Things to do in Chianti

Things to do in  Chianti

Drink it all in

With its rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and winding cypress-lined country lanes, Chianti is the Tuscany dreams are made of. Bookended by Florence to the north and Siena to the south, this stretch of countryside is home to the prestigious Chianti DOC and Brunello di Montalcino wines, as well as the region’s classic rustic cuisine—making it a mecca for foodies from across the globe. Wine tasting, cooking classes, and truffle hunting adventures top the to-do list alongside hiking, biking and horseback riding excursions through the idyllic countryside.

Top 4 attractions in Chianti

Montalcino

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The medieval center of Montalcino is certainly picturesque, but this hilltop village south of Siena is best known as the birthplace of the prestigious Brunello wines. A favorite destination for oenophiles, pretty Montalcino is also popular with photographers and foodies.More

Brolio Castle (Castello di Brolio)

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Perched high above Chianti wine country, Brolio Castle (Castello di Brolio) is one of the most impressive defensive castles that once guarded Gaiole in Chianti, a sleepy hilltown with an important medieval past. The castle has been owned since the 12th century by the Ricasoli family, which has a long and prestigious history of winemaking.More

Castle of Meleto (Castello di Meleto)

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Set in the heart of Chianti’s wine country, the 13th-century Castle of Meleto is one of a string of defensive castles that once guarded Gaiole in Chianti. The fortress was originally the property of the powerful Florentine Ricasoli family, and today you can tour its frescoed halls and taste Chianti Classico produced in the estate’s vineyards.More

Montalcino Fortress (Fortezza di Montalcino)

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Montalcino is known as the heart of Tuscany’s Brunello di Montalcino wine production, but oenophiles shouldn’t overlook this hill town’s spectacular Fortezza di Montalcino, an imposing 14th-century fortress set above the town’s medieval center with sweeping views from its watchtowers and an atmospheric wine shop.More

All about Chianti

When to visit

Fall is harvest season in the Chianti hills, where olive groves produce extra-virgin oil, vineyards grow the fruit for bold Tuscan wines, and woodlands are full of wild mushrooms and truffles. The hilltowns in this region celebrate this seasonal bounty with sagre, local food festivals that highlight area specialties. Spring is also glorious in this rural corner of Tuscany; backroads and trails fill with bikers and hikers enjoying the countryside’s bright green hills and colorful flowers.

Getting around

Chianti is famous for its picturesque hilltop villages, but it’s hard to get to these remote outposts if you’re relying on public transportation. There are very few rail lines linking the towns, and local buses run according to school and office hours, so often you can only travel in the early morning and late afternoon. The best way to explore is by renting a car (from agencies in Florence or Siena) or by bike or e-bike.

Traveler tips

The hills in Chianti are full of natural hot springs, and locals have been soaking in their therapeutic waters since Etruscan times. Do as the Tuscans do, and unwind in the mineral-rich thermal baths at Bagni San Filippo (located outside Castiglione d’Orcia), Chianciano, or San Casciano dei Bagni. Some of these are natural hot springs that you can enjoy for free. At others, you can pay to enter a terme spa boasting pools, lounge chairs, and spa treatments like massages and mud baths.

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People Also Ask

What is Chianti known for?

With its postcard-perfect patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, and oak woods, Chianti is known for its quintessentially Tuscan countryside—and the gourmet delights produced there, including Chianti Classico wine, extra virgin olive oil, and black truffles. In short, this scenic region is a feast for the eyes and palate.

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How do I spend a day in Chianti?

Begin by visiting the medieval towns that dot Chianti’s rolling landscape like Greve, Panzano, or Castellina. Then explore the hills by car or on foot, bike, or horseback to marvel at the views before stopping at a local winery for a tour and tasting.

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Is Chianti part of Tuscany?

Yes, Chianti is the very heart of Tuscany, stretching over the hills south of Florence all the way to Siena. The wine, food, and scenery found in Chianti have become the most recognized in Tuscany, overshadowing other areas in the region such as the Crete Senesi, Maremma, and Garfagnana.

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How do you explore Chianti?

Most of the hill towns and countryside in Chianti are challenging to explore by public transportation, as there are few rail and bus lines through this rural part of Tuscany. The easiest way to get around is by car, or, for more active travelers, on foot or by bike.

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Is Castellina in Chianti worth visiting?

Yes, Castellina in Chianti is one of the most charming hill towns in the area, known for its porticoed Via delle Volte, a street lined with shops selling local Chianti Classico wine and gourmet delicacies. The town’s medieval fortress houses a small but excellent archaeological museum, also worth a stop.

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Is Greve in Chianti worth visiting?

Yes, Greve in Chianti is a delightful Tuscan village with a portico-lined main square that often hosts lively markets (including a famous antique fair on Easter Monday). The local Wine Museum and Antica Macelleria Falorni butcher and gourmet shop are meccas for traveling foodies.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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