9 Amazing Things To Do in Montepulciano Italy

Montepulciano, Italy — in the Tuscany region — is on my list of favorite Italian towns.

Yes, it’s firmly on the tourist trail.

But I still love it.

I think there are some wonderful things to do in Montepulciano — experiences to have that will make your visit to this hill town special.

Because even though Montepulciano is not off the beaten path, I do think it’s an awesome town where you can find some less touristy spots.

Are you ready to explore this Tuscan town?

Good.

Because I think you’ll love it.

Let’s start with the where!

Where is Montepulciano?

Montepulciano, as I mentioned earlier, is in the Tuscany region.

Specifically this hill town is 70km/43 mi southeast of Siena and 124km/77 mi southeast of Florence.

One of the best things about Montepulciano is that it sits near the UNESCO World Heritage site — Val d’Orcia.

The Val d’Orcia is a gorgeous valley with hills and mountains and some very charming towns.

Montepulciano is not quite in the UNESCO area but on the border.

And due to its elevation of 605m/1985 ft, you get some fabulous views over Val d’Orcia.

This town is definitely in the heart of, what I think, is the most gorgeous part of Tuscany.

Best things to do in Montepulciano

Visit one of the many churches

So many churches, so little time.

Every village, town and city in Italy has at least one church.

And in this town of almost 14,000 people, there are several.

Imagine that?!

The main church is Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the Duomo of Montepulciano.

I can’t believe it, but apparently I’ve not gone inside this church.

Next time!

But be sure you do because it has a massive Assumption of the Virgin triptych painted by Taddeo di Bartolo.

I know I’ve walked by Chiesa di Sant’Agostino a few times.

Again, I’ve not actually walked into this church either, but apparently it too has some wonderful artwork.

I seem to always end up in Chiesa di Santa Lucia — a small Baroque church tucked down a quiet street.

It’s a lovely little church that I think is worthy of time.

Chiesa di San Biagio is the one church that I’d like to see on my next visit.

It sits just a bit outside the town walls down the hill.

This church was built in the late Renaissance era between 1518 and 1540 and has a beautiful dome.

Visiting a church (or 2 or 3) is one of the best things to do in Montepulciano.

Watch the sunset at the overlook near Orfanotrofio Antoniano

So across the way from Orfanotrofio Antoniano, a mother and child home, is a scenic overlook.

This is one of the things to do in Montepulciano that you can’t miss!

The views across the Val d’Orcia with its vineyards, hills and mountains is stunning.

Be sure to go at sunset if you can as it’s the icing on the cake to this view.

I’m so happy I was able to see the sun as it sank over the Tuscan hills on my second visit to Montepulciano.

One of my favorite memories of time in Tuscany.

Taste some world class wine

Montepulciano is known for some excellent wines.

Specifically it is home of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Don’t confuse this with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo which is a red wine made from the Montepulciano grape in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made from the Sangiovese grape — at least 70% — which is the dominant grape of Tuscany.

It’s aged for a minimum of 2 years in oak barrels.

And it’s tasty!

It’s younger sibling, Rosso di Montepulciano, is similar but not aged as long.

This is also a delicious wine.

Most of the vineyards are in the surrounding hills.

But many of the wineries have shops in town where you can taste and yes, buy some of this incredible wine.

Contucci is a famous one and does have some very good wines.

Talosa, Poliziano, Gattavecchi and De’ Ricci are other options.

I popped into Talosa and had a lovely tasting.

Excellent wines!

You may need to book ahead, so please check out the websites to ensure you don’t miss out.

If you are a wine lover, then this is the experience to have in Montepulciano.

Eat at one of the many restaurants

We all know that Italy in general has some of the best food in the world.

Tuscany has some of the tastiest food in Italy, in my opinion.

And Montepulciano is one of the best towns for food in Tuscany.

Pici is the pasta of the area.

It’s hand rolled and looks like fat spaghetti.

Lentils, pork, cheese, honey … these are all foods you’ll find in Montepulciano.

I’ve eaten at Godimento di Vino 2 times.

I love this restaurant with its wine cave and its terrace.

It’s tucked down a little lane off the main pedestrian street which gives it a quiet location.

Osteria del Borgo is a spot I ate at a few years back that has some delicious food and a terrace overlooking the Val d’Orcia.

