Enjoy a charming Tuscan getaway in Barberino Val d'Elsa
The quiet town of Barberino Val d'Elsa draws vacationers to its charming Italian streets that overlook the gorgeous green Tuscan valleys below. Since the town is just 32 kilometers outside of Florence and 40 kilometers from Siena, there are plenty of opportunities to daytrip to the cities and soak up the Renaissance art and cultural museums, while enjoying a countryside getaway, surrounded by vineyards and old stone buildings. Whether you prefer wine tasting or church-hopping, you'll find a wealth of activities to fill your days and a range of Barberino Val d'Elsa vacation rentals to suit all tastes.
Exploring the vineyards in Barberino Val d'Elsa
With an abundance of stunning green vineyards in the surrounding countryside, Barberino Val d'Elsa is an ideal hub for winery tours. This part of Tuscany is known as Chianti, and wines have been produced here for 100s of years. A couple of vineyards in this area offer tastings and tours of their well-manicured grounds, beautified by castle-like buildings, where you can learn about grape cultivation techniques and the wine-making process, see the old cellars filled with barrels, sample some of the finished products, accompanied by cheeses and salami, and perhaps pick up a bottle to enjoy later with dinner.
Seeing the sights in Barberino Val d'Elsa
Though Barberino Val d'Elsa is a small town, there's still plenty of culture to soak up along its historic streets and sightseeing here is a must. After passing through the town's fortifications, you'll find narrow lanes lined with stone edifices and treasures like the church of San Bartolomeo, a remodeled neo-gothic building with 14th-century frescoes. A tree-filled park in the middle of town that looks out over the valley is a great spot to stop for a picnic after picking up supplies from the local grocery store or bakery. It even has a playground for little ones to enjoy.
Barberino Val d'Elsa by spring and fall
Tuscany comes alive in shades of green in spring, as days warm up into the 60s and 70s, perfect for vineyard tours and long walks in the countryside. Similarly, early fall, with its warm days and cool nights, is an attractive time to visit Barberino Val d'Elsa, especially in September, as harvest season often means special events and festivals in the area. These are popular seasons, so you'll want to book your Barberino Val d'Elsa vacation rental early to secure your dates during this time. If you travel here in summer, when highs creep up into the 90s, be sure to look for a property that includes air conditioning.
Exploring the natural landscape of Barberino Val d'Elsa
Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Barberino Val d'Elsa is a great place to get outside. These are a few of the area's noteworthy natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Boboli Gardens (15.4 mi / 24.8 km)
- Arno River (15.8 mi / 25.4 km)
- Cascine Park (16.8 mi / 27 km)
- Sentierelsa Trail (8.7 mi / 14.1 km)
- Chianti Sculpture Park (14.7 mi / 23.7 km)
- Rose Garden (15.6 mi / 25.2 km)
How to get to and around Barberino Val d'Elsa
The nearest airport is in Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), located 17.8 mi (28.6 km) from the city center.
If you'd prefer to travel by train, the main station is Barberino Val d'Elsa Station.
Calendar Month
Temperature
Precipitation
Cloudiness
Occupancy
Pricing