The strade bianche of Tuscany are so called because the term literally means ‚white roads‘, a reference to the pale colour of the region’s unpaved lanes, made up of limestone gravel, dust and small stones that can look almost chalky in the summer sun. They run through vineyards, olive groves and hill towns, giving the countryside its distinctive, timeless feel.
What makes them special is that they are not just scenic back roads: they are part of the working landscape and still serve practical purposes, especially in rural areas. At the same time, they have become emblematic of Tuscany because they preserve an older, slower way of moving through the countryside, with a surface that is rustic, beautiful and sometimes demanding underfoot or under wheel.
Among the best known are the routes around Siena and the Chianti area, where the white gravel sections are especially associated with the region’s identity and views. The most iconic finish is in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, which adds a dramatic sense of place and links the roads to one of Italy’s most recognisable historic cities.
There is also a bicycle race called Strade Bianche, and it has become one of the most respected one-day races in the calendar. Its importance comes from the way it blends modern professional racing with the character of old Tuscan roads, using long stretches of gravel sectors, steep punchy climbs and an often unpredictable mix of dust, mud and sunshine; that combination makes it both technically hard and visually distinctive.
Strade bianche
Tuscany
Italy
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