The kinds of scenery that people imagine when dreaming of a holiday in Tuscany truly come to life in and around the charming little hilltop town of Montalcino. In fact, those who book a villa in Montalcino will quickly discover that it delivers a perfectly idyllic experience of this beloved and ever-popular region of Italy. From rolling green hills and winding cypress-lined roads to paved streets and stunning historic buildings, Montalcino provides a dreamy setting to experience Tuscan life for a little while. So, slow down, relax, take in the beauty all around, and discover the unmissable things to see and do in this stunning Tuscan town...
1. Go for aimless drives!
As you head out to explore the area from your vacation rental in Montalcino, you may have particular destinations in mind – from famous attractions, to other major destinations, to local wineries, and more – but we also highly recommend heading out without much of a plan at all. See where the road takes you, leave yourself plenty of time to pull over and take photos, discover hidden gems and wonderful surprises, and really dive into the stunning scenery of the famously beautiful Val D’Orcia that surrounds Montalcino. You’ll have glimpses from the town all throughout your stay but it is worth getting up close and personal with the majestic landscape of this utterly picturesque part of the world.
2. Sample the wine - with enthusiasm.
Montalcino is a name known to many due to Brunello di Montalcino, the prestigious wine that comes from this part of Tuscany. As such, it would be a shame not to indulge in this incredible beverage while in town. Plus, the best wine is always sold domestically so you’ll likely never encounter Brunello that is quite so delicious elsewhere. Enjoy it while sitting out in sun-soaked piazze, while relaxing at your holiday rental in Montalcino, and on guided tastings at a winery, and then be sure to bring or send some home as some wonderful mementos that are sure to age beautifully...
3. Pair that wine with excellent meals...
This lush part of the Tuscan countryside not only allows incredible wines to be produced but also a wide range of other delicious things to consume including amazing honey, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, cheeses, cured meats, and more. So, embrace the bucolic nature of these landscapes and truly indulge in amazing food while on vacation in Montalcino.
4. Don’t forget to consume the art, as well!
As you wander the charming, paved, frozen-in-time streets of Montalcino, you’ll see some extraordinarily beautiful and picturesque alleys and town squares as well as some exceptional architectural gems. These include the likes of the 14th century citadel crowning the town, the Neoclassical Cathedral, town hall, and more. Head inside the Civic Diocescan Museum of Sacred Art located in part of the former convent of Sant'Agostino, meanwhile, and you’ll discover an astoundingly rich collection of paintings and sculpted works from the Sienese school of painting, one of the best places to admire this influential and charming artistic movement. Just outside of town you’ll also find the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, near Castelnuovo dell'Abate, a beautiful gem executed to perfection in the French Romanesque style. While this is not the most famous art centre in Tuscany, those who book a villa in Montalcino will discover that it is very much a place to go back in time and to see some rather exceptional art.
5. Take things slowly, in general...
That’s our biggest piece of advice if you decide to holiday in Montalcino – just really slow down and appreciate it all. Get away from things, live the good life, unwind, drink in the beauty, and imbibe plenty in this lush and lovely part of the world!