Belvedere Certaldo Alto
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Belvedere Certaldo Alto

4.4
·1k reviews·Certaldo, Italy

Ascend to a medieval dream via a charming funicular, offering stunning Tuscan views and a step back in time.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, pleasant light

CrowdLow
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Belvedere Certaldo Alto

Belvedere Certaldo Alto

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, pleasant light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend to a medieval dream via a charming funicular, offering stunning Tuscan views and a step back in time.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"Simple, quick and cheap way of getting up to Certaldo Alto, saves a lot of walking!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Funicular Tickets

€1.70 return ticket. Buy at the bottom booth or machine. Runs every 15 mins.

🚶‍♀️ Skip the Climb

Funicular is the easiest way up to Certaldo Alto, saves your legs!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Certaldo Alto Funicular

Certaldo Alto Funicular

Base of Certaldo Alto

A quick, cheap, and scenic ride up to the medieval village. Offers great views on the way down!

Medieval Village Charm

Medieval Village Charm

Certaldo Alto

Wander through ancient streets, soak in the atmosphere, and discover hidden corners of this historic gem.

Panoramic Tuscan Views

Panoramic Tuscan Views

Certaldo Alto viewpoints

Breathtaking vistas of the Tuscan countryside unfold from various points within the walled town.

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Planning Your Visit

Funicular First!

The funicular is the easiest way to reach Certaldo Alto, saving you a steep climb. Tickets are affordable at €1.70 return and it runs frequently, usually every 15 minutes. Grab your ticket at the booth or machine at the bottom.

Time Your Visit Wisely

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Consider visiting in the late afternoon for beautiful golden hour views as you descend. The funicular can get stuffy inside, so aim for cooler parts of the day.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon descent
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎟️ Funicular Tickets

€1.70 return ticket. Buy at the bottom booth or machine. Runs every 15 mins. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Skip the Climb

Funicular is the easiest way up to Certaldo Alto, saves your legs! Reddit

📸 Sunset Views

The ride down offers stunning Tuscan views, especially at sunset. Reddit

🥪 Post-Visit Snack

Great, cheap sandwich shop right by the funicular exit at the bottom. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Funicular Tickets

€1.70 return ticket. Buy at the bottom booth or machine. Runs every 15 mins. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Skip the Climb

Funicular is the easiest way up to Certaldo Alto, saves your legs! Reddit

📸 Sunset Views

The ride down offers stunning Tuscan views, especially at sunset. Reddit

🥪 Post-Visit Snack

Great, cheap sandwich shop right by the funicular exit at the bottom. Reddit

🌬️ Inside the Funicular

Can get a bit stuffy inside the funicular carriage. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the funicular to Certaldo Alto to be an easy, cheap, and essential way to access the charming medieval village. The views, especially on the return journey, are a major highlight. While the funicular interior can be a bit stuffy, the overall experience is highly positive and recommended for its convenience and affordability.

"Simple, quick and cheap way of getting up to Certaldo Alto, saves a lot of walking! Runs every 15 minutes or so, at the bottom there's a booth to pay or a machine - at the top just a machine - 1.70€ return. There's also a countdown at the bottom until the next one leaves.
Great views of Certaldo, especially coming back down, definitely worth a trip. Was not busy on the weekday we visited, in either direction."

Jamie Palliser

"Nice ride but the inside is very stuffy. Almost no air."

Jus Soj

"What a perfect surprise while driving to our Tuscan accommodation. Took the funicular up to the small walled village/castle which has a few restaurants (didn't have time to try unfortunately) and a gelateria which was delicious! Amazing views and atmosphere walking around for the hour that we stopped."

Ben Dollisson

What People Like

Easy and cheap funicular
Great views on descent
Charming medieval village

What People Dislike

Funicular can be stuffy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest and most recommended way to reach Certaldo Alto is by using the funicular from the lower town. It's a quick and inexpensive ride that saves you a steep walk up the hill. Reddit

There is a car park opposite the funicular station in the lower town which is reasonably priced. Reddit

While buses may serve the lower town, the funicular is the primary and most convenient way to ascend to Certaldo Alto itself. Reddit

Yes, you can walk up to Certaldo Alto, but it's a steep climb. The funicular is a much easier option for most visitors. Reddit

Take the funicular up, explore the medieval village, enjoy the views, and perhaps grab a gelato or a sandwich before heading back down. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A return ticket for the funicular costs €1.70 per adult. Reddit

