Discover Cortona: A Gem in Tuscany
The drive to Cortona is what you would expect from any Tuscan town: beanstalk-like cypress trees, serpentine roads, and farm crops that change with the seasons. However, what sets this historical hamlet apart is the expanse of sunflower fields that line its foothills. The best time to see them in full bloom is from July to September. Cortona is a place of outstanding beauty, soaring high and offering 360-degree views across the Valdichiana Aretina, with glimpses of Lake Trasimeno on the horizon. It is no surprise that Cortona was chosen as the prime location for the film “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Here, you can delve into Etruscan heritage, explore art-filled spaces, engage in nature activities, and appreciate enogastronomic experiences that highlight the charm of this picturesque hilltop borgo.
How to Reach Cortona
Cortona is roughly 90 minutes from Florence. Moreover, the easiest way to reach the village is to rent a car from the airport or train station. If you prefer public transport, take a regional train from Florence S. Maria Novella to Camucia-Cortona with Trenitalia, followed by a 10-minute bus ride to the town center (Piazza Garibaldi). A note for visitors: the parking areas are at the foothills of Cortona’s historic center, resulting in a steep walk up. If you park at Santo Spirito, escalators are available to assist with the ascent.
The Best Cultural Hotspots in Cortona
Cortona on the Move
Every year from July to October, Cortona on the Move takes place. This international photography festival transforms the streets of the town with various events and exhibitions. Focused on contemporary photography, the festival invites photographers worldwide to share their unique perspectives and stories through their lenses. Their works are showcased in various historical buildings that are otherwise closed to the public. For this year’s thirteenth edition, the theme explores the dichotomy of opposing entities, featuring the works of thirty creators displayed at Palazzo Baldelli, Fortezza del Girifalco, Chiesa di San Marco, and Stazione C Camucia-Cortona.
Address: Various locations in Cortona
Website: cortonaonthemove.com
