Self-catering holiday homes: Val di Chiana

Make a holiday rental home or villa in Val di Chiana, Italy your home away from home

Val di Chiana, Tuscany, lies just south of Arezzo, is named after the River Chiana which runs through the bottom of the valley. Reclaimed from the bed of a large lake, the Val di Chiana is an important communications route between Arezzo and Siena, yet the few villages which adorn the valley side are completely timeless, consisting of traditional brick cottages and thin, steep cobbled streets. The area is considered to be one of the most unspoilt rural regions in the whole of Europe, where large forests break only for idyllic mountain streams and picturesque medieval walled towns.

Things to do on holiday in Val di Chiana, Italy

The prehistoric caves of Monte Cetona are well worth a visit if you are staying in a self catering Val di Chiana property. They are adorned in fascinating pre-historic ‘graffiti’ which inspires visitors. The area is also known as having the best preserved network of 6th and 7th Century castles in Northern Italy, of which the Castle of Civitella di Val di Chiana. There are also a huge number of museums, archaeological museums, historical centres and monuments which keep the historical heritage of the region alive.

The Val di Chiana incorporates on of the most important thermal basins in Italy, and therefore those looking to enjoy the therapeutic, healing properties of Val di Chiana thermal waters flock to the region.

The stunning rural scenery which surrounds the villas and holiday homes in Val di Chiana is perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding. You can travel for many hours and not come across a road or town, stumbling across breath-taking views and charming secluded spots to pause and catch your breath. Taking a fishing rod is also an excellent option from a Val di Chiana holiday rental, although a permit is needed.

During the summer, the coast, which is just a few kilometres from the Val di Chiana, is a great place to sail or simply enjoy the sandy beaches of Tuscany.

Places to holiday in Val di Chiana, Italy

The most important town in the Val di Chiana is Montepulciano, an ancient walled town whose Renaissance centrepiece, the Piazza Grande, is surrounded by tiny streets and narrow alleyways. Much of the town was designed by distinguished local artists, and is well worth the visiting from ant of the Val di Chiana holiday rentals available.

Chianaciano is an enchanting town, which is divided into two halves. The medieval centre on top of the hill has managed to preserve its architecture and charm. Surrounding the centre is the more modern spa town. The therapeutic thermal springs which have risen to fame in Tuscany are surrounded by beautiful countryside, and attract over a million visitors to indulge in the warm spring waters.

Weather in Val di Chiana, Italy

Summer temperatures in Val di Chiana are blissfully warm, remaining at around 23˚C in July and August. Even during the winter, temperatures are unlikely to drop below 10˚C.

Flights to Val di Chiana, Italy

Depending on the exact location of your Val di Chiana property, either Pisa Airport (PSA), Florence (FLR) or Perugia Airport (PEG) will be the closest. RyanAir provide some very cheap flights to these three, and there are car hire facilities to be found at all three too.

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