Ever been to Barberino Val d'Elsa?

We stayed in Barberino about 4 years ago. It is a lovely village. We were in an apartment in the historic center.

At the time there were two restaurants in the village. both were near the church insode the mediaval walls. Both were good. One was set up as a pizzeria with wood fired pizza oven and also pastas. the other was more of a restaurant style.

There was also a coffee shop just off the highway across from the entrance to the old town.

The center is a ZTL, but there is a parking lot with a good view of the surrounding area just before you get to the gates.

You will probably be staying in the country somewhere if it is a villa.

Barberino I believe also has a winery that has tastings if you ask ahead. Their showroom was in the historic center.

also in the center was a small market run by the folks that own the bakery, so wonderful Tuscan bread. There is a public library that has internet access if you need it.

You are well situated for exploring. Try Greve in Chianti for a trip. We liked this spot there.

http://www.lecantine.it/cantineUtente/index.php?cambialang=en

Also check out Certaldo Alto which is a bit north west of the village. It is at the top of the hill above Certaldo. A walled hilltown made mostly of brick. I think just as lovely as San Gimignano and hardly any tourists around.

Have fun!

Yes!!! We stayed for a week in an agriturismo in Barberino. Great area with easy access to Siena, Florence, San Giminiano, Volterra ... we did them all as day trips as they are less than an hour away (Volterra takes a full hour).

Barberino is a very pretty small town. The town itself is so small that you finish walking around in it within an hour ;-) There is a large terrace right in front of the church with several restaurants. They all provide wonderful outside seating with fantastic views into the valley. I had the pasta with truffle sauce at one of them (can't remember which one) and it was lovely.

Our host also recommended a restaurant in Marcialla which offers fantastic food at great value. We went there twice and the rabbit was my favourite. I can't remember the name 100% but think it might be Trattoria "Il Frantoio".

For everyday grocery shopping I recommend to drive into Tavarnelle and go to the coop there. Tavernelle also has a bus station from where you could go to Florence if you don't want to drive in.

Ron & Beatrix....thank you so much!! It sounds SO lovely!! Can't wait :)