Le Crete Senesi: Driving the Clay Hills

# Le Crete Senesi: Driving the Clay Hills

The clay hills south of Siena (Le Crete) are the iconic Tuscan landscape — rolling, treeless, photographed millions of times.

Key facts

• Car essential. No buses to the back roads.
• Best route: SR438 from Siena to Asciano, then loops through the clay country.
• Stop at: Asciano (small town), Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore (frescoed monastery), San Quirico d'Orcia.
• Best season: April-May (green) and September-October (golden).
• Photo time: golden hour. Morning fog can be dramatic too.

What I tell visitors

Drive yourself if possible — the road is the experience. If you cannot, book a small-group tour from Siena specifically for the Crete (not the broader Tuscany tours).

Related guides

• Guide
• Worth
• Best Pizza

Final word

Whatever brings you to Siena — food, the Palio, the Tuscan countryside — slow down. The city repays attention. If you have a tip to add or a correction, write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it.