There is a very convenient train service which runs along the valley to Arezzo and the journey time is about one hour. This train is privately owned and run and is quite independent from the state network of Trenitalia. It is a lovely experience and the train travels through some beautiful scenery. Depending on which train is ‘on duty’ you either get something ancient and rickety or the other extreme, something ultra modern.
The nearest station is at Porrena and to get there follow the Bibbiena signs through the village of Strada and continue. As you leave Castel San Niccolo you will soon cross the River Arno. Take the first left signed Porrena and continue for a couple of hundred metres to the T junction. Turn left and immediately right in fact, you almost go straight across.
The station is at the end of the Cul de sac and there is plenty of parking. Buy your tickets at the bar and the cost is currently Euro 2.60 each way. Remember to validate the tickets in the machine on the platform and wait for the train. You can buy returns at Euro 5.20.
Of course, you can get on the train at any station, this is the most convenient for La Massa – the train originates at Stia and runs to Arezzo.
Click the link below to get the timetable.
Train timetable – this will open in a new window as a PDF file.
Once you reach Arezzo, exit the station and walk straight ahead uphill for the Centro Storico and the heart of this lovely town.
If you decide to drive then you can and it takes about 45 minutes. Parking is quite straightforward (usually) and there is plenty around the train station (at a fee – should not be bad, I have not heard any complaints. As you leave Arezzo you get the chance to call at the Ipercoop – a very large supermarket which has an excellent ‘deli’ section.
Remember, on the first weekend of each month, the whole central area is transformed into what they term ‘the largest antique fair in the world’. It is certainly vast and fascinating – street after street of antique stalls selling all manner of wonderful things.
You can combine a visit to Arezzo with Cortona, location for the film ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’.
