Best Castle Stays near Siena (2023)

Il Castello Delle Quattro Torra – the castle of the four towers – is an iconic sight on the outskirts of the walled city of Siena, Tuscany, and comes with tremendous views over the city on one side and the great plains of the Crete Senesi on the other. It dates all the way back to the 13th century and has been a Siena landmark ever since. Much may have changed since then but luckily, in its present incarnation as a B&B, the family owners decided not to modernize it too much. Inside and out it has a tangible historic feel, with the modern niceties you would expect in such a well regarded place not being allowed to intrude too much on the rustic, authentic atmosphere. Outside it is surrounded by beautifully tended Italianate gardens which are a pleasure to stroll around. You’ll find the owners warm and friendly, along with the B&B they also run an organic farm, vineyards and farm restaurant a few minutes’s down the road – be sure to sample some of their excellent food and wine there. READ MORE

Castello di Gargonza is a very unique place – a mixture of medieval castle and (once abandoned) hamlet between Arezzo and Siena that is now exclusively available, in its entirety, for guest stays. It is a gorgeous sight – a classic Tuscan hilltop village, the castle tower which now serves as a reception area being its highest point. It has 1000 acres of peaceful forest surrounding it too and the views are breathtaking all around. The accommodation, a mixture of B&B rooms and self catering apartments is not in what is left of the castle itself but in the surrounding village houses – beautifully, carefully restored, they all feel tremendously historic and authentic but still contain plenty of subtle modern comforts (though no TVs are allowed – to keep the medieval magic alive somewhat). All guests have a swimming pool and a top class restaurant, La Torre di Gargonza, at their disposal as well as a rustic bar cafe and lots of place to roam around or lounge – shady lemon gardens, woodland walks and benches to stop and take in the views.     READ MORE

Aficionados of Italian wine, particularly Brunello, will be well aware of Castello Banfi near Montalcino, Tuscany. The 7,100 acre estate has been producing quality wines since 1978, offers a full compliment of eno-tourism activities and a range of elegant, 5 star boutique accommodation. The centre piece of the estate are the enchanting 12th century era castle and 17th century era hamlet which sit high on a hill overlooking the vineyards and the surrounding, typically picturesque Tuscan countryside. There you have a choice of beautiful, and very spacious, rooms and suites, two excellent gourmet restaurants, a traditional Tuscan enoteca, beautifully manicured gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a small gym, a massage pavilion and a cookery school. THE ACCOMMODATION: The choices are between ‘deluxe’ double rooms which, at 40 m², are large enough to be considered suites in most hotels and then there are the actual suites; classic, junior, superior and deluxe, they range in size between 66 m² and 110 m² and can sleep up to four. They are all beautifully designed, classically furnished and full of regal charm. They also come with large bathrooms with walk in rainfall showers (some also with baths) and all modern hotel mod cons; READ MORE

Castello di Tornano is a rustic, and extremely charming, castle hotel in southern Chianti with a history going back over nine hundred years. It has a broad selection of accommodation ranging from relatively basic rooms up to luxury suites in the castle itself, and then some spacious self catering apartments in the adjacent restored farm buildings. Facilities include a swimming pool, out in the beautifully tended gardens and cleverly carved out of the castle moat, tennis courts and a very fine traditional Tuscan restaurant. The surroundings are classic Chianti countryside – vineyards, olive groves and woodland – and Castello di Tornano makes a nice base to explore some of the wonderful little villages that make Chianti so admired. Your hosts will be more than happy to offer recommendations and advice and can also arrange tours, excursions etc. REVIEWS: “The staff, especially Loredana was extremely helpful even before my arrival. Even though my home country was thousands of miles away, the moment I arrived at the property Loredana made me feel at home. The overall feel, ambience was one of warmth and coziness despite this being a thousand year old castle! A great deal of effort and care had been given READ MORE

Castello di Velona is a stunning 5 star, 11th century era, castle hotel set high on a hilltop outside Montalcino, Tuscany and comes with panoramic views over the iconic Brunello vineyards of the Val d’Orcia. It is very much an exclusive, luxury retreat, and one which also comes with a hefty price tag. The only negative reviews it seems to receive are, at least in part, in regard to the cost but once you come to terms with that it is a very special place indeed.  The quality of the accommodation and service, the uniqueness, and beauty of the setting, the tremendous spa and wellness facilities – including natural thermal spring baths, and not one but TWO restaurants with Michelin Stars – an outstanding achievement – means it absolutely has to be on our list of the best castle hotels in Italy. They have a great range of accommodation, from basic (relatively speaking of course) double rooms to some enormously opulent suites (one even has a private pool) and some equally opulent and spacious self catering apartments. REVIEWS: “Amazing views of a gorgeous, historical valley as far as the eye can see. We had a huge “Junior” suite with a beautiful READ MORE