40 min drive
Lucca
A charming walled city: the intact Renaissance ramparts, the oval Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and beautiful San Michele in Foro. Made for wandering.
More on Lucca
Coast, mountains & medieval towns
The Area
Peralta sits high in the hills of Versilia — the sea one way, the marble mountains the other, and some of Tuscany’s loveliest towns within an easy drive.
Welcome to Peralta
Few places let you swim in the morning and stand among marble quarries by lunch
We are delighted to have you here. This guide is our way of letting you in on a few of the things we love most about this corner of Tuscany — the towns and the sea, the vineyards and the marble mountains, the long lunches and the quiet walks home.
Take your time. Peralta rewards the unhurried.
Within easy reach of
Approximate driving times from the borgo
Day trips
The towns
Renaissance cities and the city of artists, all within easy reach.
1 hr 35 drive
Florence
The capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance — the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio — with exquisite architecture, world-class museums and vibrant piazzas.
More on Florence
40 min drive
Pisa
Famous for the Leaning Tower, but the Piazza dei Miracoli — Cathedral and Baptistery — is the real marvel, with a lovely old town beyond.
3rd weekend
Antique Market
Held in Lucca on the third Saturday and Sunday of each month — a morning market of unique treasures and local craft. Not to be missed.
Saturday am
Seaside Markets
Saturday-morning market at Marina di Pietrasanta and Tonfano — local crafts and fresh produce in a lively coastal setting.
Every weekly market, and the antiques market’s dates for 2027, are in What’s on. All of these towns are a day trip from the houses and apartments at Peralta.
Fiore’s town
Pietrasanta
25 min drive
The City of Artists: bronze foundries and marble studios, galleries around Piazza del Duomo, medieval streets and the Versilia beaches nearby.
Fiore’s story
The coast
By the sea
From the painted villages of the Cinque Terre to the elegance of Forte dei Marmi.
≈1 hr 15 by road
Cinque Terre & Porto Venere
- Getting there
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Drive to Porto Venere or Riomaggiore, or ferry from La Spezia and hop between villages.
The Via dell'Amore, from Riomaggiore to Manarola, is walked one way in a timed slot, booked in advance with a Cinque Terre Card (card.parconazionale5terre.it). Checked September 2026.
- Where to stop
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Porto Venere and Vernazza are the must-sees. Lunch at Locanda Lorena on the Island of Palmaria, facing Porto Venere.
- On the water
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A 45-minute boat trip circles the three islands, with the iconic church on the rocks at the tip of Porto Venere.
30 min · the Versilia at its most elegant
Forte dei Marmi
- Beaches
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Fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear water — perfect for relaxation, sunbathing and a swim in the warm Tuscan sun.
- Shopping
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Elegant shops, high-end boutiques and local artisans — a refined blend of fashion, homeware and craft.
- Dining
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Upscale restaurants and fresh local cooking. The Beach Club Alpemare, owned by Andrea Bocelli, is a byword for seaside luxury.
A relaxed day by the coast
Marina di Pietrasanta & wellness
- Beach clubs
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Long sandy beaches with clubs offering sunbeds, umbrellas and watersports — a vibrant atmosphere and delicious local seafood.
- Wellness
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The Teresita Wellness Club: massages, body treatments and serene spaces designed to help you unwind.
- For families
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Family-friendly attractions, watersports and nearby parks — a relaxed day by this beautiful coast.
The wild
Mountains & trails
Marble quarries, river pools and a turquoise lake in the Apuan Alps.
20 minutes away
Casoli picnic
- The setting
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Near Pieve, a tranquil escape — follow the winding path by the cemetery to serene spots along the river.
- By the water
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Flat picnic areas, large pools and the gentle sound of the river — ideal for families and a cooling swim.
- For children
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In July and August the river fills with tadpoles. Nearby Candalla offers more scenic picnic options still.
Carrara · ~45 min
The Marble Mountains
- Stunning landscapes
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At Galleria Fantiscritti they mine inside the mountain — a little bus takes you in; vivid and well explained.
- Marble museum
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The Carrara Marble Museum (Museo Civico del Marmo) is closed for renovation, with no reopening date yet — do check before visiting. CARMI (Museo Carrara e Michelangelo) is a fine alternative. Checked September 2026.
- History
-
Carrara's marble built Michelangelo's David. Lunch at Bedizzano, where Ometto overlooks the quarries from a vine-shaded terrace.
