Tourism in Chianti
The heart of the Tuscan countrysideThe Chianti area is the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its characteristic rows of vineyards, green hills, and walled villages. Located between Siena and Florence, the Chianti region is famous all over the world not only as a holiday destination for tourists, but above all as the birthplace of one of the best Italian wines, Chianti.
The main tourist attractions here are the local food, wine, and rolling landscapes, all characteristics of the essence of Tuscany.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Chianti area was a continuous battlefield, with the towns of Siena and Florence fighting for its control. All that remains from this dispute today are the walled villages and the castles which rise up, one in front of the other. Once military outposts, these architectural jewels are visited by thousands of tourists attracted by the picturesque scenery in Italy.
If you are passionate about wine, the Chianti region is perfect for tasting local products that are famous all over the world for their quality and for the wine-making traditions behind them. The best-known labels and the best vintages will delight your palate, offering you unique experiences with tastings in traditional restaurants, wine bars, and even in the wineries themselves.
After wine tasting, you can enjoy dinner in one of the many taverns found in the Chianti region. As with wine, culinary traditions also boast typical local specialties including homemade pasta, grilled meat, and bread, used in appetizers and delicious first courses.
Other interesting characteristics of the area include artisan traditions that range from woodworking to the production of terracotta. Ancient secular furnaces are still up and running in Impruneta: these are the same furnaces that gave rise to the beautiful palaces of Florence! The shops you come across while walking through the small village streets are the essence of Italian folklore and traditional handicrafts.
Lastly, we recommend staying up-to-date on popular events that are enjoyed by both Tuscan natives and visitors. Every month, festivals, medieval re-enactments and grape festivals are held, as well as weekly markets and antique fairs.
