Farmer’s Markets of the Umbria, Tuscany Border | Villa Gioiella
Somewhere is always market day in Umbria & Tuscany
In the hill towns and lakeside villages around Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana, weekly markets are still part of everyday life. Early in the morning, vans roll into the piazzas, streets fill with stalls and locals arrive for fruit and vegetables, cheese, porchetta, household goods, clothes and whatever else has appeared that week.
For visitors, they’re also a lovely way to see these towns when they’re at their liveliest.
Below you’ll find our guide to the local weekly markets, including which day to go, where to find them, parking tips and what to do nearby once you’ve finished shopping.
Weekly Markets on the Umbria–Tuscany Border
One morning a week the market is the only place to be. Surrounding villagers and a few intrepid travellers gather to buy fresh seasonal produce, kitchen supplies, olive wood boards, crafted pizza slices, made-in-China plastic sieves and seasonal vintage clothes.
Read on for a breakdown of where to go and when – and also what else you can do and see – while you are there…
MONDAY: CHIUSI SCALO, TUSCANY
Located in the streets opposite Chiusi’s train station, this is a fairly large market with everything from shoes to hats, bags and Tuscan delicacies. (On Tuesday you will also find a market in the old town).
Day: Monday
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Near Chiusi Scalo train station
Parking: This is a busy market and parking can be a bit difficult. Take care at the train station carpark as some spots are for a maximum of 30 mins.
While you’re there
Head up to Chiusi’s historic centre for Etruscan museums, underground passages and lunch in the old town.
→ See our Chiusi market-day itinerary
Monday: Tavernelle, Umbria
Tavernelle’s weekly market is a practical, everyday local market rather than a sightseeing attraction, with stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, household goods and other essentials.
Day: Monday
Time: approximately 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Tavernelle, Comune di Panicale
While you’re there
After the market, head up to nearby Panicale for the scenic part of the morning: medieval lanes, beautiful views towards Lake Trasimeno and somewhere lovely to stop for coffee, lunch or an aperitivo.
See our Tavernelle & Panicale market-day itinerary →
TUESDAY: CHIUSI CITTA (Historic Centre)
Chiusi’s historic centre has a weekly Tuesday market, held in Piazza XX Settembre and Piazzetta Mecenate. The Comune’s market regulations list it separately from the larger Monday market at Chiusi Scalo.
Day: Tuesday
Time: Morning market.
Location: Piazza XX Settembre and Piazzetta Mecenate, Chiusi historic centre.
Parking: Park outside the historic centre and walk in. The market area itself is closed to normal vehicle traffic while markets are operating, and Chiusi’s centre also has ZTL restrictions.
While you’re there
This is probably the nicest Chiusi market for visitors because you’re already in the old town. Explore the Etruscan museum and underground passages, wander Via Porsenna and Piazza del Duomo, then stay for coffee or lunch in the historic centre.
See our Chiusi market-day itinerary →
WEDNESDAY: MARKET DAY CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO, UMBRIA
Day: Wednesday
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Piazza Matteotti
Parking: On market day parking is available nearby in Via Belvedere. However, nowhere is too far to walk and free street parking is available nearby, in the surrounding town.
While you’re there
Explore the Rocca, walk down towards Lake Trasimeno and stay for lunch by the water.
See our Castiglione del Lago market-day itinerary →
THURSDAY: MONTEPULCIANO, TUSCANY
Montepulciano’s main weekly market is held every Thursday morning in Piazza Pietro Nenni, just outside the historic centre. The Comune lists it as a year-round weekly market with around 100 stalls, including food, non-food goods and local producers, with selling hours from 8:00 to 13:30.
Parking: Piazzale Pietro Nenni is also one of the main access points for the historic centre. On Thursday mornings, market visitors can park free for up to three hours in the designated area, displaying their arrival time.
While you’re there
Head uphill into Montepulciano’s historic centre for Piazza Grande, Renaissance palazzi, wine cellars and long views across the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana.
See our Montepulciano market-day itinerary →
THURSDAY: CAMUCIA, TUSCANY
Day: Thursday
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Piazza Sergardi and via Lauretana
Parking: There is a large free parking lot in Piazza Gramsci
While you’re there
Head up to Cortona, and explore the piazzas made famous by the movie, under the Tuscan Sun.
See our Cortona market-day itinerary →
FRIDAY: PACIANO, UMBRIA
Day: Friday
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Outside main gates
Parking: There is a free parking lot in the surrounding streets
While you’re there
Take a slow wander through Paciano’s tiny historic centre, enjoy the views across the Val di Chiana and stop for coffee or lunch in the village.
See our Paciano market-day itinerary →
SATURDAY: CORTONA, TUSCANY
Day: Saturday
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Piazza Signorelli
While you’re there
Explore Cortona’s steep medieval streets, visit Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Signorelli, then linger over lunch or an aperitivo with views across the valley.
See our Cortona market-day itinerary →
SATURDAY: CITTA DELLA PIEVE, UMBRIA
Day: Saturday
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Piazza Matteotti
Vicolo Baciadonne (Kissing Lane): This narrow alleyway is so narrow that two people cannot pass without touching. Before being a stalker was a thing, the lane was frequented by men trying their luck at stealing kisses from passing belle donne
Parking: There is a paid parking lot in Piazza Matteotti, as well as free street parking available in the surrounding streets.
While you’re there
Wander the historic centre, see Perugino’s paintings and stop for lunch or an aperitivo in town.
See our Città della Pieve market-day itinerary →
TOP TIPS FOR VISITING LOCAL MARKETS IN UMBRIA AND TUSCANY
Weekly markets are a lovely way to see everyday life in the towns and villages of the Umbria–Tuscany border. You’ll usually find a mixture of fresh produce, local food, household goods, clothing and whatever else has arrived that week.
WHAT TO BUY
Fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs
Local cheeses, cured meats, olive oil and seasonal specialities
Household goods, textiles, clothing and accessories
Local crafts and useful kitchen finds
HELPFUL TO KNOW
Bring a reusable bag.
Carry some cash, as not every stall accepts cards.
Go earlier in the morning for the widest choice and before the crowds build.
Market days and locations can occasionally change for festivals, public holidays or local events, so it’s worth checking locally if you’re making a special trip.
