Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
Colle di Val d’Elsa
Toscana
Tuscan town known for crystal production, medieval architecture, cultural events, and good healthcare.
Quality of Life Score
85
Quality of Infrastructure
62
Quality of Economy
80
Summary
Colle di Val d’Elsa, situated in the heart of Tuscany, offers a blend of history and modern living, appealing to expatriates and retirees seeking a serene lifestyle. The town is renowned for its vibrant crystal production industry and its charming medieval architecture, with attractions such as the historic Palazzo Campana and the Domus Romana, reflecting its rich heritage. Cultural events, particularly during the summer, showcase local traditions and culinary delights, fostering community spirit.
While the town boasts a high walkability score and good air quality, expats may find challenges in navigating the bureaucratic landscape and limited access to international amenities. The nearest beach is a short drive away, providing a scenic escape, while a well-rated healthcare system ensures residents’ well-being. With an average internet speed that complements modern living, Colle di Val d’Elsa presents a practical balance of Tuscan charm and contemporary conveniences.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services available for residents and expats.
– Excellent air quality for a healthier living environment.
– Low unemployment rate fosters economic stability and job opportunities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Good transportation links to major cities and attractions nearby.
– Friendly community with integration opportunities for newcomers.
– Mild climate suitable for year-round outdoor activities.
– Adequate educational facilities for families with children.
– Moderate tourism provides a vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere.
– Reliable internet connectivity for modern living and remote work.
❌ Cons
– Limited nightlife options for those seeking vibrant evening activities.
– Public transportation may not always run on time.
– Some areas lack modern infrastructure and amenities.
– Higher cost of living compared to surrounding smaller towns.
– Limited shopping options may require trips to larger cities.
– Occasional language barriers can hinder smooth communication.
– Smaller expat community compared to larger Italian cities.
– Weather can be hot and humid in summer months.
– Local bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating at times.
– Seasonal tourist influx can lead to crowded local spots.
Colle di Val d'Elsa Demographics
Population
21500
Real Population (5km band)
68700
Births Per 100 Deaths
70.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Some Tourism
Income per capita (2023)
22600
Income rank in Italy (2023)
2065 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Ampugnano (Siena)
Connectivity Score
1
Driving Time
34min(s)
Siena Ampugnano Airport is located near Siena in Tuscany, Italy, operating primarily as a former small military airfield. With a single runway designated 18/36, it serves a limited number of flights mainly for general aviation. The airport features basic facilities such as refuelling, a flying school at the Aero Club di Siena, and a small restaurant-bar, catering primarily to private and charter flights rather than significant commercial routes.
2nd Closest Airport
Name
Amerigo Vespucci (Florence)
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
47min(s)
Amerigo Vespucci Airport, also known as Florence Airport, is situated near Florence, Italy, serving as an essential international gateway in the Tuscany region. It handles over 3 million passengers annually, offering connectivity to a variety of European destinations such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and more, with seasonal routes to cities like Lyon and Olbia. As a focus city for airlines such as Vueling and Volotea, the airport is well connected through a light-rail link and buses to central Florence, making it accessible for travellers exploring the vibrant city and its surroundings.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Galileo Galilei (Pisa)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
74min(s)
Galileo Galilei Airport, situated in Pisa, Italy, is the 10th busiest airport in the country, having served over 5 million passengers in 2023. It operates as a focus city for Ryanair and provides connections mainly across Europe, with notable destinations including London, Paris, and Amsterdam. The airport is known for its budget-friendly options, with a single terminal providing both domestic and international flights, and is conveniently linked to Pisa Centrale railway station via the Pisa Mover shuttle service.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Poggibonsi-San Gimignano
Connectivity Score
8
Driving Time
19min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Poggibonsi-San Gimignano includes multiple rail lines connecting the station to significant destinations. Key destinations connected by direct trains include Florence, Siena, and Empoli. The primary train operator serving this station is Trenitalia, with no high-speed services available, focusing instead on regional and intercity trains. Departures typically occur frequently, with an average frequency of about every 30 to 60 minutes during peak times, although some routes may have fewer services. The station predominantly serves regional trains, with connections to major cities in Tuscany.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Castellina in Chianti-Monteriggioni
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
20min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Castellina in Chianti-Monteriggioni offers:
– **Rail Lines**: Primarily serves regional lines connecting to larger cities.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains connect to Florence, Siena, and Rome, with the journey to Florence varying between 1hr 13min and 2hr 4min depending on the service.
