Mountain biking in Chianti Fiorentino

A journey into the heart of Chianti and its historical and natural beauty. Extending 27 miles or 44 kilometers, this route is challenging due to the 4560 feet or 1390 meters in elevation gain, this is best completed by MTB. The route is linear and can be traveled from San Casciano Val di Pesa to Castellina in Chianti and/or vice versa.

In the first case, follow the SP92 Grevigiana, the provincial road that will take you to Mercatale, the village where the “Mercato della Terra” (“Earth Market”) shines light on good Km 0 products. Going up the Quattro Strade, you will get to the famous and fascinating Badia a Passignano, an ancient abbey from medieval times, before continuing on to Valigondoli then facing a lovely descent. Between ups and downs, you get to village of Montefioralle, an ancient military town. Panzano, with its famous butcher and delicious wine, is located after 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) of stunning road, being the ideal place for a restorative stop.

From Panzano, set off once more along a route that is not too easy but is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The village of Monterinaldi anticipates perhaps the toughest climb leading in 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to Pietrafitta, a medieval fortification long contested between Siena and Florence. From here, quickly reach Castellina in Chianti, the final destination and an ideal place for a gastronomic stop.

You can choose to turn back by following the same route or take a shortcut via the splendid provincial road along a ridge that leads first to San Donato in Poggio then to Sambuca, from where you can take the Val di Pesa route and, at the La Botte Park, take a right and quickly climb back to San Casciano.