Discover Tuscany: Your Guide to Lucca, Pisa, and Charming Villages
If you want to explore authentic Tuscany and make the most of every day, here are some tips to discover its most charming towns and villages while enjoying food, art, and unforgettable landscapes.
Lucca: a day among walls, towers, and local flavors
It’s truly worth dedicating a full day to Lucca. The city can be explored on foot, but for a special experience we recommend renting a bike and riding along its ancient medieval walls — a unique route steeped in history and greenery.
During your walk, stop at Felice in Via Buia for a slice of Cecina (a thin and crispy savory pie made with chickpea flour, water, oil, and a pinch of salt), and in Piazza San Michele to taste the traditional Buccellato, perhaps accompanied by a small glass of Biadina, a typical Lucchese liqueur, a herbal and quinine-based bitter, traditionally served with a handful of pine nuts in the glass to enhance its flavor. Its name comes from biada (animal fodder) bought by merchants at the Piazza San Michele market, where the liqueur originated in the 19th century thanks to a merchant named Tista.
Don’t miss Lucca Cathedral with the Holy Face in Piazza San Martino, and the nearby Church of San Giovanni, where you can admire fascinating Roman excavations. Walking along Via Fillungo, you’ll reach Piazza Anfiteatro, perfect for a gelato or an aperitif.
Climbing the Guinigi Tower offers an unforgettable view of the city, while the golden mosaic of San Frediano is a masterpiece not to be missed. A stroll through Piazza della Misericordia (known locally as Piazza della Pupporona) is perfect to cool off at the fountain. If you love gardens, Palazzo Pfanner and the Botanical Garden are both worth a visit.
Lucca also offers excellent culinary options: from elegant restaurants like Gli Orti di Via Elisa, La Buca di Sant’Antonio, L’Imbuto, and Il Giglio, to the authentic atmosphere of Trattoria da Giulio.
Pisa: a timeless icon
A stop in Pisa is a must. The Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and Piazza dei Miracoli are universal symbols of Tuscany and perfect spots for memorable photos.
Charming villages and landscapes: Montecarlo, Vicopisano, and Peccioli
For a romantic village, Montecarlo is ideal for a dinner or a relaxed family evening. We recommend InCucina and Vecchio Olivo, and for a truly special experience there’s the Michelin-starred Forassiepi.
For something different, visit Vicopisano with its Brunelleschi-designed walls, and if you love meat, don’t miss Macelleria Testi. Nearby, the village of Peccioli is delightful — we love stopping at Caffè Haus, a family-run trattoria where the food is excellent and you feel right at home.
Music lovers can head to Lajatico, home to Andrea Bocelli’s iconic Teatro del Silenzio, where you can also enjoy a meal or an aperitif in the charming local restaurants and cafés.
Pietrasanta: art, workshops, and the sea
Art enthusiasts will love Pietrasanta, full of galleries, artisan shops, and a lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to Marina di Pietrasanta for some beach time, then return to town for dinner at restaurants like Filippo, Il Giglio, Pinocchio, or Marzocco. Pietrasanta has a special charm both by day and night.
Unforgettable experiences: marble and sunsets
For a different kind of adventure, don’t miss the Carrara marble quarries, where the landscape is breathtaking and the history of marble extraction fascinates both young and old.
Camaiore gourmet tour!
If you stroll through the historic center of Camaiore, you can’t miss some true culinary delights. Meat lovers will find paradise at Alan, where the family tradition has been passed down from father to son since 1873. If you’re a fan of fresh pasta, Ristopasta’s specialties will win you over at the first bite. And for those who love pairing great food with excellent wine, Cantine Angeli is a little gem in the heart of the city, perfect for a stop amid authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Eat and drink… at the top!
Nestled in the small village of Metato, on the hills of Camaiore, Il Fondaccio can be reached only on foot and is perfect for a sunset dinner with a view. Alternatively, enjoy an aperitif and dinner at Osteria Candalla, on the riverbank, where the atmosphere is unique and enchanting. Wherever you decide to go, reservations are highly recommended!
Where to stay
To make the most of Tuscany, here are some of our selected accommodations:
Our houses in Lucca and surroundings
Our houses in Pisa and surroundings
Our houses in Versilia