Aside from all that comes with having the evocative name ‘Chianti’ in its title, Greve in Chianti is probably best known for its triangular shaped piazza. Instead of a market square, in Greve in Chianti you do your Saturday shopping in the charming medieval market triangle. Along the three sides are elegant low-rise shops and arcades in shades of Tuscan yellow, and at the ‘peak’ is the beautiful church of Santa Croce, home to a superb art collection. During the annual Chianti Classico expo the triangle is packed with vintners, wine lovers and wine experts, and this becomes the capital of the whole Chianti region. Our pick of the best places to stay in Greve in Chianti include converted country estates and villas on the outskirts of town, local agriturismos, and restaurants with rooms.

One of the really charming things about Greve in Chianti is that it’s in the heart of the Chianti region, which stretches almost to Florence in the north, and Siena in the south; yet it still feels relatively peaceful — especially when compared to those to major centres. Small hamlets surround Greve in Chianti, which is where much of the produce on those Saturday markets has always come from.

Wine is a huge industry here, and our recommendations for the best places to stay in Greve in Chianti will be well known to many foodies and wine lovers, but this is also a centre of olive oil production, and truffle harvesting. Wild boar is often on the menu, paired with Chianti, obviously, and white beans, fennel, chard and kale; and Greve in Chianti is also known for its salamis, guinea fowl, and pecorino.

The Best Places to Stay in Greve in Chianti

For a Special Occasion

• The Vitigliano Relais & Spa has been built in the ruins of the old hamlet of Vitigliano, occupying an idyllic hilltop position overlooking Chianti country. There are only six rooms and suites, all individually designed and elegantly decorated. All are huge, with charming traditional features, roomy bathrooms and all the mod cons. There’s a beautiful pool and terrace, complete with hot tub, plus a small spa. And a gourmet restaurant. Refined, remote and romantic.

For Foodies

• The Villa Bordoni is a beautifully decorated country villa, with 11 rooms and suites, and wonderful views over the hills of Chianti. The blue exterior feels a little Mediterranean — especially beside the palm trees, but inside the terracotta floors, beamed ceilings, and canopied beds feel very Tuscan. There’s an excellent restaurant, complete with a cooking school, and there are a number of vineyards within walking distance.

For Cooking Classes and Wine Tastings

• Enquiring minds might try the Villa Le Barone, a gorgeous, 14th century Tuscan villa near Panzano, known for its tutored wine tastings and cookery lessons. Its kitchen and restaurant are impressive places, and there’s an onsite winery, you’re also able to learn about. Accommodation is in 28 rooms and two suites, all carefully, and romantically, decorated with antiques, and many offering beautiful views. Outside there are gardens and a heated, salt-water pool.

For Families

• The Agriturismo Vignamaggio is a Tuscan hotel on a working farm, with 25 simply decorated rooms and self-catering apartments — think terracotta tiles and whitewashed beams. Some rooms are much grander than others. Inside there’s an elegant restaurant with a fantastic wine list, where you can also take cooking classes, plus a games room and bar. Outside is a pool and children’s play area. And everywhere there are vineyard views and plenty of space.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest international airport to Greve in Chianti is Florence Airport, Amerigo Vespucci, which is about 40 minutes away by car, taxi or transfer, or about two hours away by bus. Pisa Airport is Tuscany’s largest, so it’s also worth considering, at about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours away by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Chianti is at its busiest (and hottest) during July and August. If you’re interested in doing some wine tastings plan for July rather than August, because it’s cooler in the hills of Chianti, and you’ll be able to test the white and rose wines while watching the workers cutting the leaves back on the red vines. Some of the cellar doors close during August — as workers there go on holidays too. September and October are the harvest months, and this is when the vine leaves are at their most colourful. It’s a great time for foodies, or anyone planning to do any walking. Spring, or April and May are lovely for walkers too, and Easter is a huge colourful celebration in Tuscany. Winter is cooler and darker, but there’s plenty to recommend Chianti around Christmas as well.

Still not sure where to stay?

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