bighil

Hi -

We are planning our honeymoon in Italy. My travel agent recommended a couple of nights in Radda. I haven't heard/read anything about Radda and was looking for some info. Is this a place worth visiting?

Thanks!

kmoncrief

I know I went there.for lunch,but I just cant recall which it was,either way not very big,you would definetly be traveling further on day trips,,but it is in the middle to go a few places. Very beautiful though,but small.

kmoncrief

hmm I see there is a post entitled quaintist village in Chianti..read that..its number 94 ..at the moment..

Weadles

We stayed in Radda this August for a few nights. Radda is a very small but charming town with just a few streets, and only a handful of shops and restaurants. The surrounding countryside is absolutely gorgeous.

We thought Radda itself was a little boring, but it makes an excellent base for day trips to Siena, (40 minutes), San Gimignao ( about an hour) and Florence (40 minutes) and of course it's quite close to several vineyards that offer wine tastings.

We stayed at a lovely hotel, Relais Fattoria Vignale, whose pool overlooks rolling hills and olive groves.

If I can help further, just post again! Congratulations, and good luck!

Weadles

That should have been San Gimignano- sorry for the misspelling!

Traveler863

Fattoria Vignale is highly recommended for a stay in Radda which is a very quaint Chianti village. The hotel is just outside the village within easy walking distance. San Gimignano is another great place to stay, its larger and very picturesque with the many medieval towers. San Gimignano will have much better restaurant selections and evening strolls. But can't go wrong with either.

Weadles

I don't mean to offend by correcting another poster's impression, but Relais Fattoria Vignalw is right IN town. All that Radda has to offers is literally a very few steps away.

rexmor

Radda is a beautiful, but small, medieval hill town in beautiful country. Nearby is similar one which is a little larger: Castellina in Chianti. Can highly recommend the Villa Casalecchi just outside Castellina. Most beautiful and romantic place we've ever stayed.

bobthenavigator

Redda is a nice village and well located in Chianti. However, it would not be in my top 10 in Tuscany. What time of year? How much time will you have in Tuscany? Will you be driving?

bighil

bob -

we are going in mid - late June. We are planning on doing Tuscany for 2 nights, plus an additional 3 nights in florence. We are driving. We are doign 3 nights the amalfi coast, 3 nights rome, 2 nights tuscany (where we really want to do vineyards and wine tastings), 3 nights florence and 2 nights venice.

bobthenavigator

For only 2 nites it may be moot where you stay. However, Radda is interior in Chianti and not the easiest access. If you are driving from Rome I would stay in the Pienza/Montepulciano area which is much easier access and then take S-222 north thru Castellina and Radda and Greve the day you transition to Florence. Frankly, I would train to Chiusi and get your car there rather than drive from Rome. From there, Montepulciano is only :30.

RichardJ

I agree with the other posts. Radda is not very accesible. It's a slow, winding drive from the autoroute, taking 45 minutes to Fattoria Vignale. We loved our room and the view memorable, but there are very few choices for dinner. Our next trip we are staying in Castellina, with the same charm but 15 minutes closer to the highway--more restaurants and more reasonably priced hotels. Look at the Palazzo Squarcialupi in Castellina. A suite with view is only 135 E and the reviews are very positive.

NYCFoodSnob

<i> For only 2 nites it may be moot where you stay.</i>

I agree with this statement but, to savor your limited time, it might be better to base closer to the S222 and take that road into Florence (or vice versa).

Radda, like most towns in the Chianti region, is known for it's vista views. The Chianti towns are typically small and charming but nothing spectacular. There are much more spectacular towns in other parts of Tuscany. The drive to and from these towns, especially from the S222, is the spectacle.

I rent in Rome and drive north, typically dropping the car in Venice and flying out of Marco Polo. There's so much to see along the way. Throwing a train into the mix is no plan for me.

If you're on a budget, the Squarcialupi is a real find. But making love at the Villa Casalecchi steals my heart every time.