The province of Arezzo lies in the eastern part of Tuscany, bordering Umbria and Emilia-Romagna, and is one of Italy鈥檚 most fascinating regions to explore.
With its mix of art, history, natural beauty and age-old traditions, this province offers a journey into a less-touristed part of Tuscany that remains authentic and deeply captivating.
Unlike the heavily touristed cities of Florence or Siena, the province of Arezzo welcomes visitors with peaceful hilltop towns and vast rolling hills.
Here you鈥檒l find quiet roads winding through olive groves and vineyards, small churches with priceless frescoes and an atmosphere that captures the soul of Tuscany.
The geography of the province is strikingly diverse, stretching from the green forests of Casentino to the fertile farmlands of the Val di Chiana.
In Casentino, dense woodlands surround spiritual sites like La Verna, where St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata, and the Hermitage of Camaldoli.
The Val di Chiana, meanwhile, is an agricultural paradise, known for its production of Chianina cattle, olive oil and cereals.
This area also offers long views across patchwork fields, punctuated by ancient farmhouses and Renaissance villas that once belonged to Tuscan nobles.
The province of Arezzo is steeped in ancient history, dating back to the time of the Etruscans, whose influence can still be seen in local archaeology.
The city of Arezzo was one of the most powerful Etruscan cities and later became a thriving Roman center known for its ceramics and amphorae.
Today, you can visit the Museo Archeologico Mecenate to explore its Roman and Etruscan collections or walk the ruins of Roman theaters and baths.
Many smaller towns in the province also have archaeological treasures, from burial mounds to pre-Roman fortresses, connecting past with present.
Throughout the province of Arezzo, you鈥檒l discover towns that seem untouched by time, each offering its own charm and historical legacy.
Anghiari, with its narrow lanes and medieval walls, sits high above the Tiber Valley and is known for the famous battle depicted by Leonardo da Vinci.
Cortona, perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Trasimeno, is another jewel, filled with churches, noble palaces and the Diocesan Museum housing Fra Angelico鈥檚 works.
Sansepolcro, the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, is home to his masterpieces and a lively calendar of festivals celebrating its Renaissance heritage.
For nature lovers, the province of Arezzo offers excellent hiking, cycling and wildlife watching in its parks and reserves.
The Casentino Forests National Park, shared with Emilia-Romagna, is one of the most important natural reserves in Italy, home to wolves, deer and rare bird species.
In the Val Tiberina and Valdarno areas, trails lead through wooded hills, past streams and abbeys, offering peaceful views and chances to connect with nature.
From scenic drives to horseback riding, this region invites outdoor exploration all year round and reveals a gentler side of Tuscany.
The food and wine culture in the province of Arezzo is deeply rooted in the land, with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients and handmade products.
From fresh pasta and wild boar to local cheeses and saffron, meals are crafted with care, often in family-run trattorias and agriturismi.
The region鈥檚 wines, such as Chianti Colli Aretini and Valdichiana DOC, pair beautifully with local dishes and are often available for tasting at vineyards.
Artisan traditions like goldsmithing, woodworking and ceramics also thrive here, especially in towns like Arezzo and Monte San Savino, where workshops open to visitors.
Throughout the year, the province of Arezzo hosts numerous festivals that celebrate history, art, and local identity in colorful and memorable ways.
The Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo features knights in full armor charging on horseback, recreating medieval jousts in the main piazza to great fanfare.
In other towns, festivals highlight local produce, religious traditions, or historical reenactments, such as the Palio della Balestra in Sansepolcro.
Whether sacred or festive, these events bring communities together and offer visitors a deeper look into the province鈥檚 living heritage.
Traveling through the province of Arezzo is best done slowly, by car or bike, allowing time to discover small villages and scenic detours.
Local guides and agritourism experiences provide deeper connections with the land, its people and stories that have been passed down for generations.
Whether you stay in a countryside farmhouse, a restored castle or a boutique hotel in town, you鈥檒l find warm hospitality and true Tuscan character.
With fewer crowds than central Tuscany, Arezzo鈥檚 province remains a place of peace and beauty, perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and discovery.
