5 things to do in winter in Valdichiana Aretina

Winter is an ideal time to discover the charming medieval villages that dot Valdichiana Aretina. Places like Cortona, Castiglion Fiorentino, and Lucignano turn into fairytale scenes, with their stone houses and welcoming squares. 

During this special time, the villages of Valdichiana Aretina dress up to welcome residents and visitors with warmth and tradition. 

You can stroll through picturesque alleys, stop at restaurants, visit castles and immerse yourself completely in the unique atmosphere of these places.

During the Christmas season, many villages in Valdichiana Aretina come alive with events and markets where you can buy handmade products and taste local delicacies. In December, Cortona hosts "Natale di Stelle" with decorations and attractions for both adults and children, such as light games (light-mapping), food and wine markets and street food, and Santa's house.

If you're a sports enthusiast, in January, Castiglion Fiorentino hosts the "Ronda Ghibellina", a mountain trail that attracts a large number of participants. In February, tourists and locals are drawn to the magical carnival of Foiano, the oldest in Italy, with masked floats, shows and the inevitable street food. In March, Terontola di Cortona hosts the "Bacialla Bike" MTB event that every year involves hundreds of sports enthusiasts in the hills of southern Tuscany.

Even in winter, Valdichiana Aretina offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking or mountain biking along scenic trails allows you to admire the beauty of nature and the landscape.

There are many routes to choose from: from the Via Romea Germanica to the Way of Saint Francis, from the Via Clanis to the Via Lauretana. Just choose the one that suits your needs! Moreover, weather permitting, you can go horse trekking for a unique experience in the Tuscan hinterland.

Valdichiana Aretina is rich in history and culture, with museums, churches and historic sites to explore throughout the year.

In Cortona, you can visit the Museum of the Etruscan Academy, which houses a vast collection of Etruscan and Roman artifacts. On beautiful days, a visit to the Archaeological Area of Cortona is a must, including the family tombs of the Sodo complex and the Camucia mound, evidence of the presence of aristocratic Etruscan families in the area.

In Lucignano, don't miss the Civic Museum, which houses one of the masterpieces of Tuscan goldsmithing: the tree of life.

If contemporary art fascinates you, a visit to the Contemporary Art Gallery in Civitella in Val di Chiana is a must: a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of this fascinating land.

Traditional Tuscan cuisine is full of hearty dishes ideal to enjoy in winter.

For those in the area, a taste of the porchetta of Monte San Savino is a must, famous for its crispy crust and tender meat, as well as the "mela rugginosa" (rusty apple) of Valdichiana with its deliciously sweet flavor.

Local restaurants offer dishes with specialties like "aglione" of Valdichiana or the famous Chianina beef, among the most prized meats. To accompany it all, a glass of Syrah wine is a must. For several years, Cortona has hosted the Chianina & Syrah Festival, which in March celebrates these two gastronomic excellences.