Explore the Crete Senesi by bike among rolling hills, gravel roads, medieval villages and unique views
Replete with medieval villages and natural wonders, the Crete Senesi offer a unique landscape shaped by man and the elements, where gravel roads wind through rolling hills, touching on farms, ancient homesteads and small hamlets. This area is perfect for exploring by mountain bike or gravelbike, or even by road bike, thanks to the gentle climbs and scenic descents that allow you to best appreciate the charm of the area.
An area between Asciano and Buonconvento
The panorama between Asciano and Buonconvento, just a few miles from Siena, is a mosaic of clay fields and formations forged by wind and water, where castles and strongholds arise among farms, simple rural constructions that bear witness to an ancientfarming civilization. Here, for centuries considered the “granary of Siena,” life revolved around farms. Today, shepherds and flocks continue to breathe life into the landscape, creating a rural atmosphere that renders the Crete Senesi a unique place to ride. There are also artistic and gastronomic gems, from the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey, with its spectacular gullies, to the travertine quarries and white truffle of San Giovanni d’Asso, celebrated every November in the village’s 15ᵗʰ-century castle.
Tuscan Pecorino cheese
Pedaling in the Crete Senesi means riding iconic routes such as those of the permanent route of L’Eroica (the non-competitive vintage cycling event), between Monte Sante Marie and the ups and downs between Siena and Gaiole in Chianti, or discovering the 22-mile or 36-kilometer loop from Monteroni d’Arbia that touches on Lucignano d’Arbia and the charming San Martino in Grania zone, lined with the famous gravel roads. Scenic trails cross the heart of the Crete intercepting Asciano, Chiusure and Monte Oliveto Maggiore, offering unique views of the Abbey. The more challenging routes, such as the L’Eroica from Gaiole to Montalcino, trace the historic, unpaved roads between Chianti and Crete, while the route from Siena to Cortona along Via Lauretana allows you to explore the ups and downs, small lakes and views typical of the area.
Bikepacking
To best enjoy the bike trails in the Crete Senesi, hit the road in spring or fall, riding gravel, hybrid or mountain bikes, planning regular breaks to hydrate and admire the views. Must-see points of interest along the route include the Sito Transitorio, the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey and the villages of Asciano and Buonconvento, which add history and culture to a journey immersed in nature.
