If you are planning a holiday in Tuscany and would like to pass some time discovering the wonderful Chianti region, magically set between Florence and Siena, here are my personal suggestions for very special and charming accommodations in the region. Of course this is just a selection of properties I known, but Chianti is incredibly full of beautiful properties, farmhouses, castles, hotels that are really unique and worth staying at.
1. Palazzo Squarcialupi
A charming and comfortable 3 star hotel with wellness area right in the heart of the lovely medieval village of Castellina in Chianti. The hotel is part of a 15th century palace, the rooms are large, refined and furnished with great attention to details.
Under the hotel, amidst ancient and suggestive vaults, you can admire the wonderful and ancient wine cellars where still today a great Chianti wine is produced.
A sauna with wellness area will wait you in the basement, while the swimming pool in the garden enjoys a wonderful view over the Tuscan countryside.
After a hydromassage bath you can relax in the panoramic terrace of the hotel sipping a glass of wine while enjoying an amazing panorama.
2. Castello di Meleto
That’s really a majestic and beautiful castle in the heart of Chianti, standing at the end of an enchanting driveway lined with cypress tress.
The castle is located about 1km from the nice village of Gaiole in Chianti, amidst scenic fields and countless vineyards.
It was founded by the Benedictine monks of Coltibuono, and in 1269 became the property of the noble Ricasoli family.
The castle offers accommodation in charming and elegant bedrooms, and rustic and fully equipped apartments, furnished in typical Tuscan style. Through the guided tour of the Castle you can admire the 18th century theater, and also visit the ancient wine cellar of the castle, where you can taste the delicious olive oil, the superb Chianti wine and the food produced by the Castle of Meleto.
3. Castello di Spaltenna
Castello of Spaltenna is another fairytale castle located in Gaiole in Chianti, in the very heart of the Chianti region. Spaltenna is a very ancient medieval hamlet with a church with bell-tower of the far year 1000, a fortified monastery, and a few country houses.
The castle, all surrounded by beautiful woods and vineyards, overlooks an enchanting valley full of fortresses, castles, towers and medieval hill top towns.
The rooms and suites are very comfortable and refined. The castle offers a great number of services and facilities: one outdoor swimming pool, one fantastic indoor heated swimming pool, wellness center, tennis court and much more.
That’s the perfect choice to have a journey back in time, in an ancient castle with history and legends, and a unique and unforgettable environment.
Staying in Chianti can be the perfect solution to discover the best out of Tuscany; you’ll be near Florence and Siena, the two main and most beautiful art towns of Tuscany, and at the same time you can appreciate the magic Tuscan countryside and natural landscapes, all surrounding enchanting hill top towns and amazing castles and fortresses. Buses from Florence and Siena do connect with the main towns in Chianti, but the best way to really get to know the area is really by car.
Driving along the winding scenic country roads of Chianti is an experience! Two main roads cross the Chianti region, the Florence-to-Siena road (N2), on the western part of the region, and the beautiful and scenic Chiantigiana road (SS222) that I highly recommend.
Chianti is also the reign of wine! You can stop in one of the many wine cellars you’ll meet along the wonderful Chiantigiana road or take part in one of the many wine tours.
That’s the right place to be 🙂
