Insider's Guide To Siena

Travel

Insider's Guide To Siena

with Susan Corsini

We love to profile a travel destination with special insider knowledge because as we all know, the best travel experience is when we arrive with insider tips for an authentic and memorable stay.

This month, it's beautiful Siena according to its stylish visitor and part-time resident Susan Corsini, the Australian-born, London-based founder and creative director of fashion brand, Mondo Corsini.

"My husband was born in Siena and our family is still based in the countryside near there", says Susan. "I do love Tuscany in the summer..."

Here Susan gives us her tips on where to stay, eat & play in Siena...

The view to Siena from the family home

Susan with her husband and children in Siena

Your connection with Siena?
My husband was born there and our family is still based in the countryside near there.

When did you first visit?
With a few girlfriends after graduating from university. I was about 23 years old. We were completely mesmerised by the place, and I remember just spending hours sitting in the main square, Piazza del Campo, soaking it all in.

Best time to visit as a tourist?
I do love Tuscany in the summer. It gets very busy, but it is so full of life, and the sounds and smells of summer are wonderful.

Where to Stay?
There are so many wonderful agriturismos, or family-run farm houses, peppered around the area. They often have pools, so they can be an amazing retreat from the heat and busyness of some of the bigger cities. My mother in law runs one, called Podere La Strega. It is 5 mins to the centre of town in a car, and 40 minutes on foot, and the views are to die for. When we want to treat ourselves we might head to the coast for a few days and stay at Il Pelicano. But when the family gathers at La Strega, it's hard to leave.

Where to Shop?
Aloe and Wolf is a wonderful vintage clothing store in the centre of town. I always find amazing pieces there, and the owner, Alexandra Aloe, sometimes takes me to her vintage archive to really go to town. It's the only store I visit without fail on each trip.

Where to Dine?
For me, it doesn't get better than dining at Le Logge, which is happily found next door to Aloe and Wolf. We celebrate most of our family milestones there.

Inside the Family-owned Podere La Strega Farmhouse in Siena

Where to Spa?
Castiligon del Bosco has a wonderful spa. The thermal springs of Val d'Orcia aren't far away as well.

Any local market / vintage / special days?
I love visiting the antiques fairs in Arezzo, held twice a month.

Best place for a morning coffee? Best spot for a sundowner or pre-dinner drink?
For both, I love sitting in the Piazza del'Campo and watching the world pass me by.

Local delicacy?
Bistecca alla fiorentina, panforte, the local olive oil is unbeatable.

Il Pellicano on the coast of Tuscany

A local tradition / must-do in Siena?
Visiting the Palio, a horse race through the campo which is run twice a year, once in July and once in August. It is the most amazing event to watch and be a part of......you really do get swept along by the passion and energy of the locals.

Be a polite tourist and…
Don't order a cappuccino after 11am!

Best outfit to wear sightseeing? (enter Mondo Corsini!)
For my upcoming visit to Siena, I'll be packing our white Lucy dress, a floppy raffia hat, and sandals by A Emery, my favourite.

Susan and the team at Mondo Corsini have generously given Seedling readers 20% of the entire store including current summer collections - simply enter the code SEEDLING20. Valid until 14 August.

Visit MondoCorini.com | Follow @mondocorsini