Montepulciano is a medieval place located on a hill in the province of Siena. It is famous worldwide for its prestigious Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which should not be confused with wine made simply from Montepulciano grapes.
Moreover, with its fantastic Renaissance architecture and panoramic views stretching endlessly over the surrounding countryside, this town-village attracts much tourism in Tuscany, and these visitors are eager to immerse themselves in its timeless atmosphere.
Many reasons to visit Montepulciano
Let’s start by saying that Montepulciano is the home of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, which is one of the oldest red wines in Italy.
Strolling through its streets means breathing in the history of centuries of viticulture, with historic cellars that offer unforgettable tastings. But beyond the wine, there’s more: the heart of Montepulciano is Piazza Grande, a gem of Renaissance architecture, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Town Hall, and magnificent noble palaces.
Every corner of the medieval historic center offers picturesque views, artisan workshops, and typical taverns where you can savor true Tuscan cuisine. And then there are the panoramas.
Looking out from the walls of Montepulciano means losing yourself in the breathtaking view of the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape painted with golden wheat fields, solitary cypresses, and charming villages. It is a place where Tuscan authenticity manifests in every detail, offering a relaxing and deeply evocative atmosphere.
How to get to Montepulciano: All the useful directions
Reaching Montepulciano is easier than you think, and depending on your preferences and starting point, you have several options to get to your destination. Let's analyze them in detail to help you choose the best solution for your trip.
By Car
Traveling by car to Montepulciano is undoubtedly a comfortable and recommended way, especially if you wish to explore the wonderful surroundings of the Val d'Orcia on your own.
Here are the driving directions to reach Montepulciano
- From the North (Milan, Florence, Bologna): If you are coming from the A1 Milan-Naples motorway, the exit you need is Valdichiana-Bettolle. Once you exit, follow the signs for Torrita di Siena and then for Montepulciano. The road is well signposted and scenic.
- From the South (Rome, Naples): Again, the A1 Naples-Milan is your main artery. The recommended exit is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. From here, continue following the signs for Chianciano Terme and then for Montepulciano.
Parking in Montepulciano: We can say that Montepulciano is well equipped with paid parking areas located just outside the city walls.
The most convenient parking areas in Montepulciano are:
- Parking P1 (Porta al Prato): Near the main entrance to the town, offering a good location.
- Parking P2, P3, P4: Climbing the hill, you will find other well-signposted parking areas. Many are served by escalators or elevators that will take you directly into the historic center, making access very easy.
By Train and Bus: Simple, economical, and convenient
If you prefer a more economical approach or simply don't want to drive, the train + bus combination is an alternative for arriving in Montepulciano.
Nearest Train Station: The most convenient train station for reaching Montepulciano is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. This station is well connected to the main Italian cities, including railway hubs such as Florence, Rome, and Arezzo.
Connection from Chiusi to Montepulciano: Once you arrive at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station, you could take a bus, but usually, due to the large number of tourists, they are almost always crowded, and you risk being delayed.
For this reason, we recommend arriving at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station and then using the car rental service directly at the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station. With car rental at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station, by booking your car online through the web portal, you will find the vehicle ready outside the station and reach Montepulciano in about 20-25 minutes.
For those coming from afar: By Plane
The airplane is obviously the best solution to shorten travel times. Here is a list of the airports closest to Montepulciano:
- Perugia "San Francesco d'Assisi" Airport (PEG): This is the closest airport to Montepulciano, about 60-70 km away. From Perugia airport, the best solution is to rent a car to reach Montepulciano in about 1 hour.
- Florence "Amerigo Vespucci" Airport (FLR): Located about 120-130 km away, Florence airport is an excellent option, especially for national and European connections. From here, you can take a train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme and then a car rental to Montepulciano.
- Rome Airports (Fiumicino FCO and Ciampino CIA): Both Roman airports are about 180-200 km from Montepulciano. Ideal if you arrive with an international flight. From Rome, you can take a high-speed train from Roma Termini to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme and then continue to Montepulciano with a rental car.
Distance from Montepulciano to major Italian cities
No problem, we are in the heart of Italy and there are many ways to reach it.
