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Cortona

Toscana · Arezzo · Italy

Cortona

Ancient town in Tuscany known for cultural events, artisan shops, and scenic views.

Quality of life 80 Infrastructure 53 Economy 76 Coolcation spot Summer: Warm
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At a glance

21,000PopulationReal pop. 35,900
€2,376House price / m²
€20,700Income / capitaRank 3720 out of 7901
94 MbpsAvg download
33 minTo airportPerugia-San Francesco d'Assisi (Perugia)
11 minTo hospitalCortona
495 mAltitude
Very WalkableWalkability

About Cortona

Cortona, located in the picturesque region of Tuscany, welcomes expats and retirees with its blend of history and culture. This ancient town boasts key attractions such as breathtaking views over the Chiana Valley, artisan shops, and the famed Signorelli Theater. The annual Giostra dell’Archidado festival showcases the town’s medieval roots, complementing a vibrant calendar of cultural and food events. Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy panoramic country walks and nearby Lake Trasimeno, while the hilly terrain also offers opportunities for athletic activities.

Despite its appealing lifestyle, it is worth noting that Cortona’s blend of ancient charm and tourist popularity can sometimes lead to a bustling atmosphere, particularly in peak seasons. Healthcare facilities are adequate, and the expat community is welcoming, providing a supportive environment. For those seeking a serene yet culturally rich Italian experience, Cortona represents a compelling option.

✓ Pros for expats

– Rich cultural and historical heritage throughout the town.
– Excellent air quality, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
– Low unemployment rate, ensuring stable local economy.
– Good integration opportunities with friendly local community.
– Quality healthcare services available to residents.
– Scenic landscapes and picturesque views enhance daily living.
– Mild climate with pleasant weather year-round.
– Limited tourist presence, offering a relaxed environment.
– Sufficient internet connectivity for remote work options.
– Accessible transportation options for exploring surrounding areas.

! Things to consider

– Limited infrastructure may hinder transportation and accessibility at times.
– Healthcare score indicates potential for improvement in services.
– Income rank suggests economic limitations for financial growth opportunities.
– Average internet speed may frustrate heavy online users.
– Mild climate means occasional heat can be quite uncomfortable.
– Limited educational facilities may not suit families with children.
– Some tourist presence could disrupt local tranquility during peak seasons.
– Smaller community may lack diverse cultural events and activities.
– Remote work options might be limited by local job market.
– Limited nightlife options could lead to boredom for some.

Where is Cortona

Getting there

Cortona is accessible via the E45 highway, facilitating road travel to both Perugia and Siena. The nearest train stations enhance connectivity, while local infrastructure has a moderate rating. The proximity to Perugia-San Francesco d’Assisi and Ampugnano airports provides additional travel options.

Housing & cost of living

Lower range€1,376/ m²
Median€2,376/ m²
Upper range€3,101/ m²

Estimated cost of an 80 m² home: €190,080

Housing availability: High

Cost of living

Cortona, nestled in the picturesque Tuscany region, offers a relatively stable economic environment with low unemployment and decent average earnings. Housing options vary significantly, with property prices reflecting a high demand given the area’s charm, making it somewhat challenging for budget-conscious buyers. Daily living expenses align closely with other Italian towns, providing residents with affordability in everyday purchases like groceries and dining. While property investments can be steep, the overall affordability is balanced by the town’s vibrant culture and community, appealing to expats seeking a blend of charm and convenience.

Climate & weather

1°CMin year-round
28°CMax year-round
WarmSummer heat
Rainfall0.3%

Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)

Somewhat High (61st-70th percentile)

Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)

Below Average (31st-40th percentile)

Cortona, located in Italy, offers a climate that balances distinct seasons with ample clear, sunny days. Winter introduces gentle snowfall, while summers are pleasantly warm without reaching extreme highs. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are particularly mild and encourage outdoor activities. Abundant sunshine throughout the year enhances the region’s appeal for expats and retirees from colder or more variable climates. Cortona’s weather, with its moderated temperatures and manageable precipitation levels, fosters not only agricultural richness but also provides a comfortable environment for those looking to enjoy their days in a serene setting.

Air quality & environment

Air quality rating:

PM10Good
PM2.5Good
NO₂Good
SO₂Good
OzoneFair
Recycling rate64%

In Cortona, a quaint hill town nestled in the heart of Italy, air quality typically remains commendable throughout the year. The levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) are low, reflecting a minimal presence of fine airborne particles that often characterize urban pollution. Contributing to this purity are similarly low concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur dioxides, indicating limited industrial emissions in the area. However, the ozone level can sometimes hover in moderate ranges, a point to be aware of for those particularly sensitive to this component. Overall, Cortona offers a clean and healthy atmosphere, aligning well with its serene and historic ambiance.

