Climbing the Chianti Mountains by bicycle

From the rolling hills to the peaks in Chianti: here is an itinerary, suitable for the more experienced, for conquering the Chianti Mountains and reaching the summit of San Michele at an altitude of 893 meters. 

A 52 km (32.3-mile) route, that requires a good level of fitness, to complete in a single day. It is also possible to split it into 2 days, with an overnight stop at Villa San Michele. 

It starts in Radda in Chianti, with a first downhill and uphill part, taking you to the splendid Castle of Albola and the village of Badiaccia a Montemuro, where you can catch your breath before climbing up towards Villa San Michele. This is the ideal place to stop for a rest or even an overnight stay.

In fact, the ascent starts from Villa San Michele, up to the mountain of the same name, at 892 meters, making it the highest peak in the Chianti Mountains. Once at the top, we recommend that you enjoy the view of the surrounding valleys. From here, you then descend towards Greve in Chianti through a thick scrub that only makes way for the vineyards near the village. 

The last part of the route starts by following the secondary road of Barbiano, to reach the village of Lamole, where you can rest while enjoying a breathtaking view of the vineyards. 

From here, the uphill climb is resumed, taking you once again to the summit of the Chianti Mountains and then downhill to the village of Volpaia with the ruins of the medieval castle. Continuing on, you descend until you come to the Florentine Gate of Radda in Chianti, the finishing line of our itinerary.