Lucca is Italy's best-kept secret
Set along the Serchio river between the Apennine Mountains and the Versilia coast, Lucca is known for its historic city center, chocolate box churches and perfectly preserved Renaissance walls. The city is a popular day trip option from the likes of Florence and Pisa, although if you prefer to explore at a more leisurely pace, Lucca vacation rentals offer an ideal base. Once you're settled in, you'll find an array of activities awaiting you, from sipping aperitivo amid the elegant surroundings of Piazza Anfiteatro to scaling the heights of Medieval Guinigi Tower to appreciate the mesmerizing views from the top.
Natural wonders and cultural delights in Lucca
A popular way to explore Lucca is by bike and you'll find plenty to rent in the city. Wheels in place, you can cycle along the city's 16th-century walls, the top of which have long since been transformed into a picturesque tree-lined park. Along its almost 3-mile route, the wall reveals children's play areas, picnic spots and unexpected treasures such as the Lucca Botanical Garden. The city center below holds its own delights, not least the Romanesque Church of San Frediano and Cathedral of San Martino, the latter the guardian of Volto Santo, an ancient crucifix and revered object of pilgrimage.
A lively calendar of events in Lucca
While the city offers a relaxed setting, its calendar is nothing short of lively. Between March and November, visitors can enjoy the music of composer Giacomo Puccini, the city's most famous son, at nightly concerts at the Church of San Giovanni. In winter, the event takes place at the Cathedral Museum, albeit less frequently. Other highlights of the city's busy calendar include the Lucca Summer Festival, an annual event attracting top music acts from around the world, while in late October/early November, residents and visitors alike are often tempted to indulge in a little cosplay at the popular Lucca Comics & Games.
Sun-soaked summers in Lucca
The summer months of July and August, when temperatures often hit the high 80s and flowers are in full bloom, is a lovely time to visit Lucca, though it's often the busiest, so it's worth booking your favorite Lucca vacation rental well in advance. Those visiting between late September and October will be rewarded with lower rental rates and the chance to visit local wineries during harvest time. Winter stays between November and March can also yield some pretty good deals although the spring months of April and May are something of a sweet spot, with fewer crowds and temperatures in the 70s.
Outdoor adventure near Lucca
While cultural visits are likely to be the main feature of any stay in a Lucca vacation rental, there's also scope for a little outdoor adventure. The Serchio river offers the perfect setting for fishing, rafting and swimming in the dam of Sant' Alessio while Natural Park Migliarino San Rossore in Pisa is just 30 minutes' drive from many rentals. Activities such as hiking, biking and horse riding are readily available although canoeing and kayaking are also on offer in the Arno. On the park's western border, beach days ahoy at the likes of Marina di Vecchiano and Torre del Lago.
Traveling to and around Lucca
The nearest airport is in Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), located 34.9 mi (56.2 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you can also fly into Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA), which is 11.2 mi (18.1 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Lucca Station, Lucca San Pietro a Vico Station and Lucca Ponte a Moriano Station are the main stations in the area.