Crete Senesi
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Latest page update: 18 September 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The Crete Senesi is a captivating area in southern Tuscany, predominantly situated in the province of Siena.
Famous for its unique landscape characterized by rolling hills, clay formations, and sparse vegetation, it offers a picturesque setting reminiscent of a lunar landscape. Visitors are drawn to its timeless beauty of rural Tuscany through hiking, cycling, and photography. |
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Crete Senesi: Siena's lunar landscape
The Crete Senesi region in Tuscany is renowned for its unique lunar-like landscapes characterized by rolling hills, cypress trees, and striking clay formations. Visitors can explore charming medieval villages such as Asciano and Buonconvento, nestled amidst the picturesque scenery.
The area offers scenic driving routes and hiking trails, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, an impressive Benedictine monastery renowned for its frescoes. Wine lovers can indulge in tastings at local wineries, sampling the region's famous Brunello di Montalcino. The Crete Senesi region offers a serene escape into Tuscany's timeless beauty.
The area offers scenic driving routes and hiking trails, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, an impressive Benedictine monastery renowned for its frescoes. Wine lovers can indulge in tastings at local wineries, sampling the region's famous Brunello di Montalcino. The Crete Senesi region offers a serene escape into Tuscany's timeless beauty.
Crete Senesi
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Province: Siena
Region: Tuscany Features: cypress trees, rolling hills Places: Asciano, Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Buonconvento Fly to: Florence Airport - 1 hour 12 minutes (95 km) Recommended accommodation: Agriturismo Dipinture |
What are the most popular tours and activities in the Crete Senesi?
- Photography Tours: Explore the unique landscapes of Crete Senesi with guided photography tours. Visitors can capture the iconic rolling hills, winding roads, and isolated farmhouses of the region, as well as the changing light and atmospheric conditions that make Crete Senesi a photographer's paradise.
- Wine Tasting Excursions: Discover the wines of Crete Senesi with guided wine tasting excursions. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including the region's renowned Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, while visiting local wineries and vineyards set amidst the picturesque scenery of the Tuscan countryside.
- Cultural Visits to Hilltop Towns: Explore the historic hilltop towns of Crete Senesi with guided cultural visits. Visitors can wander through medieval streets, visit ancient churches and palaces, and admire architectural landmarks such as the fortified walls of Montalcino, the Gothic cathedral of Pienza, and the Renaissance palaces of Montepulciano.
- Outdoor Activities: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Crete Senesi with outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Guided excursions take visitors through scenic landscapes of rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards, providing opportunities to spot wildlife, discover hidden trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Gastronomic Experiences: Indulge in the flavors of Crete Senesi with gastronomic experiences that showcase the region's culinary traditions. Visitors can sample local specialties such as pecorino cheese, pici pasta, and ribollita soup, as well as artisanal products such as honey, olive oil, and truffles, while dining in traditional trattorias and agriturismi serving farm-to-table cuisine.
- Art and Craft Workshops: Discover the artistic heritage of Crete Senesi with visits to local workshops and galleries. Visitors can watch skilled artisans at work, creating pottery, ceramics, and other traditional crafts using techniques passed down through generations, while learning about the region's artistic traditions and cultural significance.
Where should I eat in the Crete Senesi?
- La Locanda del Castello (Castelnuovo Berardenga): This charming restaurant is located in the heart of Castelnuovo Berardenga and offers traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist. Diners can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seasonal specialties.
- Osteria delle Crete (Asciano): Situated in the historic center of Asciano, this cozy osteria offers a menu of traditional Tuscan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, grilled meats, and hearty soups, all served in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- La Bottega delle Crete (Buonconvento): Located in the charming village of Buonconvento, this restaurant offers a menu of classic Tuscan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seasonal specialties, all served with warm hospitality.
- Ristorante Il Pozzo (San Giovanni d'Asso): This restaurant is located in the heart of San Giovanni d'Asso and offers a menu of traditional Tuscan cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Diners can enjoy dishes made with fresh, local produce, including homemade pastas, grilled meats, and hearty soups.
