Lucca Province
Latest page update: 28 November 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The Lucca Province is located in northwestern Tuscany with a population of around 389,000 inhabitants. Its most famous towns include Lucca, with its Renaissance walls and lively cultural scene.
Other notable towns in the province are Viareggio, known for its beaches and Carnival celebrations, and Barga, a picturesque hilltop village with medieval architecture and stunning views. |
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Lucca Province: from the sea to the city
Lucca province, positioned in the heart of Tuscany, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval charm and scenic landscapes. Its namesake city, Lucca, is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, with its intact Renaissance walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and elegant squares.
Explore the majestic Lucca Cathedral, climb the Guinigi Tower for panoramic views, and stroll along the charming city walls. Beyond the city, the picturesque Garfagnana region offers lush valleys, rugged mountains, and quaint hilltop villages like Barga and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, perfect for outdoor adventures and cultural exploration amidst breathtaking scenery.
Explore the majestic Lucca Cathedral, climb the Guinigi Tower for panoramic views, and stroll along the charming city walls. Beyond the city, the picturesque Garfagnana region offers lush valleys, rugged mountains, and quaint hilltop villages like Barga and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, perfect for outdoor adventures and cultural exploration amidst breathtaking scenery.
Provincia di Lucca
What are the most popular tours and activities in Lucca Province?
- Lucca City Walking Tours: Explore the charming medieval streets and historic landmarks of Lucca with guided walking tours. Highlights include the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling the city, the impressive Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di San Martino), and the picturesque Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
- Bike Tours on Lucca's Walls: Experience Lucca's unique beauty while cycling along its iconic city walls. Guided bike tours provide panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes, as well as opportunities to visit historic gates, bastions, and gardens along the way.
- Music Festivals and Events: Lucca is renowned for its vibrant music scene, hosting annual festivals such as the Lucca Summer Festival and Lucca Comics & Games. Visitors can enjoy live performances by international artists, outdoor concerts in historic venues, and cultural events celebrating music, art, and pop culture.
- Wine Tasting in Montecarlo: Discover the wines of the Lucca Province with tours of the Montecarlo wine region. Visitors can sample a variety of local wines, including the renowned Sangiovese and Trebbiano varieties, while enjoying guided tastings at family-owned wineries and vineyards.
- Outdoor Adventures in Garfagnana: Explore the natural beauty of the Garfagnana region with outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Guided tours take visitors through scenic landscapes of forests, rivers, and mountains, with opportunities to visit charming villages, historic castles, and natural landmarks like the Grotta del Vento caves.
- Cultural Visits to Barga and Pietrasanta: Take day trips from Lucca to nearby towns like Barga and Pietrasanta, known for their artistic and cultural heritage. In Barga, visitors can explore medieval streets, visit the impressive Duomo, and enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop cathedral. Pietrasanta, known as the "City of Marble," offers art galleries, sculpture studios, and exhibitions showcasing the work of renowned artists.
What are the best restaurants in Lucca Province?
- Ristorante Giglio (Lucca) - Located in the heart of Lucca, this restaurant offers traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Trattoria da Leo (Lucca) - A beloved institution in Lucca, Trattoria da Leo serves up hearty, homestyle Tuscan fare in a lively and casual atmosphere. Dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and bistecca alla fiorentina are staples on the menu.
- Osteria Miranda (Viareggio) - This charming osteria in Viareggio offers a menu of seafood specialties, showcasing the freshest catches from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea. Diners can enjoy dishes like seafood risotto, grilled fish, and fried calamari in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
- Ristorante Butterfly (Lucca) - Situated just outside the city walls of Lucca, Ristorante Butterfly offers a refined dining experience with a menu that celebrates the flavors of Tuscany. Dishes are beautifully presented, and the wine list features a selection of local and international wines.
- Ristorante Buca di Sant'Antonio (Lucca) - With a history dating back to the 18th century, Buca di Sant'Antonio is one of Lucca's most iconic restaurants. The menu features classic Tuscan dishes made with high-quality ingredients, served in an elegant and historic setting.
