What to Do in Gaiole in ChiantiThe area with its woods, vinyards and olivegroves can be discovered on foot, on horseback, on bicycle or by any other means of transport you prefer. The Tourist Information Office in Gaiole will supply you with detailed route descriptions and maps, which will guide you along well signposted paths, through valleys, over hills and through woods to discover enchanting hilltop hamlets, idyllic streams and the flora and fauna of the area, all the while admiring the rare harmony of farmhouses and castles with the surrounding countryside. The Tourist Information also organizes guided walks in the countryside (see ”Events & News”).
The ”Chianti Festival”, which is organized every summer, is a focal point of entertainment with visitors as well as inhabitants, comprising theatre plays, concerts etc. In addition there are a number of local feasts and fairs, which are often of a culinary nature.
For those who wish to explore further afield, Gaiole is a convenient point of departure for the great Tuscan cities of art and architecture, such as Florence, Siena, Arezzo and also Colle Val d’Elsa, San Gimigniano, Volterra, Certaldo, Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano.
”Calici di Stelle” is a wine tasting of local wines, combined with stargazing, guided by expert astronomers. In Gaiole it takes place in August in the piazza and is a very popular event.
The ”Rana d’Oro” art exhibition takes place in the beginning of September in San Sano, and international and local artists exhibit their work along the alleys of the little hamlet for two days, followed by a prizewinning ceremony. The art show ”Il volto artistico di Gaiole”, where local, resident artists show their work in the restaurants, shops and hotels of Gaiole, lasts for the whole month of September. In addition, the ”Chianti Sculpture Park” permits art lovers to admire an impressive range of modern sculpture set in the gentle Chianti hills between Pianella and Gaiole.
The ”Settembre Gaiolese” is perhaps the most important feast of the year, comprising concerts, wine tasting, sampling of local food and produce, an art exhibition and various other forms of entertainment.
If on the other hand you want to pamper yourself, famous spa centres are within easy reach: Rapolano, Chianciano, San Casciano dei Bagni, Bagno Vignoni, Bagni San Filippo, Petriolo and Saturnia. Many hotels in our area also offer a range of beauty and health treatments.
In the beginning of October there is the famous historical bicycle race ”L'Eroica”. Participants usually pedal antique bikes and dress in period costumes, and the main thing is enjoying yourself, the landscape and the traditional culinary treats.
© 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