– **Train Operators**: Mainly Trenitalia operates at this station, providing various regional train services.
– **Frequency of Departures**: On average, there are about 10 trains to Florence per day, with services starting around 05:56 and the last at approximately 22:01. Other destinations like Rome may have around 26 connections daily, varying throughout the day.
– **Train Types**: The station mainly offers regional trains with no high-speed services directly available at this location.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Badesse
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
24min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Badesse provides connectivity primarily through regional rail lines. Key destinations directly accessible by train include Siena, Florence, Castellina in Chianti-Monteriggioni, Empoli, and Poggibonsi-San Gimignano. The main train operator serving this station is Trenitalia. Departure frequency varies significantly: for instance, there are 18 trains daily to Siena and 26 to Florence. The station is served by regional trains only and does not accommodate high-speed services.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
54
Bars
165
Cafes
47
Cinemas
12
Dentists
13
Golf Courses
2
Gyms
27
Health Clinics
57
Hiking Trails
50
Historical Sites
127
Libraries
0
Museums
14
Parks
5
Pharmacies
10
Restaurants
85
Shopping Centres
7
Supermarkets
14
Spas
24
Beach
Name
Renai - Lotto 1
Driving Distance
60mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Monte Amiata
Driving Distance
117mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
66
Nearest Hospital Name
Alta Val d'Elsa
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
14 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
18
Local Public Healthcare Provider
AZIENDA USL TOSCANA SUD-EST
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Tuscany, the healthcare system demonstrates a mixed level of efficiency and quality. While it generally performs better than most in Italy, local hospital care remains a significant area for improvement. Heart attack readmissions are managed exceptionally well, and the treatment of bone fractures is timely. Minimally invasive breast cancer surgeries and short postoperative stays are relatively efficient. However, acute heart attack interventions and readmissions after heart failure reveal substantial inefficiencies. Consequently, while the healthcare services show competence in several areas, certain critical aspects warrant attention for those considering relocation.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
43
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
65
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
0
Car Insurance Price Index
95.164
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
High
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
1418
Median
1846
Third Quartile
2405
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Walker's Paradise
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
91
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
172
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
24
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Top 10%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
Top 40%
Counts of School
Town/City | Primary Schools | Kindergartens | Comprehensive Schools | Medium High Schools | Scientific High Schools | Technical Commercial Schools | Classical High Schools | Industrial Technical Schools | Higher Education Institutes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colle di Val d'Elsa | 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)
Sunshine
Above Average (51st-60th percentile)
Snowfall
Below Average (31st-40th percentile)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
2
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
30.4
Climate Description
Colle di Val d'Elsa experiences a balanced climate, beneficial for expats and retirees looking for stable weather. Winters are mild with infrequent snowfall, making it manageable without harsh conditions. Summers offer warm temperatures, ideal for enjoying the picturesque Tuscan landscape, but without the extremities that can afflict other regions. The town enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, ensuring plenty of pleasant days for outdoor activities and exploration. Rainfall is moderate and well distributed across the seasons, supporting the lush, green environment which is emblematic of this part of Italy. This climate contributes to a comfortable living environment year-round.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Min Temp Jan | Min Temp Feb | Min Temp Mar | Min Temp Apr | Min Temp May | Min Temp Jun | Min Temp Jul | Min Temp Aug | Min Temp Sep | Min Temp Oct | Min Temp Nov | Min Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colle di Val d'Elsa | 2,00 | 2,40 | 4,60 | 8,00 | 11,10 | 16,20 | 19,00 | 18,80 | 15,20 | 11,40 | 7,40 | 3,30 |
Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Max Temp Jan | Max Temp Feb | Max Temp Mar | Max Temp Apr | Max Temp May | Max Temp Jun | Max Temp Jul | Max Temp Aug | Max Temp Sep | Max Temp Oct | Max Temp Nov | Max Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colle di Val d'Elsa | 9,7 | 10,70 | 14,50 | 18,50 | 21,30 | 27,10 | 30,10 | 30,40 | 25,10 | 20,10 | 14,50 | 11,00 |
Sunny Days By Month
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Sunny Days % Jan | Sunny Days % Feb | Sunny Days % Mar | Sunny Days % Apr | Sunny Days % May | Sunny Days % Jun | Sunny Days % Jul | Sunny Days % Aug | Sunny Days % Sep | Sunny Days % Oct | Sunny Days % Nov | Sunny Days % Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colle di Val d'Elsa | 44 | 37 | 50 | 51 | 56 | 69 | 74 | 74 | 60 | 43 | 32 | 44 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Fair
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
92
Air Quality Description
In Colle di Val d’Elsa, Italy, the air quality generally holds a favorable rating. The town benefits from low levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, maintaining a clean atmosphere that supports a healthy, active lifestyle. Particulate matter, while slightly higher, particularly PM2.5, remains within acceptable limits but warrants cautious observation for sensitive individuals. Ozone levels indicate fair conditions, hinting at occasional variances that might affect those with specific respiratory concerns. Overall, the air in this picturesque Tuscan town contributes positively to its serene living environment, making it an appealing relocation choice for retirees and expats seeking comfort and wellness.
