Where to stay in Cortona: areas, accommodation and practical tips

Where to stay in Cortona: the complete guide

Cortona is one of Tuscany's most fascinating hilltop towns, perched on a hill overlooking the entire Val di Chiana to Lake Trasimeno. An Etruscan then medieval city, made famous by the book "Under the Tuscan Sun", it retains a rare authenticity: stone squares, churches with works by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli, artisan shops and endless panoramas. Staying in Cortona means living the truest Tuscany.

Best areas to stay

Historic Centre (within the walls)

The ancient borgo enclosed by Etruscan and medieval walls, with Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Signorelli and MAEC (Museum of the Etruscan Academy). B&Bs in medieval tower-houses, small charming hotels and apartments with valley views. Everything is reached on foot along steep lanes and staircases. Magical atmosphere, especially at sunset.

Rugapiana and upper town

The highest part of the borgo, toward the Girifalco Fortress, is quieter and less touristy. A few silent B&Bs with panoramic terraces. The climbs are demanding but the reward is a 360-degree view.

Surrounding Countryside — Val di Chiana

The plains and hills around Cortona host agritourisms, Tuscan villas and country houses among cypresses, olive groves and vineyards. The most classic choice for a Tuscan stay: pool, tranquillity and breakfast with farm produce. A car is needed to reach the borgo (5-15 minutes).

Camucia (valley floor)

The town at the foot of the hill, where the railway station is located. Cheaper hotels and B&Bs, supermarkets and services. Less romantic but practical with easy parking. From central Camucia, buses every 30 minutes to Cortona.

Accommodation types

• **Agritourisms and country houses** — The signature formula of the area: restored farmhouses with pool, garden and often a restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine (pici pasta, Chianina beef, noble wine)
• **B&Bs in the historic centre** — Rooms in medieval palazzi, with breakfast served on panoramic terraces
• **Charming hotels** — A few select properties within the walls, with Tuscan furnishings and attentive service
• **Apartments** — In the borgo or countryside, perfect for weekly stays
• **Private villas** — For groups or large families, with private pool and Val di Chiana views

Budget tips

• Low season (November-March, excluding New Year) offers 40-50% discounts at agritourisms
• Camucia costs 30-40% less than the historic centre
• Booking an agritourism for a full week reduces the nightly cost by up to 25%
• August and the Cortona Mix Festival period (July) are the most expensive
• Sharing an agritourism between multiple couples or families dramatically cuts costs

Where to stay by traveller type

Romantic couples

An agritourism with panoramic pool or a B&B in the centre with a Val di Chiana terrace. Dinner at a borgo trattoria with views is the perfect ending.

Families

Agritourism in the countryside with pool and space for children. Many properties have farm animals that delight little ones.

Art and history lovers

Historic centre, steps from MAEC, the Diocesan Museum (Fra Angelico), the Church of San Francesco and Etruscan remains.

Those exploring Tuscany

Cortona is an excellent base: Arezzo 30 minutes, Siena 50, Montepulciano 30, Perugia 40. An agritourism with a car is the ideal formula.

How much to spend

• **Budget** (B&B in Camucia/simple room): €50-80 per night
• **Mid-range** (B&B in the centre/basic agritourism): €90-160
• **High-end** (premium agritourism/villa): €180-400

Transport connections

Camucia-Cortona station is on the Florence-Rome line (regional trains). From Camucia, buses to the historic centre every 30 minutes. A car is recommended for exploring the countryside. Parking in Cortona: Piazzale del Mercato (free) or Parterre (paid). The centre is a ZTL restricted zone.

Discover more about Cortona

• [What to see in Cortona in 2 days](/en/guida/cosa-vedere-a-cortona-in-2-giorni)
• [Where to eat in Cortona](/en/guida/dove-mangiare-a-cortona)
• [How to get to Cortona](/en/guida/come-arrivare-a-cortona)