Cortona is one of those towns you can only truly enjoy with a car. Perched on a hill overlooking the Valdichiana, with Lake Trasimeno just a short drive away, it blends Etruscan art, medieval alleys and breathtaking views. With Revirent24 you can arrive by train at Chiusi station, rent a car and reach Cortona and its surroundings in complete freedom, at your own pace. In this guide you'll find what to see, how to get there and a driving itinerary between the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno.
Whether you're planning an art-filled weekend, a getaway among the villages or a slow holiday in the heart of Tuscany, this is the guide for you.
Cortona: an Etruscan town suspended above the Valdichiana
Cortona is a town of art in the province of Arezzo, in south-eastern Tuscany, set on a hill facing the Valdichiana and, in the distance, Lake Trasimeno. Its origins are Etruscan and can still be felt in the ancient walls, the uphill lanes and the intimate squares of the old town. It's a perfect destination for those seeking culture, good food and landscapes, far from the rush of big cities.
In recent years Cortona has also become famous worldwide thanks to the novel and film Under the Tuscan Sun, which turned it into a symbol of Tuscan charm. The result is an authentic yet lively town, full of workshops, restaurants and postcard views around every corner.
What to see in Cortona: the heart of the old town
Cortona's centre is explored on foot, but it's easily reached by car by leaving the vehicle in the car parks at the edge of the walls. Here are the places not to miss:
- Piazza della Repubblica and the Palazzo Comunale: the town's living room, with its staircase and clock tower.
- MAEC – Museum of the Etruscan Academy and of the City of Cortona, in Piazza Signorelli: one of the richest museums for understanding the area's Etruscan history.
- Alleys and stairways of the old town, among stone houses, artisan shops and panoramic glimpses over the valley.
Cortona rewards those who explore it slowly: having a car means being able to plan your visit without time constraints and easily reach the surrounding area.
The Girifalco Fortress and the Basilica of Santa Margherita
At the highest point of the town stands the Girifalco Fortress (or Medici Fortress), a stronghold that offers an extraordinary view: on clear days your gaze sweeps across the Valdichiana all the way to Lake Trasimeno. Just below sits the Basilica of Santa Margherita, dedicated to the town's patron saint, a place of pilgrimage and a much-loved panoramic spot.
The climb up to the fortress is steep: those who prefer to save their energy can drive part of the way and walk the final stretch. It's the best way to enjoy the view without rushing.
Why it pays to arrive by train in Chiusi and rent a car
Cortona has a railway station, Camucia–Cortona, but it lies down in the valley: the old town is on the hill, about 3 kilometres away and uphill. To visit the town and, above all, its surroundings — the Valdichiana, Lake Trasimeno, villages and wineries — a car really makes the difference.
A great option is to arrive by train at Chiusi–Chianciano Terme station, on the Rome–Florence line, and rent a car on the spot. From Chiusi to Cortona it's around forty kilometres: we recommend always checking the best route according to traffic and season. Revirent24's main office is in Città della Pieve, a few minutes from the station, so you can pick up the vehicle as soon as you arrive and move around independently. You'll find all the details in our guide on how to get around Chiusi and its surroundings and in the article Chiusi by car: itineraries and tips. If you're coming from further afield, take a look at car rental from Chiusi too.
One more advantage: with Revirent24 you can rent even without a credit card, using alternative payment methods — handy for travellers who don't want to block a deposit on their limit.
A driving itinerary between the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno
The beauty of having a car is being able to turn your visit to Cortona into a real journey through art, villages and nature. Here's a rough itinerary, all within easy reach:
| Stop | What awaits you |
|---|---|
| Cortona old town | MAEC, Piazza della Repubblica and the medieval alleys |
| Girifalco Fortress and Santa Margherita | Views over the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno |
| Lake Trasimeno | Shores, villages and relaxation at Castiglione del Lago and Tuoro |
| Valdichiana | Castiglion Fiorentino, countryside, wineries and local flavours |
| Montepulciano | Renaissance, panoramas and Nobile wine |
The distances are short, but the roads are often hilly and scenic: allow time for a few photo stops and always check the best route according to the season.
Looking for more ideas? Read how to explore the Val di Chiana with a car rented in Chiusi and our guide to car rental in Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno.
Which car to choose for Cortona and its surroundings
The roads between Cortona, the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno are mostly hilly country roads, with a few climbs and scenic bends. That's why choosing the right vehicle matters:
- City car: perfect for a couple, easy to park near the walls and nimble on the bends. Discover the available city cars.
- SUV or crossover: more space, a higher driving position and greater comfort for families and longer trips. Take a look at the SUVs and crossovers.
- Minivan: the right choice if you're travelling in a group or with more luggage.
You can browse the entire vehicle fleet and choose based on the number of passengers and the type of trip.
When to go and practical tips for the trip
Cortona can be visited all year round: spring and autumn bring the most beautiful colours to the Valdichiana, summer is perfect for combining the town with Lake Trasimeno, while in winter the town is intimate and authentic. A few practical tips:
- Set off early: in the morning the centre is quieter and it's easier to find parking in the areas at the foot of the walls.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the old town is uphill and paved with stone.
- Check museum and monument opening hours in advance, as they can change over time.
- Optimise your fuel consumption between stops: here are 10 tricks to consume less fuel.
Documents and pick-up: what to prepare
To rent a car you need the usual documents: a valid ID, a valid driving licence and your tax code. You'll find all the details on minimum age and requirements in the guide Renting a car: documents, minimum age and requirements.
At pick-up, take a minute to check the car: it's a simple habit that avoids disputes at drop-off and lets you set off with peace of mind.
📞 Book your car now for Cortona, the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno.
Phone and WhatsApp: +39 378 303 5305
Email:
Or write to us from the Contact us page. We're in Città della Pieve (PG), a few minutes from Chiusi station, with assistance 7 days a week.
👉 Discover our car fleet and find the right vehicle for your journey through art and villages.
Frequently asked questions about car rental for Cortona
How do you get to Cortona without your own car?
The railway station is Camucia–Cortona, down in the valley below the old town, which is on the hill about 3 kilometres away. Alternatively, many travellers arrive by train at Chiusi–Chianciano Terme station and rent a car on the spot: it's the most practical way to visit the surroundings too. With Revirent24 you can pick up the vehicle a few minutes from the station.
How far is Cortona from Chiusi?
Cortona is about forty kilometres from Chiusi station, partly on hilly roads. We recommend checking the best route according to traffic and season.
Do I need an SUV to visit Cortona and the Valdichiana?
It's not essential: a city car is enough for most routes and is easy to park. An SUV or crossover offers more space and comfort for families, luggage and longer trips.
Can I rent a car without a credit card?
Yes. With Revirent24 you can rent even without a credit card, thanks to alternative payment methods. The exact conditions, based on the vehicle and duration, are confirmed by the staff before booking.
Where can I park in Cortona?
The old town has restricted traffic: the most convenient option is to leave the car in the car parks at the foot of the walls and continue on foot. We recommend checking parking areas and rules in advance, as they can change.
Where can I pick up the car?
You can pick up between Chiusi (station), Città della Pieve, Montepulciano and the nearby villages, with flexible delivery and drop-off. Contact the staff to arrange pick-up and return in the way that suits you best.