You can purchase tickets at the booth or a machine located at the bottom station of the funicular. There's also a machine at the top. Reddit

The funicular typically runs every 15 minutes, making it a convenient option. Reddit

There are no specific entry fees to wander through the medieval streets of Certaldo Alto. The cost is primarily for the funicular ride. Reddit

While some machines may accept cards, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for ticket purchases, especially at the booth. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for vantage points within the walled village offering panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape. The funicular ride itself, especially on the way down, provides excellent photo opportunities. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over the medieval architecture and surrounding countryside. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed throughout Certaldo Alto. Be respectful of private property and any residents you encounter. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both the village details and the wider landscapes. A wide-angle lens can be great for the panoramic views. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos from the funicular, particularly on the descent, which offers some of the best scenic shots. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Certaldo Alto has a few restaurants where you can enjoy local Tuscan cuisine. Reddit

Indeed, there is a gelateria in Certaldo Alto that serves delicious gelato. Reddit

At the bottom of the funicular, immediately to the right as you exit, there's a good and cheap sandwich shop. Reddit

Expect traditional Tuscan dishes, often featuring local ingredients and regional specialties. Reddit

Certaldo Alto offers a charming atmosphere for dining, while the lower town might have more varied or budget-friendly options. The sandwich shop at the bottom is a great budget choice. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Certaldo Alto funicular is a fantastic way to make the ascent with children, turning a potentially tiring climb into a fun ride. Reddit Once in Certaldo Alto, the compact medieval village is easy to navigate with little ones. The narrow streets are perfect for exploring, and the lack of heavy traffic within the walls adds to the safety. Look out for the gelateria for a sweet treat that's always a hit with kids. Reddit The panoramic views can also spark their imagination about the history of the area.

💰 Budget Travelers

Certaldo Alto is incredibly budget-friendly, especially thanks to the funicular, which costs only €1.70 for a return trip. Reddit This is a significant saving compared to other transport options or the effort of walking. Once in the village, wandering the streets is free. For affordable eats, the sandwich shop located right by the funicular exit at the bottom is highly recommended for its quality and price. Reddit Enjoying the views and the atmosphere costs nothing, making it an excellent value destination.

📸 Photographers

Certaldo Alto offers a wealth of photographic opportunities, from its medieval architecture to the sweeping Tuscan landscapes. The funicular ride itself, particularly on the way down, provides unique angles and scenic vistas. Reddit Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most dramatic and flattering light, which enhances the textures of the stone buildings and the colors of the countryside. Reddit Explore the narrow alleys for charming details and find elevated spots for panoramic shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Funicular Experience

The Certaldo Alto funicular is more than just transport; it's an integral part of the visitor experience. This charming, short ride offers a convenient and affordable way to ascend to the medieval heart of Certaldo. Travelers consistently praise its ease of use and value, with return tickets costing a mere €1.70. Reddit The funicular runs frequently, typically every 15 minutes, minimizing wait times. While the ride itself is quick, it provides a unique perspective of the town and the surrounding Tuscan landscape, especially on the descent. Some visitors have noted that the interior can feel a bit stuffy, so timing your ride during cooler parts of the day might enhance comfort. Reddit

At the bottom station, you'll find a ticket booth and machines for purchasing tickets. It's advisable to have some cash on hand, though machines may accept cards. Reddit Upon returning to the lower town, a highly recommended, budget-friendly sandwich shop is conveniently located right next to the funicular exit, making it a perfect spot for a quick and tasty bite. Reddit This seamless integration of transport and local amenities makes the funicular a highlight for many visitors.

Exploring Certaldo Alto

Stepping into Certaldo Alto feels like stepping back in time. This beautifully preserved medieval village, perched atop a hill, is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and charming piazzas. It's a place to wander, get lost, and soak in the authentic Tuscan atmosphere. Reddit The village is relatively small, making it perfect for a leisurely exploration of an hour or two. Don't miss the opportunity to simply stroll through its quiet lanes, admire the architecture, and imagine life centuries ago.

Beyond the visual appeal, Certaldo Alto offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Find a quiet spot along the walls or in one of the open areas to truly appreciate the rolling hills and vineyards. Reddit While there, you can also find a few restaurants and a delightful gelateria, offering a chance to refuel and enjoy local flavors amidst the historic setting. Reddit The combination of its well-preserved medieval character and stunning vistas makes Certaldo Alto a must-visit for anyone exploring Tuscany.

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