, and art-filled palazzi. The town blends artistic culture with welcoming taverns and cafés where locals share wine and olive oil alongside regional dishes.

Cortonaers celebrate slow travel, offering a relaxed, authentic Tuscan experience away from mass tourism.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Historical Center
morning
:

Start your day in the historic center of Cortona, wandering through its narrow cobbled streets that are steeped in history. Visit the Piazza della Repubblica, where you can enjoy a coffee at a local café while admiring the beautiful surrounding architecture. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Museo Diocesano, which houses fascinating art and artifacts.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a charming trattoria, head to the Maec Museum, displaying Etruscan artifacts and art from the region. Spend your afternoon climbing up to the Basilica di Santa Margherita, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Val di Chiana. Take some time to stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the basilica, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

evening
:

As night falls, return to the historical center for a delightful dinner at a local osteria, savoring traditional Tuscan cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, breathing in the enchanting local ambiance. End your evening with a gelato at a nearby gelateria, reflecting on the day's adventures.

day 2
Wine Tasting in the Countryside
morning
:

Begin your morning with a drive through the rolling hills of Cortona’s countryside, where vineyards blanket the landscape. Visit a local winery for a tour, learning about the wine-making process and the unique characteristics of Tuscan wines. Enjoy a tasting session, sampling some of the region's best wines paired with local cheeses.

afternoon
:

After your wine experience, indulge in a farm-to-table lunch at a nearby agriturismo, where the food is made with fresh, local ingredients. Explore the scenic trails around the vineyards, perfect for a leisurely hike, while taking in the stunning views of the landscape. Don’t forget to take some picturesque photos of the Tuscan countryside.

evening
:

Return to Cortona in the evening for a relaxing dinner at a restaurant that specializes in local dishes. Consider participating in a cooking class where you can learn how to prepare traditional Italian meals. Conclude your day with a quiet stroll through the town, enjoying the charm and tranquility of Cortona at night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee in city center$2-4
🧀Local cheese and bread$5-10
💧Bottle of water$1-2
🍷Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant$40-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and architecture
  • Stunning views over Val di Chiana
  • Excellent Tuscan cuisine and wine
  • Limited nightlife compared to big cities
  • Hilly terrain with cobblestones; some streets are steep
  • Crowds during peak season in summer and markets
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning / Hello
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Dove si trova il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Posso avere il conto, per favore?" - May I have the bill, please?
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Cortona

Visit one of these nice places.

Piazza della Repubblica

The heart of Cortona with ancient arcades, columns, and a sense of timeless Tuscan daily life.

MAEC – Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca e della Città di Cortona

Historic building with exterior architecture and vantage points that frame the town’s skyline.

Duomo di Cortona (Santa Maria Assunta)

Cathedral exterior and surrounding streets offer compelling compositions and light in the late afternoon.

City walls and terraces

Ancient fortifications that provide panoramic views over the Val di Chiana, especially at sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Cortona

Cortona’s cuisine showcases simple, high-quality Tuscan ingredients: olive oil, tomatoes, bread, beans, and tender regional meats, often enjoyed with robust wines from nearby estates.

Cortona Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pappa al Pomodoro

Tomato-bread soup that's hearty, bright, and emblematic of Tuscan comfort food; typically found in trattorie around Cortona.

Must-Try!

Torta al Testo

Stuffed flatbread baked on a testo, crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, filled with herbs, greens, or cheese.

Tagliata di Chianina

Sliced, grilled Chianina beef served with rosemary, olive oil, and a light salad; a Tuscan staple.

Cinghiale in Umido

Slow-braised wild boar stew with tomatoes and red wine, a hearty countryside classic.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato di Cortona

Weekly market around the historic center offering produce, cheeses, olives, bread, and local specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Cortona experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild to cool winters, and pleasant transitional seasons. Summers are typically dry and sunny, while winters can bring rain and cooler temperatures; spring and autumn are especially comfortable for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Buongiorno or Buonasera; a polite, friendly tone goes a long way in chats with locals.

Church Etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; keep voices low and doors quiet to maintain reverence.

Safety Guide

Safety

Cortona is generally safe for travelers with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded areas and be cautious on narrow, wet cobblestone streets after rain. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for assistance in Italy.

Tipping in Cortona

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is usually included in larger meals; leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated but not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; some small venues may prefer cash or add a coperto (cover charge).

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days, blooming countryside, and excellent opportunities for walking and photography before the heat arrives.

Summer

Warm days and long evenings; stay hydrated, seek shade, and enjoy outdoor dining and hillside views with fewer crowds in early mornings.

Autumn

Harvest time with golden light; wine and olive oil festivals; vibrant scenery and comfortable temperatures for exploring.

Winter

Cool but manageable; quieter streets and indoor tastings, with occasional rain adding mood to the hilltown ambience.

Nightlife Guide

Cortona at Night

Cortona offers a relaxed nightlife scene centered on intimate wine bars, enoteche, and small live-music venues. Evenings are ideal for strolling the historic center, enjoying gelato, and sampling Tuscan wines or craft beers in a cozy setting rather than seeking a nightclub atmosphere.

Hiking in Cortona

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Eremo Le Celle Trail

Stroll from Cortona up to the hillside hermitage with pine groves and views.

Val di Chiana Ridge View Loop

A modest hike along the hillside with sweeping valley views.

Lake Trasimeno viewpoints hike

Short hikes along the lake’s shore with sunset vantage points.

Airports

How to reach Cortona by plane.

Perugia International Airport (PEG)

About 50-60 miles north-west; reachable by car in around 1.5-2 hours.

Florence Airport (FLR)

Amerigo Vespucci Airport, about 150-180 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Pisa International Airport (PSA)

Also an option, about 2.5-3 hours by car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Cortona is highly walkable within the historic center; many sights are close together around Piazza della Repubblica. The town is hilly with cobblestones, so a comfortable pair of shoes is essential. Cars are restricted in the center, making exploring on foot pleasant, though parking can be tricky outside peak hours.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Long-time Cortona families and artisans who populate the historic center.

Seasonal tourists

Visitors, especially in spring and late summer, attracted by scenery, art, and cuisine.

Students and artists

Young people and creatives who inhabit studios and galleries in the old town.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

Locals play and watch matches; many fields nearby.

Cycling

Hilly routes around Cortona are popular for road cycling and gravel riding.

Hiking

Trail walks on surrounding hills with panoramic views.

Transportation

Traffic

The historic center is mostly pedestrianized; street traffic is limited and parking is outside the walls. Public buses connect Cortona to nearby towns; driving is feasible but can be slow in peak tourist seasons due to narrow streets and congestion near Piazza della Repubblica. When driving, follow ZTL rules to avoid fines.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Cortona.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Cortona restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for pasta al pomodoro, vegetable risottos, and legumes; ask for adaptations if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics and general practitioners in Cortona; for more extensive care, residents visit hospitals in Arezzo or Siena. In case of emergencies, dial 112 and connect to Italian emergency services. Ask your hotel or accommodation host for nearby medical facilities and pharmacies.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide