"Undiscovered by Tourists, worth a visit" Certaldo by painterdave

Certaldo Travel Guide: 8 reviews and 28 photos

View from hotel window/down at lower Certaldo

Certaldo Alto

If you are looking for a small town in Tuscany that has more affordable hotel rates, and cheaper food without cutting quality, Certaldo is a good bet.
To get to Certaldo Alto you can take a tram from the city piazza area up to the top of the hill. You can also drive around the side.
The view from Certaldo Alto is very nice and you can see San Gimignano across the valley. This is the birthplace of the author of The Decameron a set of stories written about a plague that struck the heart of Italy. These baudy tales are similar to England's Canterbury Tales.
You can reach Florence by train in about an hour, and there is also a train from Certaldo that goes to Siena and on to Rome. Tickets on Sunday are by machine.
The photos that follow will show Certaldo Alto and a hotel in which I stay when I am there painting.

Hotel Castello

The first hotel off the tram

This is a good place to stay. The people are very friendly and courteous. The food is typical Tuscan cuisine--they give cooking lessons.
The rooms are typical of a three star hotel, clean, and comfortable.
You have a choice of a view down at lower Certaldo or a view of Certaldo Alto. They will let you go up and see which one you like usually.
There are many places to eat near this hotel, and everything here is within a few minutes of walking.
Certaldo Alto is not over run by tourist souvenir shops, but instead has many artists selling their projects.

Their garden at the hotel

The hotel garden

What a way to relax after a day of walking. This garden is within the hotel grounds. They take great pride in it and watch out for the turtles as you are walking.
To see more photos of the hotel and Certaldo, look at the appropriate titles. dining and hotels.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A bit undiscovered, lots of artists, close to San G.
Cons:Over an hour to Florence by car or train
In a nutshell:I like this town, you will too

Last visit to Certaldo: Oct 2010
Intro Updated Jul 12, 2012
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Reviews (6)

This statue sits by the Uffizi Palace in Florence - Certaldo

Boccaccio and his Decameron Favorites (2)

under construction The statue of Boccaccio stands near the Uffizi Museum in Florence. Boccaccio was born in Certaldo... more travel advice

You can't miss noticing them along the way - Certaldo

Small Shops With Unique Items Shopping (1)

I don't remember the name of this shop, but it is close to the tram stop. There are many of these types of shops, wine... more travel advice

Gentle Village Favorites (2)

When you walk about you will find quaint little scenes like this gate. It just seems to say, come in a enjoy my... more travel advice

Pride in your town Local Customs (1)

When you walk through the small village of Certaldo Alto you will see that the citizens take a real pride in their home.... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Dining around Certaldo Alto

Hotels (1)
Hotel Castello/Certaldo Alto

Comments (3)

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iandsmith Sep 18, 2009 at 6:40 PM

It's all so very tempting.
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babettu Dec 1, 2008 at 7:27 AM

I've been to that restaurant and its really good!!!!
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ettenaj Jan 11, 2007 at 6:26 AM

Nice start