Lucca and its surroundings: elegance, historic walls, hills, and adventure
Friday, May 22, 2026,
Discover Lucca and its surroundings: from cycling the historic walls and uncovering hidden city mysteries to contemporary art, rafting in Garfagnana, and the glamorous beaches of Versilia.
If you are planning a holiday in Tuscany and wish to discover the secrets of one of the region's most fascinating areas, Lucca is the perfect cornerstone for an extraordinary itinerary, ideal to combine with the nearby wonders of Pisa and Pistoia (find out how to plan the perfect trip in our guide to Three nearby destinations combining culture, countryside and seaside charm in the heart of Tuscany).Lucca is an open-air parlor that wins you over at first sight. This area offers a flawless balance between the sophistication of the city and the vibrancy of its surroundings, which stretch from the hills of wine and contemporary art all the way to the foothills of the Garfagnana and the beaches of Versilia.Here is our agile guide to making sure you don't miss the best of Lucca and its surroundings, whether you are staying for a weekend or have a week at your disposal. To delve deeper into the most authentic soul of this territory, we also recommend reading our comprehensive guide dedicated to Lucca and surroundings: the perfect slow Tuscany escape.What to do in the city… for a short stayCycle along the Renaissance Walls: This is the best way to start. Four kilometers of a fully pedestrian and cycle-friendly tree-lined avenue surrounding the historic center, offering a unique view over the rooftops and inner gardens.Get lost in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro: Built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater, its iconic elliptical shape makes it one of the most photographed and evocative squares in Italy.Climb the medieval Guinigi Tower: Prepare to be amazed once you reach the top by the presence of incredible, centuries-old holm oaks. The climb up its 230 steps rewards you with a breathtaking panorama.Admire the facade of San Michele in Foro: Enjoy a good coffee in one of the square's cafés while observing the details of this facade, so rich in sculptures that it resembles marble lace.Hidden gems… for those staying a week or longerIf you have more time, dedicate it to hunting down the most mysterious and unusual details of the historic center:The Devil’s scratches at Palazzo Cenami: Strolling along Via Filungo, stop in front of the main door of Palazzo Cenami. Sharpening your gaze on the stone columns at the entrance, you will notice small, elongated holes. Legend has it that these are the marks left by the claws of the Devil himself, scratched in his desperate attempt to enter the palace. A small hidden mystery that only the keenest observer will manage to spot!The labyrinth of San Martino Cathedral: On the facade of the Cathedral, specifically on the right pillar of the portico, sits an ancient and mysterious bas-relief depicting a circular labyrinth. It is accompanied by a Latin inscription referring to the myth of Theseus and Ariadne: an esoteric symbol linked to the pilgrims of the Via Francigena.The "wrong" stone of Piazza San Michele: Looking closely at the facade of the splendid church of San Michele in Foro, among hundreds of small arches and carved columns, there is one completely different from the rest that depicts a grotesque face. Tradition has it that this was the "burst of pride" of a medieval stonemason who wanted to leave his unique signature.The roof garden of Palazzo Pfanner: If the Guinigi Tower has trees on its peak, Palazzo Pfanner responds with a monumental Baroque garden that looks straight out of a fairy tale (and was, in fact, the set for iconic movies such as Il marchese del Grillo). A green pearl hidden within the walls.Nature, art, and adventure: heading out of townThe magic of the "Parole d’oro" and the Guamo Temple: On the slopes of Monte Pisano, on the Lucca side, lies a magical place steeped in history and nature. Walking alongside the nineteenth-century aqueduct, you reach this small hydraulic marvel. It is the ideal destination for outdoor lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone walking the splendid Via degli Acquedotti trek (also perfect to explore in the saddle of an E-bike!).Embrace the "Witches' Oak" in Capannori: Located in the park of Villa Carrara in San Martino in Colle, this monumental oak tree is over 500 years old. Its unique feature? Its branches do not grow upwards; instead, they develop horizontally, parallel to the ground, creating an incredibly wide canopy. Legend has it that witches used to gather right here for their sabbaths. A pop culture fun fact: it inspired Carlo Collodi for the famous "Large Oak" where the assassins hang Pinocchio.Immerse yourself in art at Tenuta dello Scompiglio (Vorno, Capannori): Still in the Capannori area, at the foot of Monte Pisano, the hamlet of Vorno hosts a unique project. Tenuta dello Scompiglio blends organic farming, zero-kilometer cuisine, and a cutting-edge cultural and performing arts space, all surrounded by woods, vineyards, and monumental gardens. It is absolutely worth stopping by to try the dishes at Cucina Dello Scompiglio, where many of the ingredients come straight from the estate's organic vegetable garden.Wine tasting on the hills of Montecarlo: A little further east, the Lucca hills offer a renowned wine and olive oil route, ideal for a relaxing and rejuvenating tour among historic cellars and olive mills.Adrenaline and Rafting in Garfagnana: For adventure seekers, simply head up the Serchio Valley towards Garfagnana. Here, amidst narrow gorges and wild nature, you can enjoy rafting, kayaking, or river excursions suitable for everyone, surrounded by the majesty of the Apennines and the Apuan Alps.Cross the Devil's Bridge in Borgo a Mozzano: On the road leading towards Garfagnana, this medieval bridge (Ponte della Maddalena) defies the laws of gravity with its asymmetrical arches and its steep donkey-back shape. It is said that the builder, unable to finish it on time, made a pact with the Devil in exchange for the first soul that crossed it (but he tricked him by sending a dog across first).A dip in glamorous Versilia: If you prefer the sea to the river, the coast is just a stone's throw away. You can choose the luxury of Forte dei Marmi, the Art Nouveau (Liberty style) charm of Viareggio, the artistic soul of Pietrasanta, or the relaxation of Camaiore. Find all the right tips in our insider guide for a beach holiday in Versilia.Your Tuscan refuge awaitsThere is nothing better than wrapping up a day rich in art and adventure by sipping a glass of local wine in the garden of your private villa. Let yourself be inspired by our selection of exclusive properties nestled among the hills and Versilia, and start planning your next Tuscan escape.Our exclusive proposals in the Lucca area.