- Ristorante La Mora (Lucca) - Tucked away in the historic center of Lucca, La Mora is known for its creative and innovative approach to Tuscan cuisine. Diners can enjoy dishes like homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seasonal specialties in a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
- Ristorante Gli Orti di Via Elisa (Lucca) - This charming restaurant offers a menu of traditional Tuscan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The outdoor garden terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal on a warm summer evening.
- Ristorante La Cecca (Camaiore) - Located in the picturesque town of Camaiore, La Cecca is known for its excellent seafood dishes and warm hospitality. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and grilled meats, all prepared with care and attention to detail.
- Ristorante Butterfly Beach (Viareggio) - Situated right on the beach in Viareggio, Butterfly Beach offers stunning views of the sea and a menu of fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Diners can enjoy lunch or dinner on the outdoor terrace, just steps from the sand.
- Trattoria da Pinocchio (Collodi) - This charming trattoria in Collodi, the birthplace of Pinocchio, offers a menu of traditional Tuscan dishes in a rustic and welcoming atmosphere. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, grilled meats, and other regional specialties, all served with a generous dose of Italian hospitality.
Lucca Province Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Lucca Province?
- Villa La Bianca (Camaiore): This charming villa offers comfortable rooms and apartments surrounded by lush gardens. It features a pool, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Hotel Il Negresco (Forte dei Marmi): Situated near the beach, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with sea views. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool, a wellness center, and gourmet dining options.
- Agriturismo Fattoria Mansi Bernardini (Lucca): This historic farmhouse offers cozy rooms and apartments in a peaceful countryside setting. Guests can enjoy a pool, a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine, and activities such as cooking classes and wine tastings.
- Villa La Principessa (Lucca): Set in a beautiful 17th-century villa surrounded by parkland, this hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with traditional decor. It features a pool, tennis courts, a restaurant, and easy access to the historic center of Lucca.
- Albergo Pietrasanta (Pietrasanta): Located in the charming town of Pietrasanta, known for its artistic heritage, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms with modern amenities. Guests can relax on the rooftop terrace, enjoy complimentary bike rentals, and explore the town's art galleries and boutiques.
Which airports serve Lucca Province?
Pisa International Airport (PSA):
Florence Airport (FLR):
- Pisa Airport is the nearest major airport to the Lucca Province, located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Lucca city.
- From Pisa Airport, you can reach Lucca by train, bus, or taxi. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes by train and slightly longer by bus or taxi.
Florence Airport (FLR):
- Florence Airport, also known as Peretola Airport, is another option, but it's farther from Lucca compared to Pisa Airport.
- From Florence Airport, you can take a train or bus to Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella, and then transfer to a train heading to Lucca.
What are the main train stations in Lucca Province?
Lucca Train Station (Stazione di Lucca):
- Lucca has its own train station, conveniently located in the city center.
- The station is served by regional and Intercity trains, making it easy to travel to and from other cities in Italy, including Pisa, Florence, and Viareggio.
How do you reach Lucca Province by car?
Driving Directions:
- If you're driving from Pisa, take the SS12 highway towards Lucca. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- From Florence, you can take the A11 highway towards Pisa, then continue on the SS12 towards Lucca.
What private transfer options are there for Lucca Province?
A private transfer from Pisa Airport to Lucca takes around 35 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car in Lucca Province?
- Lucca City Centre: There are several car rental agencies located within the city of Lucca itself, making it convenient to rent a car directly within the province. These agencies may have offices in the city center or near major transportation hubs.
- Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport): While not within the Lucca province, Pisa Airport is nearby and offers a wider selection of rental options. You can rent a car from one of the agencies located at the airport and then drive to Lucca.
Neighbouring provinces: Massa and Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Metropolitan City of Florence, Modena, Reggio Emilia
Neighbouring region: Emilia Romagna