Best Activities in Lucca

Riding a bicycle along the broad, flat expanse of the city's 16th-century fortifications is the quintessential local pastime. The wide pathway is entirely free from car traffic and shaded by mature plane and chestnut trees, offering a breezy and safe route. As you pedal the 4.2-kilometre circuit, you are treated to constantly changing vantage points overlooking both the medieval rooftops inside and the distant mountains outside. It is a joyful, low-effort activity that perfectly encapsulates the relaxed lifestyle of the city.

Just outside the historic centre lies a beautiful, extensive nature reserve following the banks of the Serchio River. It provides miles of well-maintained dirt trails that are highly popular with local joggers, horseback riders, and nature walkers. The environment is lush and peaceful, offering a sudden escape into wilder nature away from the stone streets of the city. During the warmer months, locals often come here for picnics or to kayak along the gentle currents of the water.

Nestled in the forested Apennine mountains a short distance from the city, this historic spa town has drawn European nobility and literary figures for centuries. The natural thermal waters emerge at soothingly warm temperatures and are renowned for their health-giving and restorative properties. You can spend a highly indulgent day soaking in the mineral-rich pools or enjoying traditional wellness treatments surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It is an oasis of calm that perfectly complements the cultural exploration of the city.

For those seeking more rigorous physical exertion, the spectacular and rugged peaks of the nearby Apuane Alps offer incredible trekking opportunities. The trails wind through dense chestnut forests, deep marble quarries, and stark limestone ridges that look dramatically alpine despite their proximity to the sea. The area provides routes ranging from moderate woodland walks to challenging ascents with sweeping panoramic views of the Tuscan coastline. It is a pristine environment that showcases the dramatic geological diversity of the region.