Bucine among vineyards, olive groves and hills

A landscape of vineyards, olive groves and hills

Bucine’s landscape is varied: the valley floors are largely covered with vineyards and olive groves, while oak trees and Mediterranean shrubs grow on the hills. This contrast makes the surrounding area appealing to travelers who want to experience different aspects of the Tuscan landscape during their stay. When choosing your base, you can consider whether the scenery, the townscape or outdoor activities should shape your days. These themes complement one another, so you do not have to focus your stay on just one thing: between the valleys and hills, the cultivated landscape takes center stage; in town, lanes lead to the parish square; and local produce reflects the area’s olive-growing and winemaking traditions.

Lanes, nature and views

The route to the parish square winds through an atmospheric maze of lanes between stone and brick walls. Roses, oleanders and caper plants adorn the walls. As you make your way to the square, you can take in Bucine step by step: the route is part of the townscape, drawing your attention to the walls, plants and narrow lanes. For travelers who enjoy discovering the details of a place, this offers a tangible contrast with the open landscapes beyond the town center.

Bucine is a starting point for trekking, cycling and horseback riding through forests of holm oaks, heather and strawberry trees. All three activities share a woodland setting, but offer different ways to get outdoors: on foot, by bike or on horseback. If you are planning around several interests, you can compare these options based on which way of getting around best suits your idea of a day on holiday. There are also monumental trees around Bucine. A dedicated trail and environmental education activities are designed to document, protect and promote them. So alongside experiencing nature, learning how the trees are cared for is another theme you can include in your explorations.

The terrace at the top of the Torre di Galatrona offers another perspective, with views extending across the Valdarno and Valdambra. Bucine Castle offers a different focal point. It is an 11th-century fortress situated above the newer town center. Those interested in history will find a tangible historical landmark here, while also being able to appreciate the newer center as a distinct part of the townscape.

Olive oil, wine and local produce

Olive growing is widespread in Bucine, producing extra virgin olive oil as a local specialty. This offers a distinct culinary point of interest when planning your trip, alongside the landscapes and nature. Sangiovese is the main grape variety in the Valdambra and features in most of the region’s wines. Olive oil and wine thus represent two different growing and culinary traditions: one is linked to Bucine’s widespread olive culture, the other to the Valdambra’s winemaking tradition.

Another local product is Tarese del Valdarno, recognized as a Slow Food Presidia. Together, these examples offer a guide if local products are a factor in choosing your destination. They also show that the area’s culinary connections are not limited to a single wine or product: Bucine’s olive oil, the Valdambra’s Sangiovese tradition and Tarese del Valdarno each offer a distinct connection to local cuisine.

Discover more destinations: San Leolino, Ambra, Badia Agnano, Levane, Pietraviva, San Pancrazio, Solata, Capannole, Pogi, Cennina, Badia A Ruoti.

For the full travel overview: Arezzo.