ActivitiesThere are many ways of discovering the Chianti, and the effort is more than rewarded when discovering scenery, art treasures or gastronomical treats of an exceptional quality.
Hiking or trekking allow you to discover enchanting hilltop hamlets, idyllic streams and a flora and fauna which is unique to the Chianti. Following the signposted paths or the traditional dirtroads takes you back to a time when nature alone set the pace, and allows you to admire the rare harmony of castles and rustic farmhouses with the sourrounding countryside. Cyclists will find a great number of routes suitable for either mountain bikes or racing bikes, and there is a number of panoramic riding paths as well. Detailed maps are available at the local Tourist Information offices, which will also supply you with information about local sports facilities. There is an 18 hole golf course, the "Ugolino" golf club, near Strada in Chianti.
The landscape of the Chianti is perfect for horseback riding too, with its gentle, rolling hills interspersed with patches of woodland, all connected by a network of paths and unpaved country roads. There are courses for beginners, as well as organized tours for the more experienced, and you can even choose a farm or castle holiday which offer horseback riding.
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You can also criss-cross the Chianti by car, going where the mood takes you and stopping whenever you find places of interest. The car, which has now taken over from the peasant oxcarts of old, is particularly suitable for the area. Cruising along the curvy roads, up- and downhill is sure to whisk away built-up stress.
The Chianti is the heart of Tuscany, so for those who wish to explore further afield, the great cities of art and architecture, Florence, Arezzo, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Volterra, San Gimigniano and Siena, are within easy reach, either by means of public transport or by car.
The possibilities of entertainment are many. One is the ”Chianti Festival”, which takes place every year in July. It has become a focal point for visitors as well as for the inhabitants, comprising concerts, dance shows, theatre plays etc. The prestigious music academy "Accademia Musicale Chigiana" in Siena organizes masterclasses and classical concerts throughout the year. Other events are the "Maggio Musicale Fiorentino" (classical music), Siena Jazz and last, but not least, the Palio of Siena, the famous historical horserace which is held in the Piazza del Campo in Siena twice a year (2nd July and 16th August), an unbroken tradition since medieval times (see APT). In addition there is a number of local feasts and fairs in the Chianti, often of a culinary nature, one of which is ”Calici di Stelle”, a winetasting combined with observation of the stars, and a dance programme (Chianti Danza). An event which is special to the Chianti is the historical bicycle race ”L'Eroica”, which takes place every year in the beginning of October (further information about current events: see Events & News).
Modern art lovers don’t have to despair either. Near Pianella, on the road to Siena, is situated the Chianti Sculpture Park, where you can admire the powerful synthethis of the hilly Chianti landscape and the most diverse examples of modern sculpture. In addition local art shows abound, e.g. the ”Rana d’Oro” and ”Il volto artistico di Gaiole”, which both take place in September.
Furthermore, Tuscany is well-known for its thermal baths. The Romans were the first to discover this, and the tradition of enjoying the healing powers of these thermal springs continues to this day, some having developed into well-equipped modern spas. The nearest is Rapolano Terme, but still within easy reach you will find Bagno Vignoni, Bagni San Filippo and San Casciano dei Bagni, with Saturnia a bit further down the coast towards Rome.
Each of the three municipalities, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti, has its own itineraries of a cultural, artistic and historical nature, which you will find described in detail here on the web pages, as well as in brochures and maps available at the local Tourist Information Offices. The web site also allows you to organize your oil- and winetasting, your shopping for local products, not to mention your leisure acitivities. Information about cookery classes, art courses and the latest news and events of interest to tourists are also available on the web site.
Please contact us at the local Tourist Information Office in your area of choice for further information and a personalized response to your queries:
© 2007 chiantistorico.com
Official Site of the Tourist Information Offices of
Castellina in Chianti,
Gaiole in Chianti and
Radda in Chianti.
Last change: 24. 04. 2008
