Under the tuscan sun in Cortona

This year was my third time returning to Tuscany and Italy. We all have our favorites when it comes to towns/cities. Mine may very well be Cortona. So far at least.

Even if we had a fortnight i Radda this year, we got to do a day trip to Cortona and it was every bit I remember from last years vacation.

The walk up to the city square – still oh so hard (I need to hit the gym more often),it often leaves you to catch your breath halfway up.

The view when entering the square – just as breathtaking and not to forget the view looking out on the valdichiana plain.

I believe many of you are familiar with the book and film Under the tuscan sun? Written by Frances Meyes. Her own story of relocating and becoming an expat in Italy. While I have never read the book I sure have seen the movie a couple of times. And at some point in my life I thought this was super romantic and brave. Well Cortona is the city of choice. Ever since I saw this movie (ok, maybe a bit earlier) I was a true Italian lover.

Despite not having visited before. I think it was how this country side was showed of. Quiet, peaceful, lovely people. The countyside has never been so tempting. And I used to call my self a city girl!!

And this is exactly the same reasons I keep coming back to Tuscany and Cortona.

The moment the plane lands at the airport I can feel my shoulders and head relaxing. Even at the car, riding in to Cortona (A good hour from Florence) I feel the stress leaving my body. Must be the air.

Cortona is situaded in the Arezzo county on the boarder to Umbria and dates back to 4th century BC.

It is the main cultural and artistic center of the Val di Chiana after Arezzo. We got to experience different displays and historical parades last year at our two weeks stay.

They have a big museum, MAEC (The Etruscan Academy Museum of the City of Cortona) with interesting artifacts from the Etruscan time. And the churches are of course even here pretty and detailed. Don’t miss the city´s patron at santa Margherita Sanctuary.

It is hard to pin point to one specific reason to recommend Cortona – just because there are so many.

Great food in many of the small restaurants giving you the best of Tuscany. The atmosphere, the enotecas offering tuscanys best wines. It is a bit of everything. I loved to sit down at the sidewalk cafés and just take in the sound, smell and atmosphere. And of course looking at all the people. From the tourist to the locals and the ever odd town original. Order a glass of fine wine and just enjoy.