If you're planning to spend a few days in the area, here are some of our favourite spots to explore, along with our top picks for gelato, coffee, and great places to eat.
Sightseeing
Charming Villages
Montecatini Alto
If you have a few hours to spare, head to Montecatini Alto for stunning panoramic views over Montecatini Terme and a taste of the slower pace of life. While you're there, treat yourself to authentic gelato at Gelateria La Gigia, then relax with a coffee or aperitivo at La Rughetta. You can drive up the hill or take the historic funicular from Montecatini Terme, a memorable experience in its own right.
Pieve a Nievole
Just a short drive from Montecatini Alto, you'll find another charming hilltop village, Pieve a Nievole, with its narrow streets, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful panoramic views
Colle di Buggiano
Just across the hill from Buggiano Castello, you'll find another charming village with a beautiful little piazza at its heart. The square comes to life around Amici del Colle, a welcoming family-run restaurant. Their deep-fried zucchini flowers and porcini mushrooms are local favourites, while their thin, northern-style pizzas are well worth trying.
Borgo a Buggiano & Buggiano Castello
Home to our family house, these two villages are especially close to our hearts. Buggiano Castello is small but enchanting, with its steep cobbled streets, colourful houses, and timeless atmosphere. Just below, Borgo a Buggiano offers plenty of excellent places to eat, making it the perfect stop after exploring the hilltop village.
Towns & Cities
Florence
Probably no introduction needed, Florence is a city of breathtaking architecture, world-famous art, and some of the best Fiorentina steak. We love visiting in the afternoon, when you can wander the historic streets before watching the sunset from the Ponte Vecchio.
If you're driving, be aware of the ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones), where access is restricted. To avoid fines, we recommend parking at Parcheggio Porta al Prato or Parcheggio Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella and exploring the city on foot.
Lucca
Often considered Florence's quieter little sibling, Lucca is a charming, laid-back town known for its artistic atmosphere. If you love old books, vintage prints, and hidden treasures, don't miss a visit to Piazzetta del Libro.
Pistoia
Home to our wedding on 16 May, Pistoia is full of charming squares, including Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Sala, where beautiful historic architecture and the greenery create the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon.
Pisa
We know this might be an unpopular opinion, but we don't think it's worth dedicating an entire day to Pisa just for a photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. If it's on your bucket list, we'd suggest making it a quick stop before heading to Marina di Pisa or one of the nearby beaches. For a more natural, local feel, we love Dunadonda; if you prefer a classic seaside town with a promenade, Viareggio is a great choice.
Gelato - Icecream
Ultimo Kilometro Gelato in Borgo a Buggiano
Barrone Rosso in Borgo a Buggiano
Gelateria La Gigia in Montecatini Alto
Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera in Florence
Lunch & Dinner
Il Giardino del Bagatto in Borgo a Buggiano
Trattoria Il Mercato in Borgo a Buggiano is a true local gem, run by a lovely family of an older lady and her children. There is no menu. Instead, you sit down and she tells you what’s being served that day. It’s not a refined dining experience, but it’s full of character.
Come a casa Pizzeria - Birreria in Borgo a Buggiano - Napoletan pizza style + local craft beers
Il Bistro del Maialetto in Montecatini Terme for panini
Flavore Ristorante in Buggiano Castello
Stai Sereno Trattoria in Borgo a Buggiano
Amici del Colle in Colle a Buggiano
Trattoria Dalloste in Florence for good quality steak (needs prior reservation)
Ristorante Devoti inside La Monastica Resort & Spa in Buggiano Castello (highend dinning, needs prior reservation)
Specialty Coffee
Chelotti in Margine Coperta, near Borgo a Buggiano
SimBIOsi Organic Cafe & Lovely Bistro in Florence
Melaleuca Bakery + Bistrot | Brunch & Specialty Coffee in Florence
FLUID - Specialty Coffee & Sharing in Florence
Coffee Mantra in Florence