Romantic Siena for Couples

Romantic Siena for couples

Siena suits couples who like to walk, sip wine in old cellars and watch the light change on brick. It has no beach or lake, so the romance here is stone, sunsets and long dinners, with a thermal spa a short drive away. Prices are in euros and worth checking before you book.

Sunset on the Fortezza Medicea

The Medici fortress, built in the 1560s after Florence defeated the Sienese republic, has brick ramparts and a flat, tree-lined circuit around them. From the bastions you can see the Duomo dome, the Torre del Mangia and the Basilica of San Domenico turning pink at dusk. Entry to the grounds is free, and it stays open into the evening, though hours can change.

The San Domenico terrace

The terrace beside the Basilica of San Domenico looks east across the Fontebranda valley to the cathedral and the tower. It is a quiet, free spot to watch the light go at dusk, and it is a short walk from the Campo.

Dinner in medieval cellars

  • Osteria Le Logge, Via del Porrione 33: a former pharmacy just off the Campo, with refined Tuscan cooking and mains of about EUR 22 to 32. Closed on Sundays, and listed by Michelin, so book ahead.
  • Enoteca I Terzi, Via dei Termini 7: a tower-house setting with a long wine list by the glass and cured meats. Closed on Sundays.
  • Compagnia dei Vinattieri, Via delle Terme 79: a stone-vaulted cellar serving pici and braised beef cheek in Chianti.

Reserve for weekends and for high season, and confirm opening days when you book.

A day at the thermal springs

Rapolano Terme is about 28 km east, around 25 minutes by car. Terme San Giovanni has outdoor travertine pools of sulphur and bicarbonate water at about 39 degrees C, and Antica Querciolaia has indoor and outdoor pools between 28 and 38 degrees C. Evening sessions have been reported on some nights, but entry prices and times are not confirmed, so check the spa websites.

For a wilder setting, Bagni San Filippo lies about 60 km south, in woodland. A trail leads to the white limestone formations of the Fosso Bianco, but bathing in or walking on the Balena Bianca formation is prohibited because skin oils stain it. The paid Terme San Filippo spa is reported closed for renovation. At Bagno Vignoni the large thermal basin in the square can be admired but not entered.

Quiet streets after dark

Once day trippers leave, the centre empties out. Walk down Via di Città and Via Banchi di Sopra after dinner, then end on the Campo, where the bricks are still warm in summer. The Duomo complex has a pass at EUR 14, or EUR 16 when the floor is uncovered, if you want a daytime visit together.

Where to stay

The centre is pedestrian only, so ask your hotel about luggage and parking. A hotel guest car-park rate of EUR 25 a day exists at the city’s main car parks via a code from the hotel, but it does not allow you to drive into the walls.

Read more: couple activities in Siena and sightseeing in Siena .

Official information: Bagni San Filippo access and Duomo hours . Stays to compare: Siena hotels on Booking.com .