Map Of Italy Cortona Travel Guide
Discovering the Top Attractions
Cortona is a charming hilltop town in Tuscany that offers plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages. One of the must-see attractions is the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca, which features a vast collection of Etruscan artifacts. Another top attraction is the Palazzo Comunale, a beautiful medieval palace that now serves as the town hall and also houses a small museum.
For art lovers, the Diocesan Museum is a must-visit attraction. It houses a collection of sacred art and artifacts from the 17th century. The Santa Maria Nuova Church is another beautiful attraction that showcases the town’s rich history and culture.
Exploring Hidden Gems
While Cortona’s major attractions are well-known, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One such gem is the Piazza della Repubblica, a charming square that is home to several historical landmarks and a bustling market.
Another hidden gem is the Eremo Le Celle, a beautiful Franciscan monastery that is nestled in the hills just outside Cortona. The monastery is surrounded by peaceful countryside and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Indulging in the Food Scene
Cortona is known for its delicious Tuscan cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the town that offer authentic local dishes. Some of the must-try dishes include pici pasta with wild boar ragu, Florentine steak, and ribollita soup.
For wine lovers, Cortona is also home to several wineries that offer tours and tastings. Some of the popular wine varieties include Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Exploring on a Budget
Cortona can be an expensive destination, but there are plenty of ways to explore the town on a budget. One of the best ways to save money is to stay in one of the many budget-friendly hotels or apartments in the town center.
Another way to save money is to explore the town on foot or by bike. Cortona has several beautiful walking and biking routes that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Enjoying Outdoor Adventures
Cortona is surrounded by beautiful countryside that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. One of the popular activities is hiking, and there are several trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Other popular outdoor activities include cycling, horseback riding, and hot air ballooning. For water lovers, Lake Trasimeno is just a short drive away and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Exploring Historical Landmarks
Cortona has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical landmarks. One of the top landmarks is the Fortezza Medicea, a beautiful fortress that dates back to the 16th century.
Another historical landmark is the Church of San Francesco, which dates back to the 13th century and features beautiful frescoes and artwork. The Piazza della Signoria is also a must-visit attraction, as it is home to several historical buildings and landmarks.
Family-Friendly Activities
Cortona is a great destination for families, as there are plenty of activities that are suitable for children of all ages. One of the top family-friendly activities is visiting the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca, which features interactive exhibits and activities for children.
Other popular family-friendly activities include visiting the local parks and playgrounds, exploring the countryside on foot or by bike, and taking a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Tuscan dishes.
Experiencing Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
For those who want to experience the lesser-known side of Cortona, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path adventures waiting to be discovered. One such adventure is visiting the Le Balze, a series of dramatic cliffs that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Another off-the-beaten-path adventure is visiting the nearby town of Montepulciano, which is known for its beautiful architecture and delicious wine.
Visiting Natural Wonders
Cortona is surrounded by beautiful natural wonders that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. One of the top natural wonders is the Val di Chiana, a stunning valley that is home to several beautiful towns and villages.
Another natural wonder is the Monte Amiata, a beautiful mountain that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. For those who love the beach, the Tuscan coast is just a short drive away and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife
Cortona may be a small town, but it still offers plenty of nightlife options for visitors. One of the top nightlife spots is the Bar del Teatro, a popular bar that offers live music and a lively atmosphere.
Other popular nightlife spots include the Piazza della Repubblica, which is home to several bars and restaurants that stay open late into the night, and the local wine bars, which offer a chance to sample some of the region’s delicious wines.
Exploring Local Markets
Cortona is home to several local markets that offer a chance to sample some of the region’s delicious food and wine. One of the top markets is the Mercato del Sabato, which takes place every Saturday and offers a wide variety of local produce, cheese, and wine.
Another popular market is the Mercato dell’Antiquariato, which takes place on the first Sunday of every month and offers a chance to browse through a wide variety of antiques and vintage items.
Experiencing Cultural Immersion
Cortona is a town that is rich in culture and history, and there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. One of the top cultural experiences is taking a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Tuscan dishes.
Other popular cultural experiences include visiting the local museums and galleries, attending a local festival or event, and taking a guided walking tour of the town.
Enjoying Art and Music Scene
Cortona has a rich art and music scene, and there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy both. One of the top art attractions is the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca, which features a vast collection of Etruscan artifacts.
For music lovers, Cortona is home to several music festivals and events throughout the year, including the Tuscan Sun Festival, which features world-renowned musicians and performers.
Taking Walking Tours and Biking Routes
Cortona is a beautiful town that is best explored on foot or by bike. There are several walking tours and biking routes that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and allow visitors to explore the town at their own pace.
Some of the popular walking tours include the Historical Center Walking Tour, which takes visitors through the town’s medieval streets and landmarks, and the Etruscan Walking Tour, which explores the town’s rich Etruscan heritage.
Admiring Architectural Marvels
Cortona is home to several beautiful architectural marvels that showcase the town’s rich history and culture. One of the top marvels is the Palazzo Comunale, a beautiful medieval palace that now serves as the town hall and also houses a small museum.
The Santa Maria Nuova Church is another beautiful marvel that features stunning frescoes and artwork. The Piazza della Signoria is also a must-visit attraction, as it is home to several historical buildings and landmarks.
Visiting Historical Sites and Biking Routes
Cortona has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical sites and landmarks. One of the top sites is the Fortezza Medicea, a beautiful fortress that dates back to the 16th century.
Another historical site is the Church of San Francesco, which dates back to the 13th century and features beautiful frescoes and artwork. For those who love biking, Cortona has several beautiful biking routes that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Relaxing at Wellness Retreats
Cortona is a great destination for those who want to relax and unwind. There are several wellness retreats in the area that offer a chance to recharge and rejuvenate.
Some of the popular wellness retreats include the Terme di Montepulciano, which offers a range of spa treatments and therapies, and the Castello di Gargonza, a beautiful castle that has been converted into a luxury wellness retreat.
Experiencing Adventure Sports
Cortona is surrounded by beautiful countryside that offers plenty of opportunities for adventure sports. One of the popular sports is hot air ballooning, which offers a unique perspective of the town and the surrounding landscape.
Other popular adventure sports include cycling, horseback riding, and hiking. For those who love water sports, Lake Trasimeno is just a short drive away and offers plenty of