Arezzo: The Complete Guide

The best area to stay is Arezzo’s historic center, with charming hotels and guesthouses near Piazza Grande and the Basilica of San Francesco. For a more relaxed countryside escape, the surrounding Tuscan hills offer beautiful agriturismos with vineyard views.

Arezzo can be explored in 1 to 2 days, covering its historic sites, churches, and excellent restaurants. A 3-day stay allows for side trips to Cortona or Anghiari, offering a deeper Tuscan experience.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Arezzo. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Arezzo offers delightful experiences in both spring and autumn:

Springtime in Arezzo: With its moderate temperatures and the blooming of beautiful flowers, springtime in Arezzo is a truly wonderful experience. The city becomes a burst of colours and fragrances, making it the perfect time to explore its beauty. The pleasant weather and gentle breezes enhance the joy of wandering through the streets and admiring the architecture.

In addition to its natural beauty, spring in Arezzo also presents various cultural opportunities. Many events take place in the city during this season, including the renowned Saracen Joust in June. Visitors can witness a medieval-style jousting competition and immerse themselves in the event’s vibrant atmosphere. All in all, spring is an ideal season to visit Arezzo if you desire a combination of natural splendour and cultural events.

Autumn Charm in Arezzo: Autumn in Arezzo invites you to immerse yourself in its enchanting ambiance as the leaves change colours and the air becomes crisp. The historic heart of the city is adorned with the vibrant hues of autumn leaves, creating a breath-taking landscape. The weather is perfect for leisurely walks through the streets, admiring the architecture, and stopping at a local café for a warm beverage.

Moreover, autumn is a paradise for food enthusiasts to savour the local cuisine. Arezzo is renowned for its delicious truffles, which are in season during this time of year. You can also indulge in the famous Chianina beef while sipping a glass of Tuscan wine. The city comes alive with gastronomic festivals during the harvest season, offering a unique opportunity to explore local culture and traditions. In conclusion, a visit to Arezzo in autumn is a special and not-to-be-missed experience.

Summer In Arezzo: The Giostra del Saracino, or Joust of the Saracen (Moor), is is a great event to see in Arezzo. It is usually held on the third Saturday in June and on the first Sunday in September (check the official site for confirmation), taking place in Arezzo’s magnificent Piazza Grande. The festivities commence a week before the actual joust when the captains participating in the event take an oath. During this time, they also determine the sequence in which they will charge and practice their jousting skills in the evenings throughout the week. The Joust of the Saracen is a captivating and time-honored tradition that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Arezzo.

Flying to Arezzo

There is no airport located directly in Arezzo, so flying directly to Arezzo is not an option. However, you can reach Arezzo by driving or taking a train from nearby airports. The airports closest to Arezzo, in order of proximity, are Florence, Perugia, Pisa, Bologna, Rome, and Genoa. Among these, Pisa airport is a popular choice for flights within Europe, while Rome is more likely to be the arrival airport for visitors from the US and Canada. Depending on your location and travel plans, you can choose the airport that best suits your needs and then travel to Arezzo by train or car from there.

Getting to Arezzo by Train

Arezzo has a train station located along the Bologna-Rome railway line. The station is served by daily connections with Intercity trains to Florence, Rome, and various other destinations in Italy. The TFT (Transport Railway Toscano) of the LFI group manages the railway lines for Arezzo-Sinalunga and Arezzo-Stia. Arezzo has three train stations, but if you are a visitor planning to explore the historical centre, it’s best to choose the main station, which is simply named “AREZZO.” This station is located at the base of the city and is the closest to the historic center, making it the most convenient choice for those looking to explore the historical attractions of Arezzo.

Getting to Arezzo by Bus

Arezzo is connected to various nearby regions, including Valdichiana, Valtiberina, Pratomagno, Casentino, and Valdarno, via a comprehensive bus network provided by ATAM, LFI, and SITA bus companies. This network allows for easy and convenient bus travel to and from Arezzo and its neighbouring areas.

Getting to Arezzo by Car

You can drive to Arezzo from Florence or Rome via the Autostrada del Sole (A1 Milan-Naples). Exit at the tollgate of Arezzo, and from there, it’s about 10 km to reach the city center. Here are some road distances from Arezzo to nearby cities: Cortona 29 km; Florence 74 km; Siena 89 km; Perugia 92 km; Rome 218 km.