Montalcino
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Latest page update: 23 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Montalcino
Montalcino offers an excellent range of established hotels, reflecting its reputation as one of Tuscany’s most famous wine towns and the home of Brunello. The best-rated options combine character, comfort and consistently high guest feedback for service, food and setting.
Castello di Velona Resort, Thermal Spa & Winery is the most prestigious choice, housed in a restored fortress with panoramic views, thermal pools, fine dining and extensive spa facilities, praised for its luxury, atmosphere and attention to detail (€€€€). In the town centre, Hotel Dei Capitani offers comfortable rooms within a historic building, featuring a terrace and pool overlooking the valley, appreciated for its views, location and welcoming service (€€€). Also within Montalcino, Si Montalcino Hotel & Restaurant provides modern accommodation with a pool, restaurant and easy parking, earning excellent reviews for its facilities, cleanliness and friendly staff (€€).
Castello di Velona Resort, Thermal Spa & Winery is the most prestigious choice, housed in a restored fortress with panoramic views, thermal pools, fine dining and extensive spa facilities, praised for its luxury, atmosphere and attention to detail (€€€€). In the town centre, Hotel Dei Capitani offers comfortable rooms within a historic building, featuring a terrace and pool overlooking the valley, appreciated for its views, location and welcoming service (€€€). Also within Montalcino, Si Montalcino Hotel & Restaurant provides modern accommodation with a pool, restaurant and easy parking, earning excellent reviews for its facilities, cleanliness and friendly staff (€€).
Where is
Where is Montalcino?
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The hill town of Montalcino is situated within the Province of Siena, a distance of 110 kilometres south east of Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany.
Standing at an elevation of 564 metres above sea level it has a population of around 6,000 residents. Nearby places of interest include the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, San Quirico d'Orcia and Pienza. |
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Comune di Montalcino
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Province: Siena
Region: Tuscany Population: 5,622 (in 2024 - source) Size: 310 km² Elevation: 564 metres Close by: Abbey of Sant'Antimo, San Quirico d'Orcia, Pienza |
What People Ask About Montalcino
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Discover
Discover Montalcino
Montalcino is a hill town in the Province of Siena, rising above the Val d’Orcia and surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and forested slopes. The town occupies a commanding position on a high ridge, with medieval walls enclosing its narrow streets and stone houses. From the top, there are sweeping views across southern Tuscany, stretching towards Mount Amiata and the rolling fields of the Crete Senesi.
The Rocca di Montalcino, a 14th-century fortress, dominates the skyline and symbolises the town’s strategic and defensive past. Montalcino is best known for producing Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most prestigious wines, made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the surrounding hills. The historic centre includes the Cathedral of San Salvatore, the Palazzo dei Priori, and several wine cellars that reflect its long viticultural heritage. Roads from Montalcino lead easily to Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, and Buonconvento, linking the town to the wider Val d’Orcia area.
The Rocca di Montalcino, a 14th-century fortress, dominates the skyline and symbolises the town’s strategic and defensive past. Montalcino is best known for producing Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most prestigious wines, made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the surrounding hills. The historic centre includes the Cathedral of San Salvatore, the Palazzo dei Priori, and several wine cellars that reflect its long viticultural heritage. Roads from Montalcino lead easily to Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, and Buonconvento, linking the town to the wider Val d’Orcia area.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Montalcino
- Centro Storico di Montalcino is a beautiful medieval town where narrow stone streets climb steeply among noble houses, arched passageways, and terracotta rooftops. Elegant façades, wooden shutters, and flowering balconies bring charm and colour to the architecture. The town sits high on a hill in southern Tuscany, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves with sweeping views over the Val d’Orcia. Its atmosphere blends vibrant local life with a deep connection to wine and history.
- Chiesa di Sant’Agostino stands gracefully in Montalcino, with a simple stone façade and a serene, luminous interior. Inside are frescoes, wooden altars, and fine decorative details reflecting centuries of artistic devotion. The church remains central to religious life and cultural events. It’s a peaceful and inspiring place to visit while exploring Montalcino’s lanes.
- Piazza del Popolo serves as the social and cultural heart of Montalcino, edged with medieval buildings, local shops, and inviting cafés. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and friendly conversations. Outdoor seating offers views of the Palazzo dei Priori and the rolling hills beyond. The square reflects the lively yet refined rhythm of life in this wine town.
- Fortezza di Montalcino stands imposingly at the town’s edge, a massive medieval fortress with high stone walls and panoramic towers. Walking along the ramparts offers stunning views over vineyards and distant valleys. The fortress houses tasting rooms and hosts cultural events. It’s a highlight for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.
- Guided Brunello wine tours in Montalcino lead visitors through medieval streets, renowned wineries, and scenic vineyard landscapes. Local guides share stories about noble families, wine-making traditions, and the unique qualities of Brunello di Montalcino. Tours often include tastings of prestigious wines, local olive oil, and Tuscan specialities. It’s a delightful way to connect with the cultural richness and flavours of southern Tuscany.
Tours and Activities
Montalcino Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Montalcino Photo Gallery
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Montalcino
By Rail: Montalcino does not have its own railway station. The nearest stations are in Buonconvento (about 15 kilometres away) and Siena (around 45 kilometres away), both served by Trenitalia. From Buonconvento, trains connect to Siena in about 25 minutes and to Grosseto in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. From either station, Montalcino can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus via the SP14 and SP45 roads.
By Road: The town is located in southern Tuscany within the Val d’Orcia area, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. From Siena, the distance is approximately 45 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour via the SS2 and SP14 roads. From Florence, it is roughly 120 kilometres and takes about 2 hours, while from Rome the journey is about 200 kilometres and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Public parking is available outside the historic walls and near the main entrances.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is located in southern Tuscany within the Val d’Orcia area, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. From Siena, the distance is approximately 45 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour via the SS2 and SP14 roads. From Florence, it is roughly 120 kilometres and takes about 2 hours, while from Rome the journey is about 200 kilometres and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Public parking is available outside the historic walls and near the main entrances.
Nearest International Airports:
- Florence Peretola Airport: Located about 120 kilometres from Montalcino, with a driving time of around 2 hours. It offers regular flights to major European and domestic destinations.
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Approximately 165 kilometres away, the journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It provides a wide range of domestic, European, and seasonal international connections.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport: Roughly 200 kilometres from Montalcino, with a driving time of around 2 hours and 45 minutes. It serves as Italy’s main international hub with extensive global routes.
Private Transfers
Montalcino Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to reach Montalcino or travel onwards to other parts of Tuscany. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven directly to your destination by a professional driver, making it easy to enjoy the journey through the region’s rolling hills and vineyards.
From Montalcino, transfers can connect you with Florence Airport, Pisa International Airport, and Perugia Airport for onward travel. They are also well suited for visiting nearby towns such as Pienza, Montepulciano, and Buonconvento, or for exploring the wider Val d’Orcia area and its wine-producing estates.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Montalcino, transfers can connect you with Florence Airport, Pisa International Airport, and Perugia Airport for onward travel. They are also well suited for visiting nearby towns such as Pienza, Montepulciano, and Buonconvento, or for exploring the wider Val d’Orcia area and its wine-producing estates.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
