Siena is a town that is worth visiting by walk, this is the first advice we usually provide to those who ask what is the best way to explore the Palio town; yet it’s fun to try other ernatives to discover lovely glimpses, reach panoramic points in minutes, see the natural wonders of landscape from another point of view.
One of the best ways is riding a bicycle and Tuscany is one of the favorite destination by cyclists all over the world, who here find endless paths in the greenery, vast plains and soft hills to cross, the calanchi and the biancane of Crete Senesi, the narrow streets of medieval hamlets and much more.
We thought that the low season is a great time to stay in Siena and explore the historic center by bike, so we give you some suggestions for a two-wheel itinerary and enjoy the treasures that this town reveals to the most curious travelers.
Where to start a bike route in Siena
The gate crossed by the pilgrims who follow the Via Francigena (we talked about it in Via Francigena, following pilgrims) is Porta Camollia, ideal for starting a bike ride; from here you will go to the Basilica of San Domenico (at Piazza San Domenico 1), one of the main churches of Siena, where there is an outstanding panoramic spot over the whole historic center.
Follow Via dei Pellegrini and Via Fusari to reach the Duomo, a landmark for first time visitors in Siena. Please note that in Piazza del Campo cycling it’s forbidden, as well as in the streets between Casato di Sotto and Via Rinaldini, Via Banchi di Sopra, vicoli dei Pollaioli, dei Borsellai, San Pietro, San Paolo and Costarella dei Barbieri, so you need to get off the bike and walk.
From Via Duprè you can admire the outline of Mangia Tower and continue all the way to Via di San’Agata, turn left towards the Prato di Sant’Agostino where is the homonymous church, a nice stop of the itinerary in the heart of Siena.
From here you can easily reach the Botanical Garden or return to our hotel in Pian dei Mantellini.
Another route to be followed by bike starts from Via del Porrione, continues through Via S. Martino, Via S. Girolamo and Via delli Servi, close to the Basilica dei Servi, another amazing panoramic spot.
An equally engaging route is the stretch between Via delle Terme, via Santa Caterina and Fontebranda, northwest of Piazza del Campo.
Not all tourists, however, have their own bicycle, so it’s possible to use SiPedala’s bike sharing service, which allows you to rent electric bikes at the 15 stations distributed in the strategic points of the city.
You can return the bike to a station different from the one you picked it up from, making you use them only when you need it. There is also a rental package for daily tourists (5 hours with a 24-hour subscription) or 2 days (10 hours with a 48-hour subscription).
The bike sharing system for tourists works by downloading a free app on your Apple or Android smartphone.
Detailed information on bike sharing is available on the website www.sienaparcheggi.com. Explore Siena by bike, it will be a fun experience and a nice pretext to keep yourself in shape!
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