Lucca holidays

How to reach Lucca

• Flight time: Flights to Lucca’s nearest airport of Pisa take about 2 hours 10 minutes from London, or 2.5 hours from other major UK cities. You can also fly in to Florence Airport, which has similar journey times.

• Transfer time: From Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport, you can catch a direct train to Lucca, which takes around 30 minutes. There’s also a shuttle bus service that runs frequently and typically takes the same amount of time. From Florence, the train journey to Lucca is about 1.5 hours, including a change at Pisa.

• Price: The train from Pisa’s airport to Lucca costs about €5 one-way, while a taxi is likely to set you back around €100. If you prefer a shuttle bus, expect to pay roughly €5–€10. A train ticket from Florence costs around €10.

Best time to visit Lucca

Like much of Tuscany, Lucca has distinct seasons, so your experience will vary depending on when you visit. This guide is designed to help you plan your Lucca holidays around the weather, as well as tourist levels and local festivities:

• April to June is a lovely time to visit Lucca. The weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. There are around 8–10 hours of daily sunshine and minimal rainfall. It’s also Lucca’s festival season, so look out for local celebrations.

• July to August brings long, hot summer days, with temperatures climbing to 30°C or more. The afternoon sun is intense, so it’s best to use the cooler mornings and evenings for sightseeing. Keep in mind that Lucca’s streets are likely to be busy too.

• September to October offers a great shoulder season for visitors. The weather is cooler, with average temperatures between 18°C and 26°C, and it’s still sunny for 8 hours a day. There’s also the added bonus of fewer tourists, meaning a more relaxed experience overall.

• November to March is Lucca’s low season, but the city still has plenty of charm. Temperatures drop to around 8°C to 12°C, and you’ll get 5–6 hours of sunshine most days. Winter is a peaceful time to explore Lucca without the crowds, and Christmas brings festive markets.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, but many locals speak basic English. However, knowing a few words of Italian will go a long way.

• Local habits and customs: Life in Lucca moves at a relaxed pace. It’s common for shops to close in the afternoon, and dinner is a late and leisurely affair. Expect restaurants to be relatively quiet before 8 pm, and for local families to be out late enjoying the evening.

• Health and safety: Lucca is generally a very safe city, but observe the usual precautions, like keeping an eye on your belongings in busy areas.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. Most places accept card payments, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases, especially in local markets.

• Getting around: Lucca is a small city, and while most sights are within walking distance of each other, an efficient local bus service is also available. Single fares cost just €1.50. Cycling is also very popular in Lucca, and you can easily hire bikes to explore the city on two wheels.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses 230V Type F plugs (two round pins). UK travellers will need to pack an adaptor.

• Time zone: Lucca is in Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens can visit Italy for up to 90 days without a visa, but ensure passports are valid for at least three months beyond your holiday.

Best things to do in Lucca

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Lucca is a small city brimming with history, culture and charm. Holidays to Lucca offer the chance to explore a place that has preserved its medieval character, while still feeling vibrant, lively and welcoming. While you’re considering Lucca, take a peek at our holidays to Tuscany for more inspiration.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Torre Guinigi (Guinigi Tower): This elegant medieval tower is one of Lucca’s most iconic landmarks. It stands around 45m tall and is famous for its rooftop oak trees. Climb the 230 steps to be rewarded with stunning views across the city and surrounding hills.

• Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower): Another of Lucca’s tall towers, the Torre delle Ore offers panoramic views after a 207-step climb. Pause for breath while you admire the red-tiled rooftops and rolling Tuscan countryside beyond.

The best districts

• Centro Storico (Historic Centre): The heart of Lucca is its historic centre, where you’ll find narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful squares. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is one of the most picturesque spots. Built on the site of a Roman amphitheatre, it’s now a lively meeting point framed by cafés and shops.

• San Francesco: The quieter San Francesco district offers a more local feel, with quaint streets and small family-run trattorias. It’s also home to the church of San Francesco – a serene spot for enjoying some history and reflection.

Historical monuments

• City Walls: One of Lucca’s most unique features is its Renaissance-era city walls. These wide walls now serve as a pedestrian and cycling path, providing a peaceful, tree-lined 4km route around the city. Cycle along the walls on a rental bike, or simply take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the views.

