Where to stay in Arezzo: best areas, accommodation and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Arezzo: from the historic centre of Piero della Francesca to Valdichiana, albergo diffuso, period residences and farm stays among vineyards.
Foto: Andrewrabbott (CC BY-SA 4.0) — Wikimedia Commons
Why stay in Arezzo
Arezzo is authentic Tuscany far from mass tourism: frescoes by Piero della Francesca, the Giostra del Saracino, antiques in Piazza Grande and a food scene rivalling Florence. It is also a strategic crossroads between Valdichiana, Casentino, Val di Chiana and Valtiberina, perfect as a base for exploring a less beaten Tuscany.
Best areas to stay
Upper historic centre
From the Medici Fortress to Piazza Grande, the upper centre is the medieval heart of Arezzo. Here you find period residences converted into elegant B&Bs, with rooftop views and steps from the Basilica of San Francesco (Piero's frescoes). Uphill streets but a unique atmosphere.
- Ideal for: couples, art lovers, those visiting for the Antiques Fair
- Average price: €80-170 per night
Piazza Grande and Corso Italia
Arezzo's living room, with the sloping piazza famous from Benigni's Life is Beautiful. Accommodation in medieval palazzi with loggias and antique shops on the ground floor. Lively area during the Fair (first Sunday of each month) and the Giostra.
- Ideal for: those wanting to live piazza life, antique dealers, foodies
- Average price: €75-150 per night
Station area and boulevards
The boulevards surrounding the centre offer business hotels and modern B&Bs, convenient for train arrivals (Arezzo is on the Rome-Florence line). Easier parking and contained prices.
- Ideal for: business, travellers in transit, budget travellers
- Average price: €55-100 per night
Arezzo countryside (Valdichiana and Casentino)
15-30 minutes from the centre, farm stays among Syrah vineyards and centuries-old olive groves. Casentino also offers borgo-hotels immersed in forests. Time slows down here and the cuisine is extraordinary.
- Ideal for: families, honeymooners, food and wine enthusiasts
- Average price: €60-140 per night with breakfast
Types of accommodation
Period residences and albergo diffuso
Arezzo excels in this formula: rooms distributed across several historic buildings in the centre, with a single reception and breakfast in a palazzo. A way to sleep in history without sacrificing comfort.
B&Bs and guesthouses
Numerous in the historic centre, often run by passionate locals who know every corner of the city. Breakfasts with schiacciata aretina, homemade jams and moka coffee.
Farm stays
The Arezzo countryside is dotted with farms producing wine, oil and Chianina beef. Pools with views, peasant dinners and silence. Many also offer cooking classes and tastings.
Classic hotels
Few but quality ones, mainly in the 3-4 star range. Those with panoramic terraces over the city are worth the premium for the sunrise view.
Tips to save money
- Avoid Antiques Fair weekends (first Sunday of the month + Saturday): prices rise 20-40%
- The Giostra del Saracino (June and September) fills the city: book well in advance
- October-March (excluding fairs) offers very low prices and you have the city to yourself
- Farm stays often include breakfast and sometimes dinner: calculate the total cost
- Arezzo is compact: even staying outside the walls you are 10 minutes on foot from the centre
Best area for each traveller type
- **Art-loving couples**: upper centre, residence overlooking the basilica
- **Families**: Valdichiana farm stay, space and pool
- **Antique hunters**: Piazza Grande, in the heart of the Fair
- **Business**: station area, efficient and well-connected
- **Hikers**: Casentino, base for the Casentino Forests
Discover more about Arezzo
Practical info
When should you go to Arezzo?
The best months are April, May, June, September and October, when there are fewer people.
Are there a lot of people in Arezzo?
Arezzo is very quiet compared to the more touristic destinations.
Where exactly is Arezzo located?
Arezzo sits in Tuscany, Italy.
Suggested as an alternative to
If you're looking for crowd-free destinations like this one, also see:
How to get there
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto Internazionale dell'Umbria - Perugia "San Francesco d'Assisi" PEG ~65 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
