Montalcino Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Montalcino featuring a sunset and heritage architecture
Montalcino featuring heritage architecture and a sunset
Montalcino featuring a sunset and landscape views
Montalcino featuring outdoor eating and a sunset
Montalcino which includes signage

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 kilometres) south from SienaOpens in a new window. Be sure to visit attractions located outside of the town centre, 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 FilippoOpens in a new window 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 £1,592 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
£1,592
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Castiglion del Bosco Winery and Corte ...
10/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"Peaceful, Relaxing Stay in Tuscany We had a great experience here. The setting is quiet and secluded—felt like a true escape from everyday life. The golf was excellent, the food was consistently good, and the service was friendly and professional. It is remote, which adds to the charm, but just a ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

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 £442 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
£442
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Abbazia di Sant'Antimo and Museum of Brunello ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (318 reviews)
"Gorgeous property Attentive staff Tranquil setting Fresh culinary standards"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

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 £131 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£131
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Montalcino. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (343 reviews)
"Overall very good."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

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.
Private and cozy retreat in Montalcino with private pool surrounded by vineyards
Private and cozy retreat in Montalcino with private pool surrounded by vineyards
Siena, Tuscany
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Montalcino. Enjoy private pools, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Castello Banfi and Corte Pavone Winery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Amazing views in the country.
"If you like a 360-degree view from the top of the hill, this is the place. Amazing views, out in the country with little traffic (more tractors than cars). Very private. We wanted to sit on the patio all day.The house is very comfortable and a good home base for sampling Brunello and visiting the ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Private and cozy retreat in Montalcino with private pool surrounded by vineyards
Montalcino: Private villa in the heart of Tuscany with private pool,  Wi-fi
Montalcino: Private villa in the heart of Tuscany with private pool, Wi-fi
Montisi, Tuscany
Stay at this villa in Montalcino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Monastery of Sant'Anna in Camprena and San Giovanni d'Asso ...
10/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
A beautiful Tuscan villa!
"A wonderful stay of six nights at the villa just outside Montisi in a beautiful rustic setting. Very clean, as seen in the photos with a new kitchen that has recently been added. Montisi is not too far a drive away to get supplies as/when needed and a great base to explore Tuscany from. Luigi was ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Montalcino: Private villa in the heart of Tuscany with private pool, Wi-fi
Corte Francigena
Corte Francigena
Via Ferretti, Montalcino, SI
Stay at this apartment in Montalcino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Abbazia di Sant'Antimo and Museum of Brunello ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Very beautiful quiet village. Wouldn’t recommend going without having some form of transportation. Pretty secluded area but thats why we chose it."

Reviewed on 22 Sep 2024

Corte Francigena
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Montalcino

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 50%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We checked In to a lovely hotel 30 mins away.

Cities near Montalcino