Rafting in the Elsa River

Chianti is not only synonymous with vineyards, glasses of red and gastronomy, and the Elsa River is the best example of this: there is a lot of activity in its waters and along its course! It originates from three different springs in Molli (in the municipality of Sovicille) at just under 600 meters above sea level, and winds its way between the ridges of the Montagnola Senese and the Chianti Mountains. A tributary of the Arno, it is considered the most important waterway in the province of Siena because of the richness of its fish fauna.

Among fish, the most common are rovella, chub, tiber barbel, and carp; among crustaceans, crayfish and crab; and among the invertebrates, in addition to Theodoxus fluviatilis, a mollusk that lives in well-oxygenated streams by adhering firmly to aquatic vegetation or submerged rocks, there is also Sympetrum meridionale, a dragonfly uncommon in Italy but strongly localized here in Tuscany, particularly around Castellina in Chianti and, indeed, along our river near Colle di Val d’Elsa.

To get a closer look at the wilderness of this river, we will walk some of the paths along its banks, crossing rock bridges to admire the many small limestone waterfalls. Here and there we will also pause to contemplate the wonderful natural travertine pools, where the turquoise waters gushing from mineral and thermal springs create a heavenly atmosphere and enchant the eye.

One of the waterfalls of the Elsa River will then kick off our “revitalizing” rafting experience in Chianti: on a rafting ra ft we will plow through the waterway to enjoy all of nature from a new 360-degree perspective. We will overcome the obstacles of the limestone pools by working as a team, linger to discover unprecedented scenery of river fauna and, literally “immersed” in a new dimension, float suspended between crystal clear waters and lush vegetation.