Discover Affordable Tuscany Life in Charming Certaldo Alto
- International Property Alerts
- September 22, 2025
Arriving in Certaldo after the snowy mountains of Brașov, Romania, the gentle Tuscan hills and mild February weather felt like a warm embrace. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany’s Metropolitan City of Florence, Certaldo sits equidistant from the cultural hubs of Florence and Siena, each about an hour away by car or train. This charming town blends medieval allure with modern convenience, making it an ideal base for exploring Tuscany or settling into a slower-paced life. For those inspired to relocate, browsing the best international real estate options can make the dream of living in Tuscany a reality.
A Tale of Two Towns
Certaldo is a town of two distinct halves. Certaldo Basso, the modern lower town, buzzes with everyday life, offering shops, services, and conveniences. Above it, Certaldo Alto, a pristine medieval hilltop village, transports you back in time with cobbled streets, red-brick buildings, and sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside. Connecting the two is a scenic funicular railway, with round-trip tickets under $2 and one-way fares around $1.50, affordable and charming.
Certaldo’s train station makes exploring Tuscany a breeze. Florence is 50 minutes away, Siena 45 minutes, and Pisa just over an hour. Train tickets cost €5-€10 each way, with multi-ride passes offering extra savings. Whether it’s a museum visit in Florence or a market stroll in Siena, Certaldo keeps Tuscany’s treasures within reach.
Easy Access for Travelers
Getting to Certaldo is straightforward. From Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze Peretola), take a quick tram to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, then a 50-minute train to Certaldo. From Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei), a short train ride to Pisa Centrale connects to a direct train to Certaldo, taking just over an hour. For those arriving via Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, the journey takes about four hours, with a train to Florence followed by a transfer to Certaldo. Efficient tram, bus, and train connections make Certaldo accessible from all major entry points.
Nearby, medieval gems like San Gimignano’s towers, Volterra’s ancient streets, and Monteriggioni’s circular walls are a short drive away. The port of Livorno, 90 minutes by car or train, offers ferries to Corsica, Sardinia, and mainland France, perfect for Mediterranean adventures.
Savoring Certaldo’s Flavors
Certaldo’s culinary scene is a delight. At Forno Moderno, a local bakery chain, we savored pistachio focaccia with stracchino and pecorino cheese, paired with a cappuccino and pastry, all for about $6, 30% cheaper than in Florence or Siena. At an upscale pizzeria, the Pumpkin Cream Pizza, with its wood-fired sourdough crust, offered an earthy, fermented tang that elevated the sweet pumpkin and savory toppings. Certaldo’s dining options, from rustic to refined, showcase Tuscany’s culinary heart.
The surrounding countryside, dotted with parklands, invites exploration. Trails from Certaldo Basso or Alto lead through groves and hills, offering serene escapes with stunning views. The climate is mild, with warm summers and gentle winters, perfect for year-round outdoor living. For a beach day, Cecina’s sandy shores are just an hour’s drive away.
Culture and Community
Certaldo Alto comes alive with festivals, notably Mercantia in July, a street theater event filled with music, art, and performances. Smaller food and wine festivals keep the town vibrant year-round. History buffs can explore seven museums, including the Boccaccio House, honoring Certaldo-born writer Giovanni Boccaccio, with a multi-museum tour costing just over $15 per person.
Healthcare in Certaldo impressed us. A skilled chiropractor, one of only 339 in Italy, provided top-notch care for $55 per session, better than many U.S. providers. A hospital in Castelfiorentino, 9 miles away, handles general needs, while Florence’s major medical center, accessible by public transport, covers specialized care.
Affordable Living
Certaldo’s cost of living is a bargain compared to Western Europe or the U.S. At Lidl or Eurospin, walnut bread costs $2.75 per loaf, chicken breast $4.31 per pound, and San Gimignano wines start at $2.50 per bottle. Fruits and vegetables are budget-friendly, making local markets a joy. For anyone planning a relocation, reviewing things to consider when moving abroad can help you prepare for a smooth transition to life in Tuscany.
Rentals are remarkably affordable. In Certaldo’s center, one-bedroom apartments start at $550 monthly, two-bedrooms at $700. In Certaldo Alto, small one-bedroom rentals can be found for as low as $550 per month. Buying is also accessible: a nice apartment in Certaldo Alto costs under $200,000, with cheaper options in surrounding areas.
Why Certaldo?
Certaldo’s appeal lies in its balance of history, accessibility, and community. Expats will find a welcoming town with friendly locals, reliable postal services, and robust public transport. Whether strolling Certaldo Alto’s medieval streets or sipping coffee in a lively piazza, you’ll feel at home. The proximity to Florence, Siena, and coastal hubs like Livorno makes it a gateway to Tuscany and beyond. If you’re considering making Tuscany your new home, feel free to contact us for guidance.
From its rich history to its affordable lifestyle, Certaldo invites you to embrace la dolce vita. Could this hidden Tuscan gem be your next home?
FAQ
1. How easy is it to get around Certaldo without a car?
Certaldo is walkable, especially in the historic center and Certaldo Alto, connected by a funicular ($1.50-$2). Trains and buses link to Florence, Siena, and Pisa, making car-free travel convenient.
2. Is Certaldo suitable for long-term expat living?
Yes, its affordability (rentals from $550/month), welcoming community, English-speaking locals in commercial areas, and access to healthcare and transport make it ideal for expats.
3. What’s the best time to visit Certaldo?
Spring and fall offer mild weather (50°F-75°F) and fewer tourists. July’s Mercantia festival is a highlight, but winter is quieter and still pleasant for exploring.
4. Are there English-speaking services in Certaldo?
English is common in shops, restaurants, and among younger residents. Some healthcare providers, like chiropractors, speak English, and Florence’s medical centers offer bilingual staff.
5. How do I find rentals or properties to buy in Certaldo?
Check online platforms like Immobiliare.it or Idealista for rentals and sales. Local real estate agencies in Certaldo can also assist with apartments or countryside homes.
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