If you think of Tuscany, what comes to mind first?
A DAY IN THE CRETE SENESI: breathtaking landscapes
Cypress-lined roads, farmhouses nestled in the countryside, golden wheat fields like the one in Gladiator… well, all of this truly exists – not just in our imagination or in movies – and it’s just a short drive from Siena and Borgo Grondaie.
The Crete Senesi are the “desert that borders Siena to the south.”
This area is of great scenic value, with gentle hills broken by striking erosive formations like calanchi and biancane, creating vast and evocative landscapes.
When is the best time to visit the Crete Senesi?
Personally, I think the Crete Senesi are beautiful all year round, because they offer different landscapes and colors that change with the seasons.
In spring, the hills are a vibrant green, gently touched by a soft breeze.
In summer, they turn golden with ripe wheat and streaks of deep brown that make them look even wilder.
Autumn brings back warm tones of dark green.
While in winter, they take on a grayish hue, which is actually their natural color—clay.
This unique and striking appearance is closely tied to their origin: the Crete were once the bottom of the sea, which, upon emerging, left behind a landscape of special clays with bluish, purplish, and sometimes whitish hues due to the salt content.
The Crete Senesi stretch along SP438, from Siena to San Giovanni d’Asso.
And it’s right from Siena that we can start our 1-day itinerary to discover this enchanting corner of Tuscany.
From Borgo Grondaie, take the E78 and exit at the second junction for Taverne d’Arbia, then follow Strada Lauretana SP438 in the direction of Asciano.
Along the Crete Senesi Road, you’ll pass medieval villages, farmhouses lined with cypress trees, and “grance”, which remind us that this area was known as the granary of Etruscan Tuscia since ancient times.
The route winds through breathtaking landscapes, and Strada Lauretana SP438 is not only scenic but also fun to drive, especially thrilling for motorcyclists. You’ll find plenty of panoramic viewpoints perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
We highly recommend a stop at the Site Transitoire, located on the left at the crossroads near Castello di Leonina. This stone monument by Jean Paul Philippe, created in 1993, is a fantastic spot for spectacular sunset photos.
Once you arrive in Asciano, you can take a highly recommended short detour by following the signs on the right toward the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
This is a truly evocative place that not only preserves important works of art inside, but also offers the opportunity to listen to Gregorian chants, making it truly unique in its kind.
We suggest visiting the official website to check the times of the liturgical functions.
Our visit to the Crete Senesi ends in San Giovanni d’Asso, the homeland of the famous Crete Truffle. You’ll find plenty of restaurants where you can taste it. If you visit the area in November, take advantage of the Truffle Fair on the first and third weekends of the month, and don’t miss the Truffle Museum, where you’ll learn how to best enjoy this precious treasure of our land.
Let’s sum up our Tour:
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Duration: full-day tour including stops for lunch and visits to the villages
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Distance from Siena: outbound via SP 438, return via Cassia 2 – total less than 100 km
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Lunch: there are many great restaurants in both Asciano and San Giovanni d’Asso.
If you’re traveling by car and want to enjoy an even more special experience,
you can book one of our PICNICS directly from our website
👉 www.hotelsienaborgogrondaie.com or at the reception of Borgo Grondaie.
If you enjoyed our tour and would like to do it… let us know! And if you need tips, feel free to send us a message in the chat!
