Heritage listed San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s best known hilltop towns. But it suffers from the same limitation as many of Tuscany’s other hilltop charmers — lack of space to expand — so the best places to stay in San Gimignano are all converted townhouses or palazzos in town, and converted villas and farmhouses in the valleys surrounding the town.

This town is a hugely popular tourist destination, its beautifully preserved historic centre is top of many must-see lists and it's not hard to see why! Stunning architecture, gorgeous old palaces and churches (with the requisite frescoes and art in general) and narrow winding lanes — this place has bucket loads of atmosphere. Not to mention a gelateria offering mind-boggling flavours which boasts queues to rival those seeking entry to the best sights! As you'd expect there are restaurants, bars and cafes everywhere you look, so find yourself an outdoor pew, order your aperitivo, sit back and watch the world stroll by.

Despite San Gimignano’s popularity and visitor numbers, there aren’t that many travellers who actually plan to spend the night here. But if you do opt to stay over in one of the best places to stay in San Gimignano you’ll benefit from having the town to yourself in the early morning, and evening. And it’s totally worth it.

The Best Places to Stay in San Gimignano

For Historic San Gimignano

• L'Antico Pozzo is a simply restored 15th century townhouse within the walls of San Gimignano, close to the Church of Saint Agostino. Inside are 18 rooms, with original terracotta floors, beamed or frescoed ceilings, and romantic views. The grandest rooms have four-poster beds and grand drapes. Have breakfast served to you in your room, or in the pretty courtyard, and enjoy having the town to yourself for a few hours every day.

For a Special Occasion

• The Borgo Pignano is a handsome, traditional villa on a private Tuscan estate turned luxury haven. Set on a hilltop, overlooking 750 acres of farmland, the views around are beautiful, both from the villa, and from the terraces that descend the hill, with their pool, vines and romantic corners. Inside are 17 rooms and suites, beautifully decorated in the Tuscan style, with frescoes, vast fireplaces, high ceilings and terracotta tiled floors — some are in the main house, but there are also separate cottages and maisonettes, perfect for groups of families. Then there are the added extras, like the infinity pool, private-feeling cinema, art classes, yoga classes and billiards table.

For a Rural Retreat

• Set on a farm, Mormoraia has rustic charm, and dreamy Tuscan views in spades, while also having luxurious features, an impressive spa, and an excellent restaurant. Think exposed wood and stone, vaulted or beamed ceilings, and beautiful stone floors, but with creamy linens and French chateau style white-painted antiques. The spa facilities include a hot tub, sauna and hammam, and the restaurant is totally Tuscan, with olive oil from the farm, and homegrown wine. The wine tastings and tours are a treat too.

For Great Value

• The Agriturismo Poggiacolle is a Tuscan farmhouse B&B with its own vineyards and saffron farm, just outside town. It has just four guest apartments, self-catering, with rustic, romantic details: think beamed ceilings, terracotta-tiled floors, four-poster beds and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. To share between just these four apartments are a tennis court, gardens, a children’s play area, and an infinity pool.

For an apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Florence Airport, Amerigo Vespucci, is 43 miles from San Gimignano, just under an hour in the car. Pisa Airport, which is 51 miles away, might be more useful to some visitors, and is just over an hour in the car.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Like most of Tuscany, San Gimignano is busiest during the summer, but also hottest, though its breezy hilltop position protects it from the 30°C+ heat. But San Gimignano is really popular, and with such a limited accommodation it gets a lot of visitors each day, so if you do visit in the summer try to get here as early in the morning as you can. If you can consider the other seasons do, spring and autumn still get plenty of sunshine and not a lot of rain, and Christmas is a special time in Italy.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Tuscany? or maybe just the best agristurismo in Tuscany?
• Or you could consider one of Tuscany’s other historic towns? Cortona, Siena, Montepulciano, or Arezzo?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.