Lucca and surroundings: the perfect slow Tuscany escape
Wednesday, March 11, 2026,
A journey through Lucca’s historic centre and the surrounding countryside, discovering homes, villas and the quiet rhythm of a true slow Tuscany escape.
There are places in Tuscany that reveal themselves slowly. Lucca is one of them.At first glance it may seem simply a perfectly preserved Renaissance town, enclosed within its ancient walls, set between gentle hills and the sea. But spend even a short holiday here, walk through its quiet streets or stop in a small square where everyday life unfolds without hurry, and it quickly becomes clear that Lucca is much more than that.This elegant corner of Tuscany has long been loved by those looking for a different way of travelling: an experience built not around busy itineraries, but around the simple pleasure of enjoying a holiday at a slower pace.The beauty of Lucca lies in its balanceInside the historic walls, the city moves with a natural calm. Choosing a home in Lucca’s historic centre means waking up in the morning and beginning the day among soft conversations and the gentle clinking of coffee cups in the cafés.You might cross the city by bicycle, riding peacefully along its cobbled streets, stopping at the small neighbourhood shops that have existed for generations, where locals still pause to exchange a few words.The city walls welcome joggers and cyclists commuting to work. Walking past medieval towers you eventually arrive at the famous Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and by climbing Torre Guinigi you can enjoy a sweeping 360-degree view that begins with the rooftops of the city and stretches across the surrounding countryside.This is the Lucca most visitors first discover, a place that never fails to surprise with its beauty.Then there is the Lucca of everyday life: the markets (including the Mercato Antiquario Lucchese, which fills the historical centre with stalls on the third Sunday of each month and the Saturday before) the shops where you can truly find everything, and the restaurants that still preserve the flavours of traditional Lucchese cuisine.Among our favourites are Gli Orti di Elisa, a place we can now consider something of a local institution, and Osteria La Dritta, a newer and more contemporary restaurant with an urban feel that we are certain will soon earn a special place in the city’s dining scene.Where to stay in LuccaStaying in the centre of Lucca means experiencing the city as those who live here do.Among the homes available in Lucca’s historic centre, Casa Lilla, for example, is perfect for those who want to explore the city on foot. It sits just a few steps from Via Fillungo and the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. This classic Tuscan house is arranged over three levels and has been tastefully restored while preserving its original architectural features. On the ground floor there is a secure space for bicycles, ideal for exploring the city on two wheels, while at the top of the house a small private terrace overlooking the rooftops offers the perfect setting for an evening aperitivo at sunset, surrounded by the atmosphere of Lucca.Another beautiful option in the historic centre is Casa Lauren, located inside the majestic Palazzo dei Nobili, once home to the Banca d’Italia. Here historic elegance blends with modern comfort. The Tessieri marble floors run throughout the apartment in refined geometric patterns, echoing the spirit of old Lucca. Staying here means experiencing the quiet charm of the historic centre, with everything just a short walk away.Villas and countryside near LuccaJust beyond the city walls, the Lucca countryside opens into gentle hills, vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages that seem suspended in time. Here Tuscany reveals its most authentic and unhurried side, perfect for anyone looking for a true slow Tuscany escape.Mornings begin with open windows and warm air drifting in from the garden. The day may unfold with the discovery of a hidden hilltop village, a long outdoor lunch beneath ancient olive trees, and a quiet moment on the terrace, while evenings stretch slowly under vine-covered pergolas, accompanied by the golden light of sunset.Staying in the Lucca countryside offers something many travellers are increasingly looking for: space, silence and the feeling of living within the landscape, rather than simply visiting it.What makes Lucca truly special is the sense of authenticity it conveys. Life here moves at a human pace: bakeries open early in the morning, trattorias serve recipes that have not changed for decades, and evenings still belong to the simple ritual of a stroll through the piazza before dinner.It is a place where slowing down feels natural, and where every stay, whether in the city or in the countryside, becomes a slow experience that stays with you.Choosing a villa near Lucca allows you to experience Tuscany in a more personal and unhurried way, guided more by curiosity than by schedules.In the countryside around Lucca you will find many homes that perfectly reflect the spirit of this landscape: old stone farmhouses, villas surrounded by olive groves and hilltop houses overlooking the valley.These are welcoming homes designed for outdoor living: shaded gardens, terraces where breakfast is enjoyed in the morning light, and large tables beneath pergolas where summer dinners stretch long into the evening.Many villas near Lucca offer a private swimming pool, perfect for cooling off on warm days and enjoying a glass of wine at sunset. Others, perhaps smaller and more intimate, simply offer the quiet of a garden, the scent of olive trees and the feeling of being immersed in nature.There is no single way to experience the Lucchese countryside. Some travellers look for a villa with a pool near Lucca where they can spend most of the day outdoors, while others prefer a house in the hills to use as a base for exploring villages and the surrounding territory. In both cases, what makes a stay here special is the same thing: a sense of space, light and time moving more slowly.Browse our homes in Lucca and the surrounding countryside and start planning your own slow escape in Tuscany.
