Sorano
Latest page update: 18 September 2024
|
By Dion Protani
|
The picturesque town of Sorano is situated in the province of Grosseto. With a population of around 3,000 inhabitants,
Sorano is renowned for its Etruscan heritage, including ancient ruins, caves, and tombs carved into the tuff rock. The town's charm is evident in its tight streets, medieval fortress and buildings such as the Orsini Castle and the Cathedral of San Niccolò. |
Related links
Sorano: home of the Orsini Fortress
Sorano, positioned in the picturesque landscape of southern Tuscany, boasts a rich historical heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore its charming medieval streets, where ancient stone buildings and quaint piazzas transport visitors to another time.
Admire the imposing Orsini Fortress, a medieval stronghold overlooking the town and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Discover the Etruscan roots of Sorano at the nearby archaeological sites, such as the impressive Vie Cave, ancient pathways carved into the tufa rock. Nearby, the lush countryside of the Maremma region invites exploration with its rolling hills, vineyards, and thermal springs. Sorano promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.
Admire the imposing Orsini Fortress, a medieval stronghold overlooking the town and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Discover the Etruscan roots of Sorano at the nearby archaeological sites, such as the impressive Vie Cave, ancient pathways carved into the tufa rock. Nearby, the lush countryside of the Maremma region invites exploration with its rolling hills, vineyards, and thermal springs. Sorano promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.
Comune di Sorano
Province: Grosseto
Region: Tuscany Population: 3,041 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2024) Size: 175 km² Elevation: 379 metres Close by: Sovana, Pitigliano, Saturnia, Montemerano, Capalbio Recommended accommodation: Hotel della Fortezza |
What are the best things to do in Sorano and the local area?
- Sorano Old Town: Explore the picturesque medieval old town of Sorano, renowned for its ancient Etruscan origins and well-preserved architecture. Visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire medieval buildings, and discover landmarks such as the Orsini Fortress and the Church of San Niccolò.
- Sovana: Visit the nearby village of Sovana, known for its Etruscan heritage and historic monuments. Visitors can explore the Etruscan necropolis, featuring ancient tombs carved into the tufa rock, and admire the Cathedral of Sovana and the medieval Palazzo dell'Archivio.
- Vie Cave: Explore the fascinating Vie Cave, ancient Etruscan roads carved into the tufa rock surrounding Sorano. Visitors can hike or bike along these mysterious pathways, passing through lush vegetation and discovering hidden caves, tombs, and archaeological sites along the way.
- Thermal Baths: Relax and rejuvenate at the thermal baths near Sorano, known for their healing properties and serene natural settings. Visitors can soak in the warm thermal waters, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil landscapes, and enjoy spa treatments and wellness activities.
- Etruscan Sites: Discover the rich Etruscan heritage of the area with visits to archaeological sites such as the Etruscan necropolis of San Rocco, the Etruscan tombs of the Poggio Felceto Archaeological Park, and the Etruscan ruins of Castell'Ottieri.
- Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Tuscan cuisine at local restaurants and trattorias in Sorano. Visitors can savor dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including wild boar, pecorino cheese, and handmade pasta, paired with regional wines from nearby vineyards.
Where should I eat in Sorano?
- Locanda Aldobrandeschi: Located in the heart of Sorano's historic center, Locanda Aldobrandeschi is a cozy restaurant housed in a historic building. The restaurant specializes in traditional Tuscan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including homemade pasta, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables. Diners can enjoy their meal in the rustic dining room or on the outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Osteria Da Momo: This charming osteria is known for its warm hospitality and delicious food. Osteria Da Momo serves classic Tuscan dishes with a modern twist, using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers. The menu features a variety of antipasti, primi piatti, and secondi piatti, as well as homemade desserts. Guests can also choose from an extensive selection of wines from the region.
- Ristorante Il Grottino: Situated in a historic building carved into the tuff rock, Ristorante Il Grottino offers a unique dining experience in Sorano. The restaurant's intimate dining room features vaulted ceilings and stone walls, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends. The menu highlights traditional Tuscan dishes, including wild game specialties, fresh pasta, and grilled meats. Guests can also sample local wines and spirits from the restaurant's well-stocked bar.
- Ristorante La Locanda del Vecchio Mulino: Located just outside Sorano, in the nearby village of San Quirico, Ristorante La Locanda del Vecchio Mulino is housed in a beautifully restored mill overlooking the Fiora River. The restaurant's picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying traditional Tuscan cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by the region's culinary traditions, including homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and grilled meats. Guests can dine indoors or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the river.
- Trattoria Il Vito: Situated in the heart of Sorano, Trattoria Il Vito is a cozy restaurant known for its friendly service and delicious food. The menu features a mix of traditional Tuscan dishes and seasonal specialties, all prepared with care and attention to detail. Diners can choose from a variety of antipasti, primi piatti, and secondi piatti, as well as homemade desserts. The restaurant's warm atmosphere and welcoming ambiance make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Sorano Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Sorano?
- Locanda Aldobrandeschi: Located in the nearby town of Sovana, just a short drive from Sorano, Locanda Aldobrandeschi is a boutique hotel set in a historic building. The hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms and suites, a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine, and amenities such as a swimming pool and spa facilities.
- Hotel della Fortezza: Situated in the nearby town of Sorano, Hotel della Fortezza is housed in a restored 11th-century fortress overlooking the village. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with rustic decor, a restaurant serving local specialties, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Hotel Scilla: Located in Pitigliano, a picturesque hilltop town close to Sorano, Hotel Scilla offers comfortable accommodations in a historic building. The hotel features cozy rooms with traditional furnishings, a restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine, and a terrace with views of the town and surrounding countryside.
- Agriturismo San Giacomo: Situated in the countryside near Sorano, Agriturismo San Giacomo offers peaceful accommodations in a restored farmhouse. Guests can stay in cozy rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade meals made with ingredients from the farm, and relax in the garden or by the swimming pool.
- Agriturismo Le Porcine: Located in the countryside near Sorano, Agriturismo Le Porcine offers cozy accommodations in a renovated farmhouse. Guests can stay in comfortable rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade breakfasts made with local ingredients, and explore the farm's olive groves and vineyards.
What's the closest airport to Sorano?
Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport):
Florence Airport (Peretola Airport):
- Located approximately 170 kilometers away from Sorano.
- From Rome Fiumicino Airport, you can rent a car and drive to Sorano. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Rome Termini Train Station and then continue by train to the nearest train station close to Sorano.
Florence Airport (Peretola Airport):
- Located approximately 210 kilometers away from Sorano.
- From Florence Airport, you can rent a car and drive to Sorano. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station and then continue by train to the nearest train station close to Sorano.
What's the closest train station to Sorano?
Orvieto Train Station:
- Located in the town of Orvieto, approximately 60 kilometers away from Sorano.
- Orvieto Train Station is the closest major train station to Sorano. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Sorano.
What private transfer options are there for Sorano?
A private transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Sorano takes around one hour 55 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Sorano?
- Grosseto: Grosseto is a larger city located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Sorano. You can find several car rental agencies in Grosseto, both in the city center and possibly at Grosseto's train station.
- Orvieto: Orvieto is located in the neighboring region of Umbria, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Sorano. It's a larger town and may have car rental options available.
- Regional Airports: While there are no major airports very close to Sorano, you could also consider looking for rental options at airports such as Florence Airport (Peretola) or Rome Fiumicino Airport, though they are further away.