• San Martino Cathedral: This impressive Romanesque cathedral is a must-see. The façade is intricately detailed, and inside you’ll find the famous Volto Santo (Holy Face), a wooden crucifix that’s an important symbol for the city.

• Palazzo Pfanner (Pfanner Palace): If you love gardens, Palazzo Pfanner is a real treat. The baroque palace has a beautiful garden, complete with statues, fountains and perfectly manicured greenery. The palace itself is now a museum of local art and artefacts.

Day trips in the area

• Pisa: Located just a 30-minute train ride away, Pisa offers much more than its famous Leaning Tower. Take in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, wander along the River Arno or enjoy a traditional meal in one of its buzzing piazzas. Enhance your Italian adventure by exploring our holidays to Pisa as well.

• Florence: A little further afield, Florence is a must-see for art and history lovers. Direct trains reach Florence in just over an hour, leaving you plenty of time to explore its world-famous museums, or simply enjoy walking around its picturesque streets and squares. Consider our holidays to Florence for your next getaway.

Activities for families in Lucca

Lucca is a family-friendly holiday destination with plenty to keep kids entertained. Whether they love soaking up history and culture or prefer getting out and having fun in nature, here are some options to help you make the most of your trip:

• Cycling on the City Walls: Undoubtedly one of the best activities for families in Lucca is renting bikes and cycling around its historic city walls. The flat, shaded path is perfect for children, and there are various opportunities to stop and refuel with ice cream.

• Parks and playgrounds: When the kids need to burn off some energy, head to the Parco della Rimembranza (Park of Remembrance), which has a large playground. You’ll also find plenty of green spaces around the city walls where you can relax while the children play.

• Puccini Museum: If you’ve got a budding musician in the family, the Puccini Museum is a great stop. Located in the house where Giacomo Puccini was born, it offers an engaging insight into the composer’s life and works. There are also interactive exhibits for younger visitors.

Free things to do in Lucca

While Lucca might be known for its history and culture, the city has plenty of free and low-cost activities that will let you fully experience its charm without spending a fortune.

• Walking the City Walls: Lucca’s city walls are free to explore, especially if you walk instead of hiring bikes.

• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: This unusual circular piazza built on the remains of a Roman amphitheatre is one of Lucca’s most iconic spots. It costs nothing to wander through and soak up the atmosphere.

• Free guided tours: Several companies offer tip-based walking tours of Lucca that focus on the city’s history, architecture and famous musical links. These tours are free, but tipping the guide afterwards is a kind gesture.

• Churches: Many of the city’s churches, including the Basilica of San Frediano and San Michele in Foro, are free to enter.

Food and drink in Lucca

Holidays to Lucca aren’t just about history and culture – the food and drink are an experience in themselves. With its rich flavours and simple, locally-sourced ingredients, Lucca’s cuisine offers a true taste of Tuscany.

Some typical dishes

• Tordelli Lucchese: A local speciality, these meat-filled pasta parcels are served with a rich tomato and meat sauce. They work especially well paired with a glass of local red wine.

• Zuppa di Farro: This hearty soup made from spelt, beans and vegetables is a classic Tuscan dish. Perfect for cooler days, you’ll often find it served as a starter in local trattorias.

• Pane Toscano: Lucca, like the rest of Tuscany, is famous for its unsalted bread, which pairs perfectly with the region’s rich meats and cheeses.

Meat dishes

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Though more closely associated with Florence, this huge T-bone steak is also popular in Lucca. Grilled to perfection and finished with a simple drizzle of olive oil, it’s usually shared between diners and accompanied by roasted vegetables.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Baccalà alla Lucchese: Salted cod is a Tuscan staple, and in Lucca it’s often served with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil for added flavour.

Sweets and desserts

• Buccellato: A sweet bread made with raisins and the distinctive taste of aniseed, buccellato is a speciality in Lucca. You’ll find this breakfast-friendly snack in bakeries all over the city.

• Castagnaccio: A dense cake made from chestnut flour and often flavoured with rosemary, pine nuts and raisins. This classic, not-too-sweet Tuscan treat is particularly popular in autumn.

Local drinks

• Montecarlo wines: Just a short distance from Lucca, the Montecarlo wine region produces excellent white and red wines. Be sure to sample some of the local varieties during your stay.

• Vin Santo: A traditional dessert wine often served with cantuccini (almond biscuits). It’s sweet, strong and the perfect end to a Tuscan meal.