Lucca and surroundings: the perfect slow Tuscany escape: Read More
Finding the Perfect Villa in Tuscany with a Private Pool
Tuesday, February 24, 2026,
Villas with Private Pools in Tuscany — A Different Way to Travel
There is a moment in Tuscany that stays with you forever. It might be early in the morning, when the countryside is still quiet and the light feels soft over the hills, or perhaps in the late afternoon, when the sun turns everything golden and the only sound is the breeze moving gently through the olive trees. This is the true beauty of a Tuscan holiday: it is not something you rush through — it is something you savour.
For many travellers, the most authentic way to experience Tuscany is not from a hotel, but from a private villa — a place that becomes part of the journey itself. A home with its own pool, a garden where dinners stretch long into the evening, and the quiet luxury of space, privacy, and time. Tuscany offers something rare: the feeling of being completely tucked away, while still surrounded by art, culture, and landscapes that have barely changed in centuries.
Renting a villa in Tuscany is not simply about booking a holiday home; it is about choosing a way of living, even if only for a week. It is about waking up to open views, stepping barefoot onto cool terracotta floors, and knowing that the day unfolds at your own pace.
Choosing the right holiday villa in Tuscany is not only about finding a beautiful house; it is about finding the right atmosphere. Some guests dream of walking into a nearby village for fresh bread in the morning and a simple trattoria at night. Perhaps it means meeting Furio in the piazza for the best chocolate “treccina” in the area, still warm and impossible to forget — especially when staying at Villa Dell’Angelo, where village life feels wonderfully close and authentic.
Or perhaps it means calling the little restaurant Il Postino and asking for a few portions of homemade lasagne to take back to the terrace of Villa De Fiori, where dinner stretches long into the evening light and conversation flows as easily as the local wine.
Later, it might be a glass of chilled prosecco and a bowl of olives on the terrace, watching the sunset soften over the hills while the cicadas sing in the summer air and the church bell marks the slow passage of time.
What travellers are often looking for when they rent a villa in Tuscany with a private pool is not perfection, but something real — a dining table where families have gathered for Sunday lunches, small details that carry the quiet charm of Tuscan life, and spaces that invite you to slow down. The most memorable holidays here are rarely about schedules; they are about long meals, warm evenings outdoors, and the comfort of a place that feels genuine.
Of course, comfort matters. Tuscany in summer is warm, and features such as air conditioning in the bedrooms, well-kept outdoor spaces, and a truly private pool can quietly transform a good holiday into an unforgettable one. And yet, some homes breathe differently. There are places like Sunrise, a small jewel perched on top of a gentle hill, where air conditioning is almost unnecessary. Up there, a natural breeze rises in the afternoon and moves softly through the rooms even on the warmest days. The air feels lighter, the silence deeper. No traffic, no distant hum — only wind in the trees and the steady rhythm of the countryside. It is the sort of place where you feel, quite simply, in paradise.
Some houses are not chosen with logic, but with instinct.
Every private villa in Tuscany has its own rhythm, and the secret is finding the one that matches yours. Many travellers today also need a different kind of space — a peaceful bedroom, or a bright corner with reliable high-speed Wi-Fi where they can open a laptop for an hour without ever losing the feeling of being on holiday. Above all, renting through a trusted local agency should feel personal and effortless, supported by someone who understands the house, the village, and the quiet nuances that make each stay special.
Because Tuscany is not just a destination. It is a feeling.
And the right villa in Tuscany with a private pool — surrounded by countryside views, silence, and light — is where that feeling begins.
A few practical questions travellers often ask
Are the pools private?
When we say private, we mean yours alone — a sanctuary for quiet mornings by the water and unhurried swims at sunset. The majority of our villas offer completely private pools. In a few selected properties, the pool may be shared, and this is always clearly specified.
Is Wi-Fi available in the villas?
Yes, all of our villas are equipped with Wi-Fi. In more remote countryside locations, the connection may occasionally be less powerful than in city centres — but that is often part of the beauty. These are places chosen for their silence, open views, and distance from the noise of everyday life. A gentler signal sometimes comes with a deeper sense of peace.
Do I need a car?
In most cases, yes. Tuscany is best experienced with the freedom to explore its countryside, reach small villages, and move at your own pace. Some properties are within walking distance of local amenities, but we generally recommend hiring a car unless you are staying in a historical centre.
