Shopping, Parking & Getting Around

Browsing for ceramics or cashmere in Radda makes a change from wine-shopping. Even so, on the wine front, do call into L’Accademia del Buon Gusto in Panzano in Chianti for one of the most entertaining wine-tastings in Tuscany. Then turn your thoughts to ceramics. Tuscan ceramics made in the area are often inspired by ancient models, including Renaissance designs. The Medici dynasty had sets of dishes designed for each of their country villas, virtually inventing the concept of elegant place setting.

Rampini Ceramics specialise in hand-decorated and often historically-inspired ceramics from Tuscany, Umbria and beyond, along with original new designs. This talented international team of artists and craftspeople are based in an old Tuscan farmhouse in Vistarenni, just east of Radda. Their charming studios and showroom offers an overview of Tuscan ceramics. Rampini reproduce Renaissance designs and exuberant decorations based on allegories, animals, flowers, fruit and foliage. Buy a single piece or a full dinner service, with shipment sorted.

Address: Le Ceramiche Rampini
Casa Beretone di Vistarenni
53017
Radda in Chianti

Tel: 0577 738043
Web: www.rampiniceramics.com

Expect brightly-coloured floral motifs decorating hand-painted plates and vases. These are reasonably priced one-off designs, including commissions. The artist’s workshop is just south of Radda.



Address: Localita Malpensata
53017
Radda
Tel: 0577 738466

Consider visiting the Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm to see a delightful herd of cashmere goats. Or make it a proper outing. After petting or feeding the kid goats, browse for hand-woven Tuscan cashmere scarves, shawls, throws, hats, socks and baby blankets.



Address: Chianti Cashmere
Azienda Agricola La Penisola
La Penisola,
53017
Radda in Chianti

Tel: 0577 738080
Web: www.chianticashmere.com

For a complete change of scene, designer shopping fans could head to the luxury outlets in the Valdarno area. The Mall Firenze is a thirty-minute drive east from Florence, on the Pontassieve road. There’s also a direct shuttle bus there from Siena. After browsing the designer brands, end your shopping experience in the Mall’s Gucci café and restaurant.

Parking in Radda is either on the main street or just outside the town walls. Given that the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone area) is being expanded, it’s best to park outside the walls. There’s a paying car park next to Radda’s municipal gardens, outside the walls. Space is rather limited and a bit tight but it’s a highly convenient parking spot. The tourist information office is o Piazza del Castello so as you walk in from the municipal gardens you’ll see signs on the left-hand side.

Most Tuscan towns operate a strict ZTL system, a Limited Traffic Zone. This means that the Centro Storico (historic centre) is essentially closed to traffic, particularly for non-residents. Cars will need to be left outside the walls. That said, the Chianti towns are small so present far less trouble than such cities as Florence and Siena. Parking tips: for advice on individual Chianti places, please see our individual Destination guides, including those on Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Gaiole and Castelnuovo Beradenga. 

Advice on ZTLs: You may see other cars crossing the ZTL boundary (Limited Traffic Zone) and assume you can proceed. Not so. The drivers crossing into the ZTL zone will probably be locals and have residents’ permits. Visitors do not so are liable to fines. Zones are monitored by cameras, so tickets are issued immediately and automatically, as soon as (and each time) the car crosses the ZTL boundary. 

The Chianti can be delightful driving country. Its appeal lies in the rolling countryside, array of vineyards and olive groves, relatively quiet roads, and the mix of small medieval towns. Public transport in the Chianti is rather sporadic so car hire makes the most sense if you want to explore the area properly. Driving in the Chianti can be deeply enjoyable experience, especially with a detailed map or GPS navigator to hand. For a great day out, try a customised tour with Chianti Taxi.

Greve, the main gateway from the north, lies on the SR222, commonly known as the Chiantigiana, about 30 km south of Florence and 40 km north of Siena. From Greve, the scenic Chiantigiana meanders through the Chianti, passing through most of the typical villages. This is a charming route to take by day. At night, however, you might encounter wild boars, porcupines or deer crossing the road.

From Florence and the Chiantigiana head towards Greve, then Panzano until you reach Castellina. It is about 20 km from Greve. And then east to Radda. Or take the Florence-Siena Raccordo Autostradale highway (known as the RA) taking the San Donato in Poggio exit, and then following the SP101, which becomes the SP76.

From Siena, leave town on the fast Florence-Siena Raccordo Autostradale highway (known as the RA), taking the Badesse exit for the SP 119, which becomes the SR222, the Chiantigiana. Or take the quieter, slower route from Siena: take the SR2, which becomes the more tranquil SR222 until Castellina and then onto Radda and Gaiole.

By private tour: Chianti Taxi, a reliable Panzano-based transport service offers day-long private tours around the Chianti and beyond. These are customised tours that can take in everything from olive oil mills and wine estates to Pecorino farms and hand-painted ceramics. With his comfortable minivan, owner Daniele Mogni has the inside track on what you can do in the Chianti. It’s worth splashing out for a day so you can relax and drink your fill at the wine estates.
Chianti Taxi. T: (+39) 389 8160050 & www.chiantitaxi.com

The Chianti by train: this is not an easy place to reach by rail. The train service barely touches Chianti's attractions, which is part of the reason why the area is so peaceful. The main Chianti station is Castellina in Chianti, which is on the Siena-Florence line but you need to change trains at Empoli.

The Chianti by bus: Buses connect Florence to Greve and Panzano but end there. These buses often provide a more useful service than the trains but the confusing 365 bus service (T: 800373760, freephone only & www.acvbus.it) still means that bus schedules are not always convenient and also operate a limited service on Sunday. Buses also connect Siena and Castellina: a Tiemme bus service (T: 0577 204111 & www.tiemmespa.it) operates around 7 services a day.  Buses also connect Castellina and Radda: a Tiemme bus service (T: 0577 204111 & www.tiemmespa.it). Buses also connect Siena and Gaiole: a Tiemme bus service (T: 0577 204111 & www.tiemmespa.it).

On your bike: The Chianti is a lovely place to explore by bike. The combination of romantic Tuscan scenery and challenging gravel roads is what makes it enjoyable. The cycling races in the region also attract big crowds. Whether as a spectator or a participant, L’Eroica is worth following. This renowned amateur event that allows cyclists from around the world to experience the region while riding classic bikes.