The Fantiscritti quarry tours (Marmotour) run from late March to early November; booking is needed on weekdays in April, May, September and October (marmotour.eu). Checked September 2026.
A scenic hour through the Apuan Alps
Isola Santa — Dinah's Drive
- Artistic heritage
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Begin in Pietrasanta, rich in bronze foundries and marble workshops, then climb towards Seravezza through picturesque hills.
- Culinary delights
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Towards Castelnuovo lies Isola Santa, a slate-roofed hamlet on a mountain lake. Quite beautiful — and La Ceragetta on the road above.
- Stunning views
-
Take the road for Arni and Massa; from the last tunnel the whole Carrara range opens up. On a clear day, the sea.
The cellar
Vineyards & wine
Brunello, Chianti Classico and the quiet estates of Volterra.
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Chianti Classico
Castello di Brolio
A historic castle in the Chianti Classico region; guided tours through the vineyards and cellar reveal the secrets of the wine.
2 hr 25 drive
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Brunello di Montalcino
Fattoria dei Barbi
Renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino, with tastings paired to local dishes in a traditional setting.
2 hr 45 drive
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Brunello di Montalcino
Biondi Santi
Pioneers of Brunello di Montalcino; guided tours and tastings reveal a deep commitment to tradition.
2 hr 42 drive
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Volterra · red & white
Podere Marcampo
A family-run vineyard pairing tastings with farm produce — authentic country flavours in a rustic setting.
1 hr 30 drive
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Volterra · red, white & rosé
Tenuta MonteRosola
Guided tours of a modern cellar, exquisite wines and sweeping views over rolling hills and vines.
1 hr 40 drive
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Volterra · red & white
Fattoria di Fibbiano
Tradition and innovation together in a rustic, authentic setting — ideal for discovering Tuscan wine.
1 hr 40 drive
Walks from the door
On foot
We sit in the centre of a hiker's paradise — paths lead straight from the gate. We can give you printed directions for any of these — just ask.
“Stunning views, amazing pool, beautiful artwork, and a hiking paradise all around.”
- 20 min · Easy
To Pieve
Down the normal road to the blue 'Peralla' sign; turn right at the hairpin bend and follow the little road, keeping left at every choice. You come out at the back of the Pieve shops — far prettier than the long way round. The grocer's, on the right after the church, has wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables and a good choice of Tuscan pecorino; people come specially for the prosciutto.
- 40 min · Easy
To Camaiore
Down the path beside the chapel; left at the bottom, then right on the tarmac. Watch for a large red mark sending you onto the footpath on the right, which meets a tarmac road — turn left, then right onto the tree-lined road into town. A taxi can bring you back.
- Steep climb
Up the Mountain
A track climbs the mountain directly behind us, right to the top. Hard work and all uphill, but the views are lovely. It goes up past our swimming pool — keep to the right.
- 30–40 min · Easy
Circular by the Pool
Down the path beside the chapel, turn right at the bottom up a track, then take the first track on the right. You come out above the swimming pool; turn right and the path drops back down past the pool and home.
- 35 min · Easy
Circular to Buchignano
Through Agliano and Buchignano as if heading to Torcigliano. Follow the road down and out of the village, then turn right onto a track opposite an ochre-yellow house — visible from Peralta. Out by the old washing well, and home.
A favourite route Torcigliano & Gombitelli
- From the parking place, take the cement track to the left of the first house. Pass several houses; the track runs through vineyards (lots of bumps) and comes out in a wood. On the left are the old water troughs where local people did their washing.
- Follow the track past a Madonna on your left. Where the main track begins to drop downhill, take the little footpath on the left, marked with a red dash on a tree. It climbs gently, parallel to the main track.
- The path goes through Buchignano. Nearly through, take the concrete track on the left that climbs steeply — look for a green mesh fence, a Madonna in the wall, a green rail on the right and a freshly built stone wall.
- The concrete track climbs, then becomes a footpath following the contour of the hill, with fabulous views across the valley of Nocchi to the hills and the sea beyond. At the fork, take the left-hand path.
- You reach a tarmac road. Turn right, then immediately left onto another track. Carry on to Torcigliano: the footpath skirts the top of the village to the church, where the road leads down to the restaurant Il Mattarello.
- To continue to Gombitelli, follow the footpath below the church — about another 1½ hours, with some uphill. A red-and-yellow waymark should appear from time to time to show you're on the right path.
