Certaldo Alto: The Affordable Tuscan Town You Haven’t Heard Of

Certaldo Alto: The Affordable Tuscan Town You Haven’t Heard Of
Certaldo’s quiet beauty comes without the tourist crowds.|©iStock/StevanZZ

As we approached our new destination for the next two months, I couldn’t help but be enchanted by the rolling Tuscan hills unfolding before us. After leaving the cold, snowy mountains of Brașov, Romania, the mild February weather in Certaldo was a welcome surprise.

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Certaldo sits in the Metropolitan City of Florence, almost equidistant from the world-renowned cities of Florence and Siena, both celebrated for their rich art, stunning architecture, and deep-rooted history. Whether traveling by car or train, each city is reachable within an hour, making day trips effortless and enjoyable.

Modern Life Meets Medieval Charm

Medieval Certaldo Alto rises above the Tuscan countryside.
Medieval Certaldo Alto rises above the Tuscan countryside.|©iStock/FedevPhoto

Certaldo itself is a town of two worlds—both modern and medieval. The lower town, Certaldo Basso, is the contemporary hub where most residents live and work, offering all the conveniences of daily life. Above it rises Certaldo Alto, a beautifully preserved medieval hilltop village that seems untouched by time. With its cobbled streets, red-brick buildings, and panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, Certaldo Alto offers a romantic step back into history.

Getting to the top is both simple and scenic thanks to the town’s funicular railway, which connects Certaldo Basso to the historic upper town. A round-trip ticket costs less than $2, and a one-way fare is approximately $1.50, making it not just charming but quite affordable too.

One of the town’s greatest assets, especially for expats or long-term visitors, is its excellent and inexpensive train access to Tuscany’s cultural centers. From Certaldo’s local train station, you can reach Florence in about 50 minutes, Siena in 45 minutes, and Pisa in just over an hour.

Trains run regularly throughout the day, and tickets typically cost between €5 and €10 each way, with even greater savings available through multi-ride passes. Whether it’s a trip to a museum, a weekend market, or just a coffee in a bustling piazza, Certaldo makes exploring Tuscany both simple and budget-friendly.

For those arriving by air, getting to Certaldo is incredibly simple and convenient. If you’re flying into Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze Peretola), it’s just a short tram ride directly to the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence. From there, you can catch a direct train to Certaldo, which takes about 50 minutes.

Alternatively, if you’re arriving at Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport), it’s just as easy. A short train ride from the airport will take you to Pisa Centrale, where you can transfer to a train heading straight to Certaldo, with the journey taking just over an hour.

For those flying in from further afield, such as Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, it is possible to reach Certaldo, but the journey will take closer to four hours. You’ll need to first take a train to Florence and then transfer to a train heading directly to Certaldo. Whether you land in Florence, Pisa, or Rome, reaching Certaldo is a breeze, with efficient connections between trams, buses, and trains that ensure a seamless travel experience.

Just a short drive away, you can wander the medieval towers of San Gimignano, explore the ancient streets of Volterra, or visit the charming walled village of Monteriggioni, often called the “little round city” for its perfectly preserved circular walls. It’s a place where quiet countryside living meets easy access to some of Tuscany’s most iconic destinations.

A Taste of Life in Certaldo

Cobblestone lanes wind through Certaldo Alto’s medieval core.
Cobblestone lanes wind through Certaldo Alto’s medieval core.|©iStock/Fani Kurti

While we were in Certaldo, we frequently visited the Forno Moderno (Panetteria) Bakery. This bakery chain was exceptionally cost-effective and incredible. From mouth-watering focaccia breads to delectable desserts, it had anything and everything! We enjoyed the focaccia pistachio with stracchino and pecorino cheese, a cappuccino, and a delightful pastry at an extremely reasonable price of just around $6.00. Coffee there was at least 30% less than in neighboring Siena and Florence.

We dined at an upscale pizzeria and had one of their specialties, the Pumpkin Cream Pizza. The sourdough crust was baked in a wood oven, and the taste was undeniably real. You could actually taste the fermentation, an earthy tang that only comes from a well-aged starter and skilled hands. It had a depth and character that elevated the entire dish, perfectly complementing the subtle sweetness of the pumpkin cream and the savory toppings. This was just one of many options in this beautiful little city.

