A weekend in the Valdera villages

What is the Valdera

The Valdera takes its name from the Era river and covers a group of hill towns in the province of Pisa: Ponsacco, Capannoli, Peccioli, Terricciola, Palaia, Chianni, Lari and Casciana Terme. It's a side of Tuscany less travelled by mass tourism, made of walled villages, olive groves, vineyards and views that open up at every bend. A weekend here means alternating village visits, food and wine stops, and time to relax in nature.

Day 1: Lari and Palaia

Start from the northern side of the Valdera, closest to Pontedera.

• Morning

  Lari

  The village is dominated by the Castello dei Vicari, which can be visited with a guide; around it, a compact and well-preserved old town, also known for its artisan pasta production.

• Lunch

  Country cooking

  Around Lari and Palaia there's no shortage of trattorias serving traditional Tuscan country dishes made with local, seasonal produce.

• Afternoon

  Palaia and Terricciola

  Palaia, with its hamlets scattered across the hills, and Terricciola, at the heart of a well-regarded wine area, round out the day with views and perhaps a stop at a winery for a tasting.

Day 2: Peccioli and Casciana Terme

The second day is dedicated to contemporary art and thermal relaxation.

• Morning

  Peccioli

  A village that has built its identity around scattered contemporary art, with installations along its streets and a fine viewpoint over the valley. Worth a slow, unhurried stroll.

• Lunch

  Winery stop

  The area between Peccioli and Chianni is rich in wine and olive oil producers: many farms offer visits and tastings, best booked in advance directly with the winery.

• Afternoon

  Casciana Terme

  To close the weekend on a relaxing note, the Casciana thermal spa is an ideal choice: check opening hours and treatments on the spa's official website.

Practical tips

Getting around the Valdera requires a car: distances between villages are short, often 15-30 minutes, but the roads are hilly and scenic, so allow a bit more time than the distance alone suggests. Pontedera, well connected to the area's road network and to the Pisa–Florence railway, is a practical base: from there you can easily reach both the Valdera villages and the nearby art cities. Alternatively, for a more immersive experience, you can choose to stay directly at a farmhouse in the hills.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy the Valdera with mild temperatures, but summer, with its local festivals, is also a good reason to visit the villages.

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