Three nearby destinations combining culture, countryside and seaside charm in the heart of Tuscany

Three iconic cities, three distinct personalities, and one great advantage: they are so close together that you don’t have to choose just one. While Lucca, Pisa and Pistoia once rivaled each other in medieval times, today they create the ideal combination for travelers seeking an authentic side of Tuscany, away from mass tourism, yet perfectly connected to everything.

Choosing this area for your next holiday home means enjoying a different landscape every day: mornings wandering through historic city walls, afternoons among olive groves and vineyards in the hills, and evenings dining in a hidden countryside trattoria or along the Versilia coastline.

A Matter of Geography: Three Destinations Within Easy Reach

Forget long drives. Lucca and Pisa are only 20 kilometers apart, separated by the green silhouette of Monte Pisano, around 20 minutes by car or just 15 minutes by train. Pistoia, the perfect gateway to Florence, can be reached in about 30 minutes from Lucca and just a little longer from Pisa.

Getting around is incredibly easy, whether by car or by the regional railway network connecting all three cities. Cycling enthusiasts will also appreciate the bike transport service available on Tuscany Line regional trains, making it simple to bring your bicycle and explore the area freely.

Choose Your Style: Historic Center or Hillside Retreat

One of the greatest strengths of Tuscanhouses properties in this area is their variety. Every location offers two completely different ways to experience Tuscany:

Experience the Historic Center

Perfect for travelers who love waking up to the aroma of coffee drifting from the piazza, exploring on foot or by bike through historic shops, elegant palaces and authentic local restaurants.

Experience the Hills

Ideal for those seeking total relaxation, silence and a private swimming pool overlooking endless olive groves and vineyards — all while knowing that the city and its services are never more than ten minutes away.

The 3 Areas at a Glance

1. Lucca and Surroundings: Elegance, Historic Walls and the Versilia Coast

Lucca is love at first sight. Its historic center, enclosed by extraordinary Renaissance walls — entirely walkable and bike-friendly — feels like an elegant open-air living room, free from traffic and full of charm.

In the surrounding hills, areas such as Capannori and Montecarlo are famous for excellent wines and olive oil mills producing delicate extra virgin olive oil. Further north, toward Pescaglia, countryside homes become refreshing retreats nestled at the foot of the Apuan Alps.

Beach Bonus From here, the Versilia coast is just around the corner. Choose between the glamour of Forte dei Marmi, the Liberty-style charm of Viareggio, the artistic soul of Pietrasanta, or the perfect mix of village atmosphere and seaside life in Camaiore.

2. Pisa and Surroundings: Beyond the Tower, Between River and Countryside

Everyone knows Piazza dei Miracoli, but the true soul of Pisa reveals itself along the Lungarni riverside streets. It is a vibrant university city, youthful and dynamic, filled with hidden alleys, lively markets and historic palaces reflected in the waters of the Arno River. Logistics here are unbeatable, thanks in part to the international airport.

In the Hills Just beyond the urban routes, the Pisan countryside unfolds through gentle hills dotted with perfectly preserved medieval villages and ancient olive groves — ideal for anyone seeking a relaxing yet strategically located holiday.

3. Pistoia and Surroundings: Authenticity, Art and the Gateway to Florence

Pistoia is Tuscany’s best-kept secret. Less crowded yet incredibly rich in art and history, it boasts one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval squares, Piazza del Duomo, and an intimate atmosphere where authentic Tuscan daily life still thrives among local markets and traditional trattorias.

In the Hills The Pistoia area offers lush nature, hiking trails, vineyards and nearby thermal spas. It is also the most convenient base for planning day trips to Florence.

Why Is This the Perfect Choice for Your Holiday?

Whether you are looking for beaches, culture, food and wine experiences or shopping, everything is within easy reach. Boredom simply doesn’t exist here, and every day can be planned with complete freedom.

But the real added value, at the end of the day, is returning to one of our Tuscanhouses properties: carefully selected homes with attention to every detail, countryside villas surrounded by greenery with private gardens, and beautiful residences featuring exclusive swimming pools. The perfect retreat to make your Tuscan holiday truly unforgettable.

Tuscanhouses properties in Lucca and Surroundings

Tuscanhouses properties in Versilia and Seaside

Tuscanhouses properties in Pisa and Surroundings

Tuscanhouses properties in Pistoia and Surroundings