Italy, Tuscany
Chianti Ridge Road
Distance
142 km
Time
3h 05m
Driving score
8.8
We choose the roads, waypoints are preserved so Google Maps follows the intended route.
Editorial
Why drive it
The SR222 is the spine, but the real pleasure is the network of ridge roads either side of it, linking Greve, Radda and Gaiole. Third gear, long open curves, hilltop villages appearing and disappearing behind rows of vines.
Nothing here is technical enough to frighten you and nothing is dull enough to bore you. It is the clearest argument on this site for grand touring as a discipline: a good car, a light lunch, and no urge at all to go faster.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Road width
- Two lanes, generous sight lines on the ridges
- Surface
- Good, with gravel dust at field entrances
- Best direction
- Florence to Siena the long way
- Best time of day
- Late afternoon for the low gold light
- Best season
- May, then September into October
- Elevation
- 710 m maximum near Radda
- Community rating
- 4.7 / 5
Proprietary scoring
The numbers
The journey
Route highlights
Start
Florence
Leave through Grassina before the school run
Historic Village
Greve in Chianti
Arcaded square and a butcher worth the stop
Photo Spot
Panzano Ridge
Vineyard terraces on both sides
Lunch
Radda in Chianti
Terrace tables and a serious wine list
Viewpoint
Castello di Brolio
Gravel avenue and the whole valley below
Finish
Siena
Park outside the walls and walk into the Campo
Where to stay
Stay along this drive
Finding places to stay along this drive.
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From the members
Road reports
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