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Via Francigena: An Invisible Thread from the Sea to Inland Tuscany
Monday, January 26, 2026,
A journey through history and timeless landscapes: the Via Francigena crosses Tuscany from Versilia to Lucca, inspiring a refined and authentic way of travelling.
Tuscany is a story of travel — of history and timeless landscapes. In truth, it is a thousand stories.One of the most fascinating is the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route linking Canterbury to Rome, crossing Tuscany from north to south through rolling hills that seem to lean gently toward the sea.For many years, this path faded into the background. Locals would sometimes say, “The Francigena used to pass through here” as if it belonged to another era, with no more pilgrims and no more footsteps pressing into its trails.Then the revival of the Camino de Santiago brought renewed interest in Europe’s great pilgrimage routes. Slowly, the Via Francigena came back to life. Today, meeting walkers with backpacks and worn boots along its Tuscan stretches is no longer unusual.Of the roughly 1,000 kilometres of the Italian route, more than a third lies in Tuscany — a land that has always welcomed travellers. Not medieval pilgrims anymore, perhaps, but conscious explorers seeking authenticity and a meaningful connection with the land.So let us lace up our walking shoes and follow the Tuscan stretch together.You don’t need to be a pilgrim, only willing to slow down. Even for a few hours, setting out from the house you’ve chosen as your base, and returning in the evening with the feeling of having stepped through history.Between Sea and HillsAfter crossing into Tuscany at Pontremoli, the route unfolds through medieval villages and wooded paths, skirting the coast near the dramatic Apuan Alps and the elegant Versilia shoreline.The sea is never far away. Even when unseen, it lingers in the air, in the light, in the way the hills suddenly open toward the horizon.The path leads through Camaiore and its ancient abbey of San Pietro, welcoming travellers since the 7th century, before climbing toward Montemagno and descending toward Lucca. Along the way, countless small hamlets invite you to wander slowly beneath trees whose branches weave light into a quiet kaleidoscope.Entering Lucca after hours of walking changes your rhythm. Its Renaissance walls embrace you; the noise softens. You understand why travellers have paused here for centuries.From Lucca, the Via Francigena unfolds through a Tuscany of medieval towers, rolling hills and villages suspended in time: San Miniato, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni.Then comes Siena, beloved around the world, the spiritual heart of the journey.Beyond Siena, the route winds into the timeless landscapes of the Val d’Orcia, reaching San Quirico d'Orcia and Radicofani, Tuscany’s last sentinel before the path continues into Lazio.In Praise of SlownessThe Via Francigena speaks of slowness. Of attention. Of respect. It is powerful on foot, yet equally meaningful when explored at your own pace from a private villa or countryside home. Each day, you can discover a new stretch, returning in the evening not exhausted, but enriched.Because Tuscany’s beauty never fades yet it reveals itself fully only when you resist the urge to rush.What matters is...As T. S. Eliot wrote, what matters is not the arrival, but the journey. Do not simply pass through places. Dwell in them.Choosing a home in Tuscany means stepping into a thousand-year-old story — not as a spectator, but as part of it.If you dream of discovering the Via Francigena without giving up comfort and privacy, explore our curated collection and find your perfect starting point.
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Discover Tuscany: Your Guide to Lucca, Pisa, and Charming Villages
Monday, August 25, 2025,
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 flavorsIt’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 iconA 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 PeccioliFor 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 seaArt 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 sunsetsFor 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 stayTo make the most of Tuscany, here are some of our selected accommodations:Our houses in Lucca and surroundingsOur houses in Pisa and surroundingsOur houses in Versilia
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