And there are more good restaurants for sure.

Rosso Rubino Trattoria gets some great reviews as does La Pentolaccia.

Reservations are highly recommended at the above 2 for sure.

Do eat a meal while visiting this hill town as it’s one of the not to be missed things to do in Montepulciano.

Buy a gift from one of the artisans

I was actually surprised by the artisan shops I found in Montepulciano.

There are some talented people in this Tuscan town.

I found artists creating ceramics, mosaics, paintings and yes, artisan food.

There were a couple of shops I went into where I simply watched the person at work for a while, hoping they wouldn’t be unsettled by this.

But I just love watching creative people be creative.

I think buying a gift for a loved one or for yourself from one of these talented artists is a wonderful way to support a small business, help the greater creative community, fuel the local economy AND have a souvenir that is unique.

Stay in town or just outside of town

On my first trip to Montepulciano — back in 2008 — I was traveling with my Irish friend and her then boyfriend/now husband for a few days.

I don’t remember exactly where we stayed in town, but I do think it could have been Camere Bellavista or maybe it was Albergo Marzocco. 

I’m not sure.

Even if it wasn’t, both of these guesthouses have some good reviews so I’m going to recommend them.

There are quite a few places in town to lay your head — from simple rooms and apartments to higher end hotels.

Meublé Il Riccio is another good option that comes highly recommended as is La Locanda di San Francesco.

You may want to say just outside of town in the hills as there are some beautiful farm stays — agriturismi.

I stayed in the chic, eco-friendly Fattoria San Martino on my second visit to Montepulciano.

It’s just 1km outside the the town walls so it’s walkable.

I loved my stay as the rooms are simple, but large and you are in the vineyards.

Breakfast is delicious!

Fattoria San Martino is a bit on the higher end, but definitely worth it.

Further away from town is Agriturismo Terre Di Nano which is another wonderful choice.

Many folks take a day trip to Montepulciano from Siena or Florence.

My advice is to be sure you stay in town or close enough so you can thoroughly enjoy the evenings.

This fantastic hill town returns to the locals after the busy day so wandering around the streets in the evening is truly one of the best things to do in Montepulciano.

Take advantage of this and stay right in town or close enough to walk if at all possible.

Soak up Italian life in Piazza Grande

Every Italian town has a piazza.

Some have a few.

Montepulciano has the awesome Piazza Grande.

This town square, the main one and, as the name suggests, the largest, sits at the top of the hill

So you’ll get a good workout getting to it.

But once there you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous buildings such as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and the Comune di Montepulciano, the town hall.

The piazza is the center of it all — where people meet and gather, where events such as festivals take place and simply a spot to people watch.

Find a spot to sit, perhaps with a gelato or a bit of cheese and bread, and become an Italian for a few hours.

Get lost in the streets

Wandering the streets is the best thing to do in Montepulciano — in my opinion.

Finding narrow lanes where the locals live is a way to really see the town — away from the touristy shops and sites.

Often you find people simply living life.

Sometimes you find a piazetta — a small public square — a tiny church, a beautiful building or a stunning view.

Get away from the main streets and get a wee bit lost.

You’ll find your way back — eventually.

Run through the vineyards just outside of town

When I stayed at Fattoria San Martino I was able to run on some rural roads that took me through the vineyards.

It was amazing!

Even if you are staying in town, find your way just outside the town walls and get into the vineyards.

If you’re not a runner, then simply take a walk.

I walked one evening and then ran the next morning.

This is such a treat and really a marvelous thing to do in Montelpulciano — especially for the active traveler.

It’s definitely another one of my favorite memories of my time in Montepulciano.

Are you sold on making a trip to Montepulciano?

I’ll say it again — I love this Tuscan town.

And I’ll say this again — it’s on the tourist trail.

So here’s some advice:

• Go in the shoulder or off season — avoid mid-May through mid-to-late September. October is quite nice and April will be great too. Just avoid Easter.
• Stay a night or 2 — as I mentioned, do stay right in town or just outside of town so you can wander Montepulciano in the evenings when the day trippers leave have gone.
• Be prepared to walk hills — this is a hill town and there are lots of hills.
• Enjoy!

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places are slowly opening up. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home and stay safe!

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