CHIANTI 

TUSCANY   

 

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the Chianti region is a breathtaking landscape of rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and world-renowned wines. Stretching between Florence and Siena, Chianti is famous for its production of Chianti Classico wine, charming hilltop towns, and culinary excellence. Visitors come to this enchanting region to experience its rich history, picturesque scenery, and the warm hospitality of its winemakers and locals.

In this travel guide, we reveal all the information on Chianti in Tuscany. In addition, we show you the best things to do, beautiful pictures, the best wineries, how to get there, and where you can find the best places to stay.

 

PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE

These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – SKYSCANNER – we always start here and usually always finish here. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices. You can also try GOING to search prices across a variety of sites.

TRAVEL OPTIONS

CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.

TRAINS – TRAINLINE – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.

BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.

ACCOMMODATIONS

BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.

HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.

TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.

ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.

                            Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.

 

Chianti’s history is deeply intertwined with winemaking, dating back to the Etruscans and Romans, who first cultivated grapes here. The region gained prominence during the Middle Ages as a strategic area between rival city-states, Florence and Siena. Today, Chianti is known for its scenic landscapes dotted with vineyards, cypress trees, and rustic farmhouses. The region is divided into several subzones, with Chianti Classico being the most prestigious, identified by the iconic black rooster symbol on its wine labels.

 

Best Things to Do in Chianti

Explore the Wine Route (Strada del Vino Chianti Classico)

A drive along the Chianti Wine Route is the best way to experience the region’s scenic beauty and legendary vineyards. The route takes visitors through picturesque towns such as Greve, Radda, and Castellina, offering opportunities to visit wineries, taste exquisite Chianti wines, and learn about traditional winemaking techniques.

 

 Wine Tasting at Renowned Wineries

Chianti is synonymous with exceptional wine, and visiting a winery is a must. Some of the top wineries include:

  • Castello di Brolio: One of the oldest wineries in Italy, this castle estate offers wine tastings, guided tours, and stunning views.
  • Antinori nel Chianti Classico: A modern architectural masterpiece that blends contemporary design with a deep-rooted winemaking heritage.
  • Castello di Ama: Known for producing elegant wines and housing an impressive collection of contemporary art installations.
  • Fontodi: An organic winery specializing in high-quality Chianti Classico and the famous Flaccianello wine.

 

Visit Greve in Chianti

Often referred to as the gateway to Chianti, Greve is a charming town with a lively atmosphere. Its Piazza Matteotti is a central hub lined with shops, cafés, and wine bars. The town is also home to the Wine Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s viticultural history.

 

Discover Radda in Chianti

Perched on a hilltop, Radda in Chianti is a medieval village with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Highlights include the Palazzo del Podestà, a historic town hall adorned with coats of arms, and the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium, where visitors can sample and purchase local wines.

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Explore Castellina in Chianti

This historic town boasts a well-preserved fortress, charming stone streets, and a network of underground tunnels known as the Via delle Volte. The town’s archaeological museum showcases Etruscan artifacts, shedding light on Chianti’s ancient past.

 

 Visit Panzano and Dario Cecchini’s Butcher Shop

Panzano is a hidden gem in Chianti, known for its rustic charm and the legendary butcher Dario Cecchini. His butcher shop and restaurant serve some of the best bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) in Tuscany, attracting food lovers from around the world.

 

 Hike or Cycle Through the Chianti Countryside

Chianti’s rolling hills and scenic trails make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Cycling or hiking through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages offers an immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty.

 

Where to Stay in Chianti

Chianti offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious wine estates to charming countryside agriturismos.

Luxury Stays

  • Castello di Spaltenna (Gaiole in Chianti): A stunning medieval castle-turned-hotel offering luxury suites, a spa, and fine dining.
  • Villa Bordoni (Greve in Chianti): A boutique hotel with elegant rooms, a renowned restaurant, and a tranquil setting among the vineyards.
  • Belmond Castello di Casole: A lavish retreat featuring historic charm, top-tier service, and breathtaking views.

Boutique Hotels & Farm Stays

  • Fattoria Poggiarelli (Radda in Chianti): A charming farmhouse offering wine tastings and scenic countryside views.
  • Il Borgo di Vescine (Radda in Chianti): A medieval hamlet converted into a boutique hotel with traditional Tuscan décor.
  • Agriturismo Podere Campriano (Greve in Chianti): A family-run organic farm offering comfortable rooms and winemaking experiences.

 

Best Places to Eat in Chianti

Chianti’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in Tuscan traditions, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and rustic flavours.

Fine Dining

  • La Bottega del Buon Caffè (Florence): A Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary Tuscan cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients.
  • Ristorante Albergaccio di Castellina (Castellina in Chianti): A refined restaurant known for its creative interpretation of classic Tuscan dishes.

Traditional Tuscan Cuisine

  • Osteria Le Panzanelle (Panzano): A cozy osteria serving homemade pasta and traditional Tuscan dishes.
  • Ristoro di Lamole (Greve in Chianti): A hillside trattoria offering delicious food with panoramic views of the Chianti countryside.
  • Dario Cecchini’s Officina della Bistecca (Panzano): A must-visit for meat lovers, serving legendary bistecca alla fiorentina.

Casual & Wine Bars

  • Enoteca Falorni (Greve in Chianti): One of the largest wine shops in Tuscany, offering self-guided tastings of Chianti wines.
  • La Cantinetta di Rignana (Panzano): A rustic wine bar with spectacular views and delicious antipasti.

 

 How to Get to Chianti

Chianti is centrally located between Florence and Siena, making it easily accessible by car or public transport.

By Car

  • From Florence: Take the SR222 (Chiantigiana Road), a scenic route that winds through vineyards and charming villag
  • From Siena: Drive north on the SR222 or take the faster RA3 highway, depending on your destination within Chianti.

  Compare these car rental prices at Discover cars or Rental cars.com, we use both these   companies. Both highly recommended.

By Train & Bus

  • There are no direct train routes to Chianti’s small towns. The nearest major train stations are in Florence and Siena.
  • From Florence or Siena, regional buses connect to towns like Greve, Radda, and Castellina. Bus services are infrequent, so renting a car is the best option for exploring the region.

By Air

The closest airports are:

  • Florence Airport (FLR): About 40 km away, offering domestic and international flights.
  • Pisa Airport (PSA): About 100 km away, a major hub for budget airlines.
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO): About 250 km away, ideal for international travelers connecting to Tuscany.

 

Chianti is a dream destination for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and travellers seeking the  Tuscan experience. Whether you’re savoring a glass of Chianti Classico, exploring medieval villages, or indulging in authentic Tuscan cuisine, this enchanting region promises an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Tours of Chianti

If you don’t plan on renting a car while in Tuscany, you can visit Chianti on a tour. This takes care of your transportation to and from Chianti, which can save you a lot of time. Here are several tours from nearby towns.

More places to visit in Tuscany

CORTONA – Stunning Hillside Town

MONTEPULCIANO – A Guide to the Wine City

SAN GIMIGNANO – The Manhatten of Tuscany

VAL d’ORCIA – Amazing Places to Visit

SATURINA HOT SPRINGS – Natural Baths of Tuscany