Healthcare & safety

11 minNearest hospitalCortona
5Hospitals ≤10km24 within 30km
Moderate Earthquake RiskSeismic zone
€294Car insurance / yr
Public healthcare87
Physical access69.5
Territorial access63.7
Emergency response82.4
Population at flood risk10%
Population at landslide risk84%

Road accidents: 37.0 per 10k inhabitants.

ASL Toscana Sud-Est serves Arezzo, Siena, and Grosseto — Arezzo, Cortona, Siena, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Grosseto, Monte Argentario, the Maremma. The listing as ‘Provincia di Arezzo’ reflects the multi-province ASL. Composite of 68/100, top two per cent nationally. Emergency response is exceptional (82), the strongest in Tuscany. The Tuscan top-tier extends consistently across all three regional ASL; this is the strongest performer of the three.

Internet & connectivity

94 MbpsAvg downloadUp to 119 Mbps
26 MbpsAvg upload
YesRail in town

Transport & proximity

✈️ Airports

Airport Drive Score
Perugia-San Francesco d'Assisi (Perugia) 33 min 5
Ampugnano (Siena) 55 min 1
Amerigo Vespucci (Florence) 66 min 6

🚂 Rail stations

Station Drive Score
Camucia-Cortona 5 min 6
Terontola 8 min 9
Castiglion Fiorentino 18 min 6
15 minNearest beachLido Comunale Tuoro
94 minMountain resortMonte Fumaiolo - Le Balze

What's nearby

129Restaurantswithin 10km · 443 in 30km
18Caféswithin 10km · 90 in 30km
25Barswithin 10km · 176 in 30km
11Supermarketswithin 10km · 27 in 30km
44Shopping centreswithin 10km · 130 in 30km
8Pharmacieswithin 10km · 51 in 30km
20Health clinicswithin 10km · 68 in 30km
4Dentistswithin 10km · 26 in 30km
5Gymswithin 10km · 13 in 30km
31Beauty & spaswithin 10km · 175 in 30km
27Parkswithin 10km · 99 in 30km
2Museumswithin 10km · 48 in 30km
1Cinemaswithin 10km · 17 in 30km
10Historical siteswithin 10km · 65 in 30km
3Hiking trailswithin 10km · 25 in 30km
3Golf courseswithin 10km
49Auto repairwithin 10km · 137 in 30km

Life in Cortona

Local cuisine

Cortona, a historic town in Tuscany, boasts a rich culinary scene characterized by traditional Tuscan cuisine. Key local dishes include ribollita, a hearty vegetable and bread soup, pappa al pomodoro, a tomato and bread soup, and the renowned Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick cut of Florentine steak made from Chianina beef. The town also celebrates its agricultural heritage with local specialties like pici pasta and chianina steak, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from the surrounding Valdichiana region. Dining options in Cortona are diverse, featuring family-run trattorias and elegant restaurants offering a mix of traditional and modern interpretations of Tuscan recipes. Additionally, there are international influences present in various establishments, catering to a variety of palates. Notably, the town is home to Michelin-starred dining venues that further exemplify its culinary excellence and focus on high-quality, locally-sourced food.

Where to shop

The shopping landscape features a variety of local artisan shops, which offer products such as handcrafted leather goods, unique ceramics, and gourmet culinary items. Supermarkets provide essential groceries, while an outlet village and a mall cater to broader retail needs. Weekly markets enhance local commerce with fresh produce and artisanal products, fostering a community-centric shopping experience. This diverse mix caters to both everyday needs and specialty interests, appealing to expats and retirees alike.

Green areas & parks

Cortona offers a variety of outdoor activities including well-rated bike tours like those from Epic Bike and Tours of Tuscany Pty Ltd. For a scenic exploration, horseback riding tours are available through Agriturismo Il Frantoio. Hiking and camping tours allow residents to experience the natural beauty of the hills surrounding the area. Vespa rentals from Toop provide an alternative means to explore. The region also includes walking tours from Vertigo Experiences and 4WD off-road adventures with Chef Dandy. These activities provide ample opportunities for engaging with the region’s diverse landscapes.

Education

9Kindergartens
9Primary schools
2Middle schools
10High schools
Top 20%Avg ranking (all)
Top 40%Avg ranking (tests)

People & tourism

21,000PopulationReal 35,900
40.0Births per 100 deaths
Fragile (bottom third)Demographic resilience
Decline + youth outflowTrajectory
Some TourismTouristy index

Annual tourists (2023): 52,076

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