Certaldo and its hilltop counterpart, Certaldo Alto, are nestled within the rolling green hills of Tuscany, where a sprawling parkland unfolds like a natural sanctuary. The landscape invites you to slow down and connect with nature—winding trails, quiet groves, and sweeping views that make you feel miles away from everything. Yet, just a breath away lies the charming town center, offering all the conveniences of modern life without disrupting the peaceful rhythm of the countryside. Entrance into this park can easily be accessed from Certaldo Basso or Certaldo Alto, and the paths up and down are a bit steep but extremely easy to navigate.

Certaldo enjoys a pleasant climate with milder winters and warm, sunny summers—ideal for savoring the Tuscan lifestyle throughout the year. Though nestled inland, it’s only about an hour’s drive to the coast, with the nearest beach in Cecina. This charming seaside town offers sandy shores and clear waters, making it perfect for a refreshing day trip to the sea.

In addition to its central location in Tuscany, Certaldo offers easy access to coastal transport hubs. From the nearby port city of Livorno, just about an hour and a half away by car or train, you can catch ferries to several stunning Mediterranean destinations, including Corsica, Sardinia, and even parts of mainland France. This makes international island-hopping or coastal exploration incredibly convenient, all while enjoying the peaceful lifestyle of a Tuscan hill town.

Community, Culture, and Care

Certaldo Alto hosts lively festivals throughout the year, the most famous being Mercantia in July—a street theater festival that fills the medieval town with performers, music, and art. Smaller local events celebrate food, wine, and tradition, making the town feel vibrant and alive year-round. If you enjoy museums, Certaldo Alto has several, including the Boccaccio House, which celebrates the life and works of the famous writer Giovanni Boccaccio, who was born in Certaldo. For just a little over $15.00 per person, we took a tour of all seven of the museums this little city had to offer.

While staying in Certaldo, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of medical services available. We found an incredible chiropractor who provided exceptional care at a fantastic price, just around $55 per session. She’s one of only 339 chiropractors in Italy, and honestly, her expertise surpassed many of the doctors I’ve seen in larger U.S. cities. It was a reminder that top-notch healthcare is not always confined to big cities. There is a good hospital in Castelfiorentino, just about 9 miles outside of Certaldo. For more specialized needs or urgent medical care, Florence has a major medical center, and it can be reached by all means of public transportation.

Cost of Living and Real Estate

Affordable apartments line Certaldo Alto’s red-brick streets
Affordable apartments line Certaldo Alto’s red-brick streets|©iStock/Luca Reina Mafaraci

In terms of cost of living, groceries are reasonable in comparison to many Western European countries and certainly the United States. While they were more expensive than places like Tirana, Albania, they were still relatively reasonable. If you shopped at Lidl or Eurospin, the prices were decent. In Lidl, I purchased delectable freshly baked walnut bread for the equivalent of $2.75 per loaf. Chicken breast could be purchased for around $9.50 per kilogram or $4.31 per pound, and Italian wines from the neighboring city of San Gimignano were as low as $2.50 per bottle. Fruits and vegetables were extremely reasonable as well. Overall, while Tuscany is more expensive than the Balkans, bargains could still be found.

Apartment rentals in Certaldo were a fraction of the price of neighboring Florence or Siena. In the city center, we saw one-bedroom apartments from $550 per month and up. A two-bedroom apartment could be found for $700 per month. Surprisingly, small one-bedroom places on a long-term basis in the charming medieval city of Certaldo Alto were on offer for as little as $550 per month! It is still possible to purchase a nice apartment there for less than $200,000, and if you are willing to live a little outside of the city, the price can be much lower.

Finding Your Place in Certaldo

Certaldo’s walkable streets lead to vineyards, parks, and piazzas.
Certaldo’s walkable streets lead to vineyards, parks, and piazzas.|©iStock/Massimo De Santis

For expats, Certaldo is an intriguing destination. Its central location makes it easy to explore nearby cities like Florence and Siena, while its laid-back atmosphere offers the chance to live at a slower pace and truly connect with the community. The people here are incredibly friendly and welcoming, always ready to offer a helping hand or share a smile, which makes settling in feel effortless. Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets of Certaldo Alto or enjoying a coffee at a local café, you’ll quickly feel like part of the town.

In addition to its warm community, Certaldo also offers practical amenities for expats. Postal services are easily accessible, and the town is well-connected, with reliable public transportation options and proximity to essential services. From healthcare to local markets, everything you need is within reach.

Whether you’re drawn by its rich history, stunning landscapes, or the warmth of its people, Certaldo could be the perfect place to call home. From savoring life’s simple pleasures to living la dolce vita, to embracing a new adventure, Certaldo invites you to discover its magic. Could this be your next chapter?

Hidden Places: Ready Now

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