Sentiero delle Crete Asciano
Experience the surreal, rolling clay hills of Tuscany's Crete Senesi on a scenic gravel road leading to an antique sundial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light
Sentiero delle Crete Asciano
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the surreal, rolling clay hills of Tuscany's Crete Senesi on a scenic gravel road leading to an antique sundial.
"Gravel road with multiple beautiful vantage points to take photos."
🚗 Park Smartly
There's a parking area nestled between trees if you drive up.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit late afternoon for the best light and stunning sunset photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ancient Sundial
End of the gravel road
A unique, antique sundial marks the destination, offering a charming focal point amidst the rolling hills.
Crete Senesi Landscape
Along the gravel road
Experience the iconic, undulating clay hills of Tuscany, especially breathtaking at sunset.
Scenic Photo Opportunities
Throughout the path
Numerous vantage points offer postcard-perfect shots of the Tuscan countryside.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for That Golden Hour Glow
Know What to Expect: A Scenic Stroll, Not a Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smartly
There's a parking area nestled between trees if you drive up.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit late afternoon for the best light and stunning sunset photos.
5 day road trip in Tuscany... Are there any hidden gems?
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the gravel road. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Location Clarity
Find it between Asciano and San Giovanni d'Asso.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smartly
There's a parking area nestled between trees if you drive up.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit late afternoon for the best light and stunning sunset photos.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the gravel road. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Location Clarity
Find it between Asciano and San Giovanni d'Asso.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Sentiero delle Crete Asciano for its stunning Tuscan landscapes, especially during the golden hour, and the unique antique sundial. While not a formal hike, it offers beautiful photo opportunities and a peaceful escape. Some note it's less dramatic than other Tuscan areas but still a worthwhile scenic drive.
"Not really a formal hiking trail; you simply follow a gravel road a couple of miles to an antique sundial. On the way, you pass a lovely spa and Michelin star restaurant."
Cassandra Hayes
"Need to find the right spot. This one isn’t exactly it. There are many other scenic spots better than this one."
W
"Gravel road with multiple beautiful vantage points to take photos"
Matt Piontkowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach the Sentiero delle Crete Asciano is by car. It's located between the towns of Asciano and San Giovanni d'Asso in Tuscany. There is a parking area available if you drive up between the trees. +1
Public transport options are limited for this specific scenic spot. Driving is highly recommended for easy access and to utilize the available parking.
The nearest towns are Asciano and San Giovanni d'Asso, both offering a glimpse into Tuscan life and serving as good starting points for your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access the Sentiero delle Crete Asciano. It's a public area for enjoying the landscape. :ticket:
There are no entrance fees associated with walking along the gravel road to see the Crete Senesi landscape. It's free to explore. :moneywithwings:
The area is accessible at all times, but visiting during daylight hours, especially around sunset, is highly recommended for the best experience and safety. :clock1:
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers the most dramatic and beautiful light for photographing the rolling hills.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
The entire gravel road offers multiple beautiful vantage points. Keep an eye out for clearings and elevated spots that provide unobstructed views of the undulating terrain.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying in the area to ensure compliance. :drone:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant located along the route, offering fine dining experiences.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can find scenic spots along the gravel road to enjoy a picnic, provided you clean up after yourself. :sandwich:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. The main attraction for kids might be the novelty of the unique, almost alien-like landscape and the chance to see a sundial. Visiting in the late afternoon for the golden hour can also be a magical time for younger children, as the light creates a fairytale atmosphere.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness and a telephoto lens for details. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light shooting during sunset. The antique sundial offers a unique focal point. Remember to check local drone regulations if you plan aerial photography.
🚗 Road Trippers
Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Michelin-starred restaurant or the spa for a luxurious break.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Crete Senesi Landscape
Visitors often describe the experience as a peaceful drive or a leisurely stroll, rather than a strenuous trek. The road leads to an antique sundial, serving as a charming, albeit simple, destination. Many travelers appreciate the beautiful landscape and the numerous vantage points for capturing stunning photographs. It's a place where the natural beauty of Tuscany is on full display, offering a different perspective from the more manicured vineyards and cypress-lined avenues found elsewhere in the region.
While the destination itself is modest, the journey through the Crete Senesi is the main attraction. The gravel road provides a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. It's recommended to visit during the late afternoon to witness the golden hour light, which bathes the hills in a warm, ethereal glow, making the landscape even more magical.
Photography Tips for the Crete Senesi
Consider bringing a tripod if you plan to shoot during the golden hour or twilight, as it will help you achieve sharper images in lower light conditions. The antique sundial at the end of the road also makes for a unique photographic subject, offering a point of interest within the expansive scenery. Remember to be mindful of the environment and avoid disturbing the natural landscape while seeking the perfect shot.
While the landscape is the primary draw, don't overlook the charming agriturismo spots and the nearby spa and Michelin-starred restaurant as potential photographic subjects if you choose to visit them. The overall experience is about appreciating the raw, natural beauty of this unique Tuscan region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit