Which location is best to explore Tuscany?
 

I'm considering two villas for trip to Italy next fall. One is located near Cavriglia and the other is near Greve. Which would be best for exploring Tuscany? Although, I 've visited Greve before I'm not familiar with Cavriglia. We will spend some time at the villa I believe most days we will be visiting other towns in the area.

Define 'best'. The word on it's own is meaningless.

A simple look at a map will tell you where each is located geographically relative to anywhere else you are thinking of visiting on your day trips. No one here knows where those places will be so what do you expect anyone can tell you?

Tuscany is a big enough place that you cannot day trip to everywhere so what matters is where YOU intend to day trip to.

It depends if you are assuming car driving or using public transport to get there and if you intend to have a walking holiday or a bicycling. Assuming fall is Sept/Oct then it shouldn't be too hot.

I think I might look at somewhere closer to Sienna or even further south.

Tuscany is 9000 square miles.

I love Pienza or around Buonconvento, good access to all locations, even the coast. They have classic Tuscan clay downs landscapes and the villages have good restaurants. Downside is that Florence is a lond day trip but my personal opinion is that it is the most over-rated place in Italy.

Both the locations you are considering are in the Chianti type countryside which is very different to the south Tuscan landscapes. Greve has good restaurants but the road system can be a little difficult due to the steep valleys. Greve has very good access to Florence. Cavriglia is close to the A1 which makes long distance trips easier but as a base I wouldn't consider the town very inspiring.

The choice is Tuscany usually comes down to which landscape you prefer, north or south, both are very different.

>>>One is located near Cavriglia and the other is near Greve<<<

"Near" can mean anything. The Cavriglia location looks close to the autostrada, but that can be deceiving. The town seems quite remote with narrow, curvy roads. It may take you 1/2 hour just to get to a decent road.

I'm not a fan of Greve.

BTW

Pawleys is one of the few SC sea islands we haven't visited. May make it next October.

pawleys,
This may give you some ideas http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

Thanks for your replies. I do prefer the Chianti topography and enjoy the windy roads; but, being near an entrance to the highway is a concern.
Henry, Pawleys is definitely worth a visit. And the Fall is a wonderful time to do so.

I have spent three vacations near Greve and love the area, lots to see and do. Very green. Near Siena and Florence.

Cavriglia is a bit of a hidden gem! There is a coop, a bar and 3/4 restaurants to choose from. The location is great for getting to Gaiole in Chianti (voted the best place to live in Europe a couple of years ago), Siena and other lovely Chianti towns. It is not "just off the A1", you have to drive through Montevarchi - a built up/modern town - but one thats very handy for train links to Florence, shopping (Prada/Gucci outlets shops), huge co-op supermarket, cinema etc etc. I would choose Cavriglia over Greve any day ;-)