What kind of support is available during the stay?
Local assistance is always close at hand, both before arrival and throughout your stay. Renting through a trusted local agency means having someone nearby who understands the house, the area, and the small details that make a holiday truly effortless.
Explore our handpicked villas in Tuscany with private pools — and let us help you find the one that matches your rhythm.
For many travellers, the most authentic way to experience Tuscany is not from a hotel, but from a private villa — a place that becomes part of the journey itself. A home with its own pool, a garden where dinners stretch long into the evening, and the quiet luxury of space, privacy, and time. Tuscany offers something rare: the feeling of being completely tucked away, while still surrounded by art, culture, and landscapes that have barely changed in centuries.
Renting a villa in Tuscany is not simply about booking a holiday home; it is about choosing a way of living, even if only for a week. It is about waking up to open views, stepping barefoot onto cool terracotta floors, and knowing that the day unfolds at your own pace.
Choosing the right holiday villa in Tuscany is not only about finding a beautiful house; it is about finding the right atmosphere. Some guests dream of walking into a nearby village for fresh bread in the morning and a simple trattoria at night. Perhaps it means meeting Furio in the piazza for the best chocolate “treccina” in the area, still warm and impossible to forget — especially when staying at Villa Dell’Angelo, where village life feels wonderfully close and authentic.
Or perhaps it means calling the little restaurant Il Postino and asking for a few portions of homemade lasagne to take back to the terrace of Villa De Fiori, where dinner stretches long into the evening light and conversation flows as easily as the local wine.
Later, it might be a glass of chilled prosecco and a bowl of olives on the terrace, watching the sunset soften over the hills while the cicadas sing in the summer air and the church bell marks the slow passage of time.
What travellers are often looking for when they rent a villa in Tuscany with a private pool is not perfection, but something real — a dining table where families have gathered for Sunday lunches, small details that carry the quiet charm of Tuscan life, and spaces that invite you to slow down. The most memorable holidays here are rarely about schedules; they are about long meals, warm evenings outdoors, and the comfort of a place that feels genuine.
Of course, comfort matters. Tuscany in summer is warm, and features such as air conditioning in the bedrooms, well-kept outdoor spaces, and a truly private pool can quietly transform a good holiday into an unforgettable one. And yet, some homes breathe differently. There are places like Sunrise, a small jewel perched on top of a gentle hill, where air conditioning is almost unnecessary. Up there, a natural breeze rises in the afternoon and moves softly through the rooms even on the warmest days. The air feels lighter, the silence deeper. No traffic, no distant hum — only wind in the trees and the steady rhythm of the countryside. It is the sort of place where you feel, quite simply, in paradise.
Some houses are not chosen with logic, but with instinct.
Every private villa in Tuscany has its own rhythm, and the secret is finding the one that matches yours. Many travellers today also need a different kind of space — a peaceful bedroom, or a bright corner with reliable high-speed Wi-Fi where they can open a laptop for an hour without ever losing the feeling of being on holiday. Above all, renting through a trusted local agency should feel personal and effortless, supported by someone who understands the house, the village, and the quiet nuances that make each stay special.
Because Tuscany is not just a destination. It is a feeling.
And the right villa in Tuscany with a private pool — surrounded by countryside views, silence, and light — is where that feeling begins.
A few practical questions travellers often ask
Are the pools private?
When we say private, we mean yours alone — a sanctuary for quiet mornings by the water and unhurried swims at sunset. The majority of our villas offer completely private pools. In a few selected properties, the pool may be shared, and this is always clearly specified.
Is Wi-Fi available in the villas?
Yes, all of our villas are equipped with Wi-Fi. In more remote countryside locations, the connection may occasionally be less powerful than in city centres — but that is often part of the beauty. These are places chosen for their silence, open views, and distance from the noise of everyday life. A gentler signal sometimes comes with a deeper sense of peace.
Do I need a car?
In most cases, yes. Tuscany is best experienced with the freedom to explore its countryside, reach small villages, and move at your own pace. Some properties are within walking distance of local amenities, but we generally recommend hiring a car unless you are staying in a historical centre.
What kind of support is available during the stay?
Local assistance is always close at hand, both before arrival and throughout your stay. Renting through a trusted local agency means having someone nearby who understands the house, the area, and the small details that make a holiday truly effortless.
Explore our handpicked villas in Tuscany with private pools — and let us help you find the one that matches your rhythm.
Finding the Perfect Villa in Tuscany with a Private Pool: Read More
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.
Via Francigena: An Invisible Thread from the Sea to Inland Tuscany: Read More