Montalcino

Travel Guide
Montalcino showing a sunset and heritage architecture
Famous for its viniculture, this hilltop town also has a walled old town decorated with a majestic fortress, churches and piazzas.

Wine enthusiasts, history buffs and nature lovers flock to the picturesque town of Montalcino. Perched on a hill above Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, the town boasts a stimulating mix of enoteche (wine stores), ancient monuments and museums. First settled around A.D. 800, Montalcino grew into a medieval stronghold and later achieved worldwide fame for its production of Brunello di Montalcino wine.

The crisscrossing streets and staircases of the wall-enclosed historic quarter are ideal to explore on foot. Start your visit at Fortezza di Montalcino (aka Rocca), a huge fortress built in the 1300s. Enjoy views of the surrounding valleys, vineyards and orchards from the tower and ramparts. Sample local wines at the fortress’s own enoteca.

Follow the streets down from the fortress to Piazza del Popolo. Here you’ll find architectural treasures such as the arched Loggia and the town hall, Palazzo dei Priori. Nearby is the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino and Montalcino Cathedral, notable for its Corinthian-style entrance and collection of antique art.

Spot more art, such as exhibitions of 14th- and 15th-century works by Sienese masters, at the Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art.

Vying for space with the town’s historic buildings are the enoteche and osteria (taverns). Take time out from sightseeing and treat yourself to a flight of Brunello di Montalcino wines. Alternatively, watch the world go from a café terrace while sipping on a coffee.

A great time to visit is in July, when the town is in full festival swing. The Jazz and Wine Festival takes over the fortress with live concerts and the Festival della Val d’Orcia hosts dance and theatrical performances.

Montalcino is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south from Siena. Be sure to visit attractions located outside of the town center, including the 8th-century Sant’Antimo Abbey. Stop off on the way at the Brunello Museum to learn about the town’s winemaking history.

Ideal for daytrips and weekend breaks, Montalcino is also a great base for exploring the Val d’Orcia. Relax in the thermal baths in Bagni San Filippo or go hiking and skiing at Mount Amiata.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
5 out of 5
Localita Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, SI
The price is $1,111 per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$1,111
includes taxes & fees
$1,000 per night
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Castiglion del Bosco Winery and Corte ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"Everything was to PERFECTION."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2024

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery
Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery
5 out of 5
Località Velona, Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Montalcino, SI
The price is $573 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$573
includes taxes & fees
$511 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Abbazia di Sant'Antimo and Museum of Brunello ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (302 reviews)
Gorgeous views and a perfect stay
"Wonderful, relaxing stay. The thermal waters and the spa are great! Food is really good as well."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

Castello di Velona Resort Thermal SPA & Winery
SI Montalcino Hotel
SI Montalcino Hotel
3 out of 5
Via Osticcio 21, Montalcino, SI
The price is $153 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
$153
includes taxes & fees
$132 per night
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (314 reviews)
"Very comfortable. Excellent breakfast. A great base for exploring Tuscany."

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024

SI Montalcino Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A private luxury retreat in Montalcino
A private luxury retreat in Montalcino
Siena
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Montalcino. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Castello Banfi and Corte Pavone Winery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Lovely Tuscan Villa
"Lovely villa, great host. We really enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024

A private luxury retreat in Montalcino
The House of Alice, charm and relaxation
The House of Alice, charm and relaxation
Montalcino (SI)
Stay at this vacation home in Montalcino. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Abbazia di Sant'Antimo ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Run don’t walk
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024

The House of Alice, charm and relaxation
The Gelda house, relax with a view
The Gelda house, relax with a view
Castelnuovo dell'Abate
Stay at this vacation home in Montalcino. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Abbazia di Sant'Antimo and Museum of Brunello ...
Great location!
"Great location and cute flat. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2024

The Gelda house, relax with a view
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Montalcino

4.9
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
28
" "5 - Excellent 87.5%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 12.5%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Katie

Amazing wines, beautiful views, charming visit

5/5 - Excellent

Elias

If you dont love wine you will love Montalcino and the Toscana region...if you love wine, abd Brunello in particular, you may NEVER want to leave!!殺

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great wine country. Do a wine tasting while you're there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved Montalcino - favorite part of our entire trip!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Excellent place to visit and I would want to live there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful area, wonderful wines, good restaurants and nice shops.

Cities near Montalcino