In Colle di Val d’Elsa, Italy, the air quality generally holds a favorable rating. The town benefits from low levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, maintaining a clean atmosphere that supports a healthy, active lifestyle. Particulate matter, while slightly higher, particularly PM2.5, remains within acceptable limits but warrants cautious observation for sensitive individuals. Ozone levels indicate fair conditions, hinting at occasional variances that might affect those with specific respiratory concerns. Overall, the air in this picturesque Tuscan town contributes positively to its serene living environment, making it an appealing relocation choice for retirees and expats seeking comfort and wellness.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Colle di Val d’Elsa is well-served by road connections, notably the SR 2 and the A1 motorway, facilitating access to larger cities. The town is approximately 34 minutes from Ampugnano Airport and 47 minutes from Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence. Train stations nearby offer decent connectivity, scoring 8 and 6 out of 10.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Colle di Val d’Elsa boasts a culinary scene deeply rooted in tradition and local ingredients, reflecting its location between Siena and Florence. The cuisine includes unsalted bread, olive oil, cured meats, and various seasonal dishes made from vegetables and farm animals. Traditional dining options consist of trattorias, cafes, and bakeries, alongside family-run gelato shops. A notable Michelin-starred restaurant, Arnolfo, exemplifies fine dining in the region with its two Michelin stars, heralded for its exceptional creativity and quality. The town offers a diverse array of dining venues that span the spectrum from casual eateries to formal dining establishments, including international influences, which enhances its gastronomic appeal.
Shopping Overview
Shopping in the region encompasses a diverse array of options for residents and visitors. Categories include local markets featuring fresh produce, artisanal goods, and antiques, catering to those seeking traditional craftsmanship. Factory outlets offer discounted luxury items from well-known Italian designers. Retail choices extend to boutiques and speciality shops, while larger shopping centres provide a wide selection. Cities nearby further enhance the retail experience with high-street fashion and various weekly markets showcasing local delicacies and products. Overall, the shopping landscape is both varied and accessible, catering to a range of preferences.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Colle di Val d’Elsa, nestled in Tuscany, offers a range of outdoor activities tailored for enthusiasts of varying endurance levels. The Sentierelsa Trail provides a scenic 1.9-mile moderate hike leading to the Diborrato Waterfall. For more seasoned hikers, the Via Francigena route spans 19 miles to Monteriggioni, passing through historically significant landscapes. The Colle Val d’Elsa-Strove trail offers a more challenging 12.3-mile trek, with an estimated completion time of nearly five hours. For those preferring leisurely walks, the local tour and Giro Colle Val d’Elsa present easier options, with routes of approximately 2-3 miles.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services available for residents and expats.
– Excellent air quality for a healthier living environment.
– Low unemployment rate fosters economic stability and job opportunities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Good transportation links to major cities and attractions nearby.
– Friendly community with integration opportunities for newcomers.
– Mild climate suitable for year-round outdoor activities.
– Adequate educational facilities for families with children.
– Moderate tourism provides a vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere.
– Reliable internet connectivity for modern living and remote work.
❌ Cons
– Limited nightlife options for those seeking vibrant evening activities.
– Public transportation may not always run on time.
– Some areas lack modern infrastructure and amenities.
– Higher cost of living compared to surrounding smaller towns.
– Limited shopping options may require trips to larger cities.
– Occasional language barriers can hinder smooth communication.
– Smaller expat community compared to larger Italian cities.
– Weather can be hot and humid in summer months.
– Local bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating at times.
– Seasonal tourist influx can lead to crowded local spots.
FAQs
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