Self-catering holiday homes: Val d'Arbia - Crete Senesi farmhouse

Make a holiday rental home or villa in Val d’Arbia – Crete Senesi, Tuscany, Italy your home away from home

The Val d’Arbia (Valley of the River Arbia) lies in the region of Crete Senesi of Siena, Tuscany. The distinctive clay landscape of the Crete Senesi is almost completely void of trees, as the undulating hills roll miles into the distant horizon. The landscape is dotted with beautiful, isolated medieval villas and towns that still feel undeniably medieval and remain protected by their original fortifications.

Things to do on holiday in Val d’Arbia – Crete Senesi, Tuscany, Italy

The semi-desert landscape of Crete Senesi makes an interesting contrast to the usual lush greenery of Tuscany, but is no less alluring. The vast open stretches are ideal for mountain biking, riding holidays and motorbike tours, with a host of small medieval villages popping up behind a hill crest seemingly answering you calls for refreshment! There are also frequent isolated buildings which really stir the imagination, from monasteries to small castles.

Crete Senesi, despite its fairly barren landscape is a hot spot for gastronomy. White truffles are a special delicacy, and if you are in the region during November, the Crete Senesi White Truffle Market in San Giovanni d’Asso is an unbelievable event to attend, with auctions connected to London, New York and Dubai by satellite phone. During the market, the old stream train re-opens to service the area, which is great fun to ride! The area is also known for its production of Pecorino Cheese, bread and olives.

There are many historical places of interest to investigate in the region too. The San Giovanni d’Asso Castle and San Antimo Monastery in Montalcino are certainly worth visiting if you are staying in a villa in Val d’Arbia in Crete Senesi.

Places to holiday in Val d’Arbia – Crete Senesi, Tuscany, Italy

The city of Siena makes a great day trip from a rental villa in Val d’Arbia. The centre of the city has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and although the city centre does get crowded during the peak holiday season, there is so much to see that it is well worth the trip. After all, you can always retreat to the peace and tranquillity of your holiday rental in the Tuscan countryside with a glass of local wine if the crowds become too much!

Weather in Val d’Arbia – Crete Senesi, Tuscany, Italy

The landscape of Val d’Arbia – Crete Senesi is baked in the summer sun as average temperatures reach over 30?C. Winter temperatures are much colder, averaging only around 5?C. Many of the rural villas in Val d’Arbia have private pools, which make the summer heat more bearable.

Flights to Val d’Arbia – Crete Senesi, Tuscany, Italy

EasyJet, RyanAir and British Airways all run flights to Florence (FLR) and Perugia Airports (PEG), which are both within an hours drive of the Val d’Arbia.

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