Around Pontedera
A strategic location at the heart of Tuscany: from the Valdera villages to the great art cities, everything is within day-trip reach. Here's where to go and how.
The Valdera
The valley of the Era river is a mosaic of medieval villages, spa towns, wine and contemporary art, still far from mass tourism.
- Lari — the Castello dei Vicari, the cherries and the artisan pasta
- Peccioli — a contemporary-art village, with installations and a viewpoint
- Casciana Terme — relax at the historic spa
- Vicopisano — Brunelleschi's towers and fortifications
- Terricciola and Palaia — hills, wineries and tastings
Volterra
One of the oldest art towns of Etruria, perched on a hill: alabaster, ancient walls and a timeless atmosphere.
- The Roman Theatre and the Etruscan Acropolis
- Piazza dei Priori and the Palazzo dei Priori
- The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum and the "Shadow of the Evening"
- The alabaster workshops
- The Etruscan Porta all'Arco gate
Pisa
The Leaning Tower is only the beginning: Piazza dei Miracoli is one of the most beautiful squares in the world, and the centre along the Arno is worth a stroll.
- The Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli
- The Cathedral and the Baptistery
- The Monumental Camposanto
- The Lungarni and Borgo Stretto
- The Galileo Galilei international airport
Lucca
The city of a hundred churches, enclosed by perfectly preserved Renaissance walls you can walk and cycle along.
- The Walls, walkable on foot and by bike
- Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, oval in shape
- The Guinigi Tower with oaks on top
- The Cathedral of San Martino
- The homes of Giacomo Puccini
Florence
The cradle of the Renaissance: legendary museums, Brunelleschi's dome and masterpieces at every corner. An easy trip by train from Pontedera.
- The Duomo and Brunelleschi's Dome
- The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia (the David)
- Ponte Vecchio and the Arno
- Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens
- Piazzale Michelangelo for the view
How to travel between destinations
Pisa, Lucca and Florence are easy by train from Pontedera–Casciana Terme station. For Volterra and the Valdera villages a car is best. See times and connections on the dedicated page.
Getting here & around