Hilltown Parking
 

We have rented a house for 2 weeks near Valiano.I never heard of it either.It's between Cortona & Montepulciano.We will have a car and will want to dine out most nights.Do most towns like Cortona & Montepulciano have public parking lots or is it every man for himself? Thanks for any info.

Hi Henry,<BR><BR>All the towns we visited has public lots, usually somewhat below the town or outside the walls. If you don't have advance, specific knowledge of which lot to get into, be sure to take the first one you see. If not, you risk getting caught up in the narrow, maze-like streets and it's not fun!<BR><BR>We survivied Montepulciano, but barely!

We didn't have that much trouble. There are usually a bunch of carparks outside the walls if the town is good-sized or a major tourist attraction like San Gimignano. We rarely took the first one. But Dayle is right -- try not to drive INTO the town and if you do, just try to get out as quickly as you can. Small car is definitely an advantage in this case!

We found out it was a mistake to take the first parking spot you found...walked about a mile more than we needed to visiting Montepulciano. But if it is a pretty day you might enjoy the walk. Some of the smaller towns have historic centers that do not allow cars, so you shouldn't get stuck in too precarious a situation.

Cortona has a couple of lots just outside the walls. Good restaurants there, La Logetta, and others. We loved eating in Camucia just below Cortona. Had a lot of fun. Also Montepulciano has a lot just at the North end of town. Try Monte San Savino on Wed market day. We loved La Terrazza and the restaurant La Casetta (?) just outside the Medici gate. Cute town. Try also Pienza nearby Montepulciano. You will love this whole area of Tuscany.

Can anyone advise the average price for these parking lots? Do you pay by the hour?