Montecarlo
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Latest page update: 17 February 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The charming town of Montecarlo is located in the province of Lucca with a population of around 4,500.
It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval fortress and picturesque vineyards. Montecarlo is most famous for its high-quality wines, particularly the Montecarlo DOC, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. |
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Montecarlo: the medieval town within the walls
Montecarlo is a small medieval hilltop town in the province of Lucca, Tuscany, situated between Lucca and Pistoia. Known for its vineyards, olive groves, and well-preserved historic centre, Montecarlo offers a glimpse into traditional Tuscan life while providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Founded in the 14th century, Montecarlo was strategically important due to its elevated position and was fortified to protect the region. The Rocca del Cerruglio, a medieval fortress, remains one of its key landmarks, offering panoramic views. The Collegiata di Sant’Andrea, a Romanesque-style church, and the Teatro dei Rassicurati, a historic 18th-century theatre still used for performances, are among the town’s notable sites.
Montecarlo is best known for its Montecarlo DOC wines, a designation for high-quality white and red wines produced in the area. Wine tasting at local vineyards and olive oil tastings at family-run farms are popular activities.
The town is close to Lucca, a walled city with Renaissance architecture, and Montecatini Terme, known for its historic thermal baths. Florence and Pisa, both rich in art and history, are within easy reach, making Montecarlo an ideal base for exploring Tuscany’s cultural and natural beauty.
Founded in the 14th century, Montecarlo was strategically important due to its elevated position and was fortified to protect the region. The Rocca del Cerruglio, a medieval fortress, remains one of its key landmarks, offering panoramic views. The Collegiata di Sant’Andrea, a Romanesque-style church, and the Teatro dei Rassicurati, a historic 18th-century theatre still used for performances, are among the town’s notable sites.
Montecarlo is best known for its Montecarlo DOC wines, a designation for high-quality white and red wines produced in the area. Wine tasting at local vineyards and olive oil tastings at family-run farms are popular activities.
The town is close to Lucca, a walled city with Renaissance architecture, and Montecatini Terme, known for its historic thermal baths. Florence and Pisa, both rich in art and history, are within easy reach, making Montecarlo an ideal base for exploring Tuscany’s cultural and natural beauty.
What are the best things to do in Montecarlo and the local area?
- Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours – Montecarlo is known for its high-quality wines, including Montecarlo DOC. Visitors can tour local vineyards, learn about winemaking processes, and enjoy tastings of white and red varieties paired with local cheeses and cured meats.
- Olive Oil Tasting – Local olive farms offer guided tastings of extra virgin olive oil, showcasing traditional production methods and pairing tastings with fresh bread and Tuscan specialties.
- Historic Montecarlo Village Tour – Walking tours explore Montecarlo’s medieval streets, historic buildings, and the well-preserved fortress, Rocca del Cerruglio, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Cooking Classes – Hands-on cooking experiences teach visitors to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes such as handmade pasta, ribollita soup, and cantucci biscuits, often held at agriturismos or local kitchens.
- Truffle Hunting Excursions – Guided truffle hunts in nearby forests allow visitors to search for white and black truffles with expert truffle hunters and their trained dogs, followed by a tasting session.
- Cycling and Hiking Tours – Scenic trails through vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills offer guided or self-guided biking and hiking experiences in the Montecarlo countryside.
- Day Trips to Lucca – Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the walled city of Lucca, with its historic towers, Roman amphitheater, and renowned piazzas.
- Thermal Spa Experiences – Nearby thermal spa towns like Montecatini Terme provide relaxation in natural hot springs, spa treatments, and historic bathhouses.
- Cheese and Farm Tours – Visits to local farms offer insight into traditional cheese-making, with tastings of pecorino and other regional cheeses paired with local wines.
- Vespa or Vintage Car Tours – Visitors can explore Montecarlo and the Tuscan countryside in a classic Vespa or vintage Fiat 500, stopping at picturesque villages and scenic viewpoints.
Comune di Montecarlo
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Province: Arezzo
Region: Tuscany Population: 4,441 (in 2024 - source) Size: 16 km² Elevation: 162 metres Close by: Montecatini Terme, Montecatini Alto, Pescia, Lucca Recommended accommodation: SmArt Hotel Bartolini |
What are the top accommodation options in Montecarlo and the local area?
- Antica Casa Dei Rassicurati: Set in a restored 17th-century building within Montecarlo's historic center, this charming bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with rustic decor, a communal lounge, and a garden courtyard. Guests appreciate its proximity to local attractions and the warm hospitality of the hosts.
- Buonamico Wine Resort: Located amidst vineyards near Montecarlo, this modern resort features elegantly furnished rooms, an on-site restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine, and a panoramic terrace overlooking the countryside. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the property's renowned winery.
- La Torre Wine Resort: Situated close to Montecarlo, this resort offers spacious apartments equipped with modern amenities, an on-site restaurant serving local dishes, and a selection of wines produced from their own vineyards. Guests appreciate the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to explore the nearby historic village.
- Villa La Nina: Set in a restored 19th-century villa surrounded by olive groves, this charming accommodation offers comfortable rooms with classic furnishings, an on-site restaurant serving regional cuisine, and a tranquil garden. Guests value its serene atmosphere and proximity to Montecarlo's attractions.
- Antica Dimora Patrizia: Located within Montecarlo's medieval walls, this historic guesthouse features elegantly furnished rooms with antique decor, a cozy lounge area, and a wine cellar offering tastings of local wines. Guests appreciate its central location and the authentic Tuscan experience it provides.
Whats the best way to reach Montecarlo?
Montecarlo in Tuscany is accessible by air, road, and rail. The nearest airports are Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei), about 50 km away, and Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci), around 55 km away. Both offer car rentals and public transport connections.
By car, Montecarlo is best reached via the A11 (Autostrada Firenze-Mare). Exit at Altopascio and follow signs for Montecarlo, a short 7 km drive.
For rail travel, the nearest train station is in Pescia, about 5 km away. Trenitalia regional trains connect Pescia to Florence, Lucca, and Pisa. From Pescia, taxis or local buses run to Montecarlo.
Local buses operated by Vaibus connect Montecarlo with nearby towns like Lucca, Pescia, and Altopascio. However, services are limited, so taxis or rental cars offer more flexibility.
By car, Montecarlo is best reached via the A11 (Autostrada Firenze-Mare). Exit at Altopascio and follow signs for Montecarlo, a short 7 km drive.
For rail travel, the nearest train station is in Pescia, about 5 km away. Trenitalia regional trains connect Pescia to Florence, Lucca, and Pisa. From Pescia, taxis or local buses run to Montecarlo.
Local buses operated by Vaibus connect Montecarlo with nearby towns like Lucca, Pescia, and Altopascio. However, services are limited, so taxis or rental cars offer more flexibility.
Montecarlo Gallery
Where should I eat in Montecarlo?
- Ristorante della Fattoria Il Poggio: Set within a working farm and vineyard, this restaurant offers traditional Tuscan dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the estate, enhancing their dining experience.
- Ristorante Forassiepi: Located at the end of a Tuscan hillside, through an ancient archway, Ristorante Forassiepi offers some of the best food in the world.
- Ristorante Osteria del Vecchio Olivo: This establishment is known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine, offering dishes that highlight local flavours and ingredients.
- La Buca Del Norcino: This restaurant is recognized for its authentic Italian dishes, providing a genuine taste of the region's culinary traditions.
- Fattoria La Torre: This establishment is known for its Tuscan cuisine, offering a variety of traditional dishes in a setting that reflects the local culture.