Understanding the distances from Montepulciano to other Italian cities will help you plan your trip best, estimate travel times, and decide the most suitable means of transport. Please note that the times indicated refer to travel by car in normal traffic conditions and may vary based on vehicle flow and road conditions. Here is a practical table with the main distances to the Italian cities
| Departure City | Distance (km) | Estimated Time (by car) | Notes and Tips |
| Florence | About 110-120 | 1 hour 30 min - 2 hours | Mainly on the Siena-Florence superhighway and then provincial roads. Very scenic. |
| Siena | About 60-70 | 1 hour - 1 hour 15 min | A short and enchanting journey through the Crete Senesi, perfect for a day trip. |
| Rome | About 180-200 | 2 hours - 2 hours 30 min | Mainly A1 motorway. Watch out for tolls and traffic near Rome. |
| Perugia | About 60-70 | 45 min - 1 hour | The shortest route from the main airports. Well-maintained state roads. |
| Arezzo | About 50-60 | 1 hour - 1 hour 15 min | Provincial roads, offering the chance to explore smaller villages en route. |
| Orvieto | About 60-70 | 1 hour | Mixed route between state roads and hilly stretches. Ideal to combine both visits. |
| Milan | About 450-480 | 4 hours 30 min - 5 hours | Almost entirely on the A1 motorway. Consider stops. |
| Bologna | About 230-250 | 2 hours 30 min - 3 hours | Mainly A1 motorway. A smooth journey for those coming from the Northeast. |
| Naples | About 380-400 | 3 hours 45 min - 4 hours 30 min | Entirely on the A1 motorway. |
The best time to vacation in Montepulciano
The ideal months to visit Montepulciano are spring (April, May, June) and autumn (September, October). In these periods, the climate is mild and pleasant, ideal for walks and excursions.
Spring offers spectacular blossoms and the vibrant colors of the countryside, while autumn is tinged with the warm hues of foliage and offers the excitement of the harvest. Summer (July, August) can be hot and more crowded but perfect for outdoor events. Winter is quiet and atmospheric, ideal for those seeking peace and wine tastings in the cellar.
How to get around in Montepulciano
The historic center of Montepulciano is almost entirely pedestrian and develops uphill. For this reason, wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk! Many visitors choose car rental in Montepulciano to comfortably explore the surroundings of Val d'Orcia. Once you have parked outside the walls (Montepulciano offers numerous well-signposted parking lots), you can use escalators or elevators to reach the highest points of the village. Most attractions are easily reachable on foot, allowing you to discover hidden corners and unexpected views. If you are looking for a no credit card car rental in Montepulciano, it’s an option that Revirent24 reserves for those who book the car directly online, guaranteeing maximum flexibility.Â
Where to stay in Montepulciano
Accommodation options in Montepulciano and its surroundings are varied and high-quality. You can choose between farmhouses immersed in the countryside, ideal for those seeking relaxation and authenticity, or B&Bs and hotels in the historic center to fully experience the atmosphere of the village.
Many establishments in Montepulciano offer wine tastings and cooking classes.
Excursions near Montepulciano
The strategic location of Montepulciano makes it a perfect base to explore the marvelous Val d'Orcia and beyond. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit:
- Pienza: A few kilometers away, it is the "ideal city" of the Renaissance, famous for its pecorino cheese.
- Montalcino: Another medieval village renowned for its Brunello wine.
- Chianciano Terme: With its renowned thermal spas, perfect for a relaxing break.
- Lake Trasimeno: Slightly further away, offers opportunities for boat trips and water sports.
These short excursions will further enrich your trip to Montepulciano, allowing you to discover the diversity and beauty of the surrounding territory.
Car rental in Montepulciano
As you have seen, reaching Montepulciano is a simple and rewarding endeavor.
Choosing car rental in Montepulciano offers you unparalleled freedom, allowing you to explore not only the village but also the enchanting surroundings of the Val d'Orcia at your leisure.
Forget fixed bus and taxi schedules, and the hassle of calculating every movement: with a rental car, you can move freely, visiting cellars, villages, and breathtaking landscapes with maximum flexibility. Daily rental costs for cars in Montepulciano are often affordable.