To visit nearby

Colle is within easy reach of the famously beautiful Tuscan towns of Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra.

Siena must be one of the finest medieval towns ever built, more intimate than Florence and very pretty with its golden hued stone buildings. A stroll through the narrow medieval streets, packed with interesting shops and restaurants, will bring you to the black and white striped marble Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo, then the Piazza del Campo, the beautiful square at the heart of the city. Siena’s famous ‘Palio’, a bareback horse race, is held in this piazza on 2^nd July and 16^th August, with representatives from different districts of the city competing.

San Gimignano deserves all its accolades, which include UNESCO World Heritage designation. It originally had over 70 towers, ostensibly constructed to defend the inhabitants but also somewhat of a competition to build the highest one! Only a few remain but they still make a striking skyline. There are many fine examples of medieval and Renaissance art to see, or the Torture Museum is a slightly gruesome alternative.

Volterra is also a fascinating place, with a history dating back to the Etruscan era, when it was a centre of alabaster extraction. The Renaissance period reawakened the interest in alabaster and the skills have been passed down from generation to generation. The Piazza dei Priori is one of the most interesting squares in Italy.

Local wines

In San Gimignano, you can visit the Vernaccia wine experience museum to learn about wine making in the area, and how to pair wines to food, before tasting them. Vernaccia is an esteemed local white which is characteristically dry, slightly bitter and pale yellow in colour. In the surrounding countryside, follow the ‘Strade della Vernaccia’ wine route to visit wineries for tastings.

And only just to the east are the countless vineyards of the Chianti region, particularly known for its red wines, which will also welcome visitors for tastings. Or guided tours can usually be booked so that no-one has to be the designated driver!

Things to do

Golf and horse riding can be practiced in this area, and bikes can be hired locally.

The treetop adventure park at San Casciano Val di Pesa (about 30 minutes from Colle di Val d’Elsa) may appeal particularly to groups with young people. The rope bridges, nets and swings through the trees will use up some of that surplus energy!

For those who prefer a bit of pampering on holiday, why not book a beauty treatment or massage, or just spend some time relaxing at the nearby Spa San Lorenzo in the town.

Villas in Colle di Val d'Elsa