- La Torre di San Martino (San Martino in Grania): Situated in the picturesque village of San Martino in Grania, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside along with a menu of classic Tuscan dishes. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seafood specialties, all served in a charming and romantic setting.
- Ristorante Le Antiche Contrade (Monteroni d'Arbia): Located just outside of Monteroni d'Arbia, this restaurant offers a menu of traditional Tuscan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seasonal specialties, all served in a cozy and rustic atmosphere.
- Il Fornacino (Montalcino): Situated in the heart of Montalcino, this restaurant offers a menu of traditional Tuscan cuisine with a focus on local specialties. Diners can enjoy dishes made with ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside, including wild boar, mushrooms, and truffles.
- Osteria Boccon del Prete (Siena): Located just outside of Siena, this charming osteria offers a menu of classic Tuscan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, grilled meats, and hearty soups, all served in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Ristorante La Taverna di San Giuseppe (San Giovanni d'Asso): Situated in the heart of San Giovanni d'Asso, this restaurant offers a menu of traditional Tuscan dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seafood specialties, all served with warm hospitality.
- Osteria le Logge (Siena): Located in the historic center of Siena, this osteria offers a menu of classic Tuscan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seasonal specialties, all served in a charming and elegant setting.
Crete Senesi Gallery
What are the best places to stay in the Crete Senesi?
- Castel Monastero (Castelnuovo Berardenga): Set in a restored medieval village, Castel Monastero offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities. The property features a wellness center, outdoor swimming pool, gourmet restaurants, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Podere Finerri (Asciano): A charming agriturismo nestled in the heart of the Crete Senesi, Podere Finerri offers rustic accommodations in renovated farmhouses surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Guests can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, home-cooked meals, and access to hiking trails.
- Aia Mattonata Relais (Siena): Located just outside Siena, Aia Mattonata Relais offers elegant rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. The property features a swimming pool, lush gardens, and a terrace where guests can enjoy breakfast with views of the Crete Senesi.
- Borgo Lucignanello Bandini (Buonconvento): Situated in a picturesque hilltop village, Borgo Lucignanello Bandini offers self-catering apartments in historic stone buildings. Guests can explore the surrounding olive groves and vineyards, relax by the swimming pool, and enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine at nearby restaurants.
- Podere Salicotto (Buonconvento): A charming farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and cypress trees, Podere Salicotto offers cozy rooms and apartments with rustic decor. Guests can unwind by the swimming pool, take cooking classes, and sample local wines produced on-site.
What's the closest airport to Crete Senesi?
Florence Airport (FLR):
Pisa International Airport (PSA):
- Florence Airport, also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is the nearest major airport to the Crete Senesi region.
- From Florence Airport, you can reach the Crete Senesi by either renting a car and driving south or taking a train to the nearest train station and then continuing by local transportation or taxi.
Pisa International Airport (PSA):
- Pisa Airport is another option, located farther west of the Crete Senesi region.
- From Pisa Airport, you can rent a car and drive eastward towards the Crete Senesi, or you can take a train to a nearby train station and then proceed by local transportation.
What are the main train stations in Crete Senesi?
Asciano Train Station:
- Located in the town of Asciano at the edge of the Crete Senesi.
- Asciano is convenient to reach by train from various cities in Tuscany.
Siena Train Station:
- Siena is the largest city near the Crete Senesi and has a train station with connections to major cities like Florence, Pisa, and Rome.
- From Siena Train Station, you can rent a car or take local buses to explore the Crete Senesi region.
What private transfer options are there for Crete Senesi?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to Asciano takes around 1 hour 25 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Crete Senesi?
- Siena: Siena is a major city in Tuscany and is located near the Crete Senesi region. You can find car rental agencies within the city center or at Siena Railway Station.
- Asciano: Asciano is a town situated in the heart of the Crete Senesi and may have limited car rental options compared to larger cities like Siena. However, it's worth checking if there are any local rental agencies available.
