Val di Chiana – Tuscany: golden fields, harmonious hills and villages with timeless charm between Arezzo and Siena.
The Val di Chiana extends between Arezzo, Siena and the eastern part of Tuscany, on the border with Umbria. Once a reclaimed swamp, today it is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the region. The landscape alternates cultivated plains, rolling hills, ancient villages and wide views that convey calm and beauty. 🌾 Generous countryside and rural landscapes:
The wide expanses of the Val di Chiana are dotted with brick farmhouses, rows of cypresses, vineyards and olive groves. The pace is slow, marked by agricultural life and the cyclical nature of nature. A perfect territory for those looking for the most authentic and productive face of the Tuscan countryside.
👉 Tip: Cross the valley by bike, along the dirt roads between Foiano della Chiana and Cortona: a succession of harmonious and silent views. 🏘️ Historic villages and Etruscan tradition:
The Val di Chiana is dotted with towns rich in history: Cortona, with its Etruscan walls and medieval charm; Monte San Savino, Lucignano, Castiglion Fiorentino and Sinalunga, where you can breathe art, faith and daily life. Small museums, fortresses, squares and markets keep the local identity alive.
👉 Tip: Stroll through the elliptical alleys of Lucignano, one of the most unique villages in Tuscany, and visit the golden tree kept in the civic museum. 🍽️ Robust, earth-rooted flavors:
The cuisine of the Val di Chiana is intense and peasant: handmade pici, mixed grills, rustic soups and extra virgin olive oil are the protagonists at the table. But the real queen is the Chianina IGP, a local cattle breed known for its tender and fine meat.
👉 Tip: Savor a Florentine steak from Chianina in a trattoria between Sinalunga and Bettolle: authentic taste and family atmosphere. 🥾 Nature and paths between hills and lakes:
The Val di Chiana is crisscrossed by hiking trails, cycle paths and scenic roads. To the east, the forests of the pre-Apennines offer shade and coolness; to the west, hills and lakes such as Chiusi or Montepulciano invite you to slow down. It is also a transit area of the Via Romea Germanica and the Via Lauretana.
👉 Tip: Make a stop at Lake Montepulciano for a nature walk among reeds, observatories and silence of the water. 🛏️ Where to stay:
In Val di Chiana you will find restored old farmhouses, farmhouses with swimming pools among the olive trees and B&Bs in historic villages. A strategic area to explore the Val d'Orcia, Lake Trasimeno, Arezzo and Siena in a day.
👉 Tip: Stay around Cortona to combine views, culture and relaxation in the quiet of the hills.
The Val di Chiana is a land of balance and abundance: here the agricultural soul of Tuscany is intertwined with the history and harmony of timeless landscapes.