Il Mattarello. Walk over for lunch (Saturdays & Sundays only), or make it an evening walk, dine, and the restaurant will order a taxi home — light permitting! A taxi back costs about €30.
The whole of Tuscany is within reach — but many guests never make it past the market and the beach.
Where we eat
The table
Trattorie and osterie we and our guests return to.
Pieve di Camaiore
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La Pieve
Our local, and very good: a varied menu, excellent steaks, very reasonable. Walk down via the 'Peralla' sign.
Closed Tuesday · +39 0584 988 962
Camaiore
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Trattoria Da Marchino
On the main street — simple, delicious local food at good prices.
Closed Monday · +39 0584 984095
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La Dogana
Capezzano Pianore. Fine cooking, a fabulous olive-grove terrace, lovely house wine.
Closed Monday · +39 0584 915 159
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Osteria Candalla
Riverside bar with traditional cuisine and great charm.
Closed Monday · +39 335 6353888
Pietrasanta
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Enoteca Marcucci
Good produce and a fine wine list. Expensive.
Closed Tuesday · +39 0584 791962
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Il Marzocco
Trattoria moderna. Unusual decor; an inventive mix of Sicilian and Indian flavours.
Lido di Camaiore · Pisa
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La Cantina da Bruno
A real trattoria — meat, fish, pizza — inexpensive and highly recommended. Inside seating only.
Closed Thursday and at lunch · +39 0584 676 24
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Osteria dei Cavalieri
Via San Frediano, Pisa.
Closed Sunday and Saturday lunch · +39 050 58 08 58
Lucca
-
Osteria Da Pasquale
Pasqualino Gubitosa's small restaurant, Via del Moro: excellent food and wine. About €40 a person.
Closed Tuesday; evenings only · +39 0583 496 506
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Da Leo
Typical Lucca cooking; huge, busy, fun. Very local.
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Trattoria Gigi
Reasonable, busy, excellent grilled meat. Popular with locals.
Closed Wednesday · +39 0583 467266
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All'Olivo
High-quality trattoria, gourmet.
Torcigliano
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Il Mattarello
The best typical food of our hills, very popular with locals, and the homemade pasta is fabulous. A lovely hour's walk from Peralta in the cooler months; a taxi back, or walk both ways.
Closed Wednesday; lunch Saturday and Sunday only · +39 0584 951 147
Viareggio
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L'Angolino
A small, friendly fish restaurant with an excellent young chef who changes his menu all the time. One of Dinah's favourites.
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Da Giorgio
Only fish.
Closed Wednesday · +39 0584 44 493
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Ristorante Pino
Lobster is the speciality. Excellent.
Closed Wednesday · +39 0584 961356
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Il Porto
Smart restaurant with a good reputation.
Closed Tuesday · +39 0584 383 878
Further afield
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Locanda Lorena
Porto Venere: on the Island of Palmaria, with its own motorboat from Porto Venere.
New management since 2025 — hours vary; please check · +39 0187 792370
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Il Poveromo
Pruno di Stazzema. Lovely and peaceful, in the hills behind Seravezza.
Closing days and numbers change from time to time; do ring ahead. Checked September 2026. For shops, the pharmacy, the bank and a taxi, see Guest Information.
Spring to autumn 2027
What’s on
Festivals, feast days, concerts and markets within a day’s drive, from Camaiore’s sawdust carpets to the Palio in Siena.
March 2027
-
Sunday 28 March 2027 (Easter Sunday), 11:00 am
Scoppio del Carro
Florence, Piazza del Duomo
On Easter morning a decorated cart is drawn by white oxen to the cathedral square, where a mechanical dove sent from the altar sets off its fireworks.
cultura.comune.fi.it
April 2027
-
2 to 4 April 2027
-
From 18 April 2027
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Florence, Teatro del Maggio
Florence's spring festival of opera and concerts opens with Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream on 18 April; Riccardo Muti conducts the opening concert on 21 April.
maggiofiorentino.com
May 2027
-
Night of Saturday 29 May into Sunday 30 May 2027
Corpus Domini sawdust carpets
Camaiore, Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via XX Settembre
Ten minutes from Peralta: teams of local artisans lay long pictures in coloured sawdust through the night, and the Corpus Domini procession walks over them on the Sunday morning.
By custom, the night before the Corpus Domini procession; the 2027 programme is not yet out.
versiliatoday.it
June 2027
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Evening of Wednesday 16 June 2027
Luminara di San Ranieri
Pisa, along the Arno
Tens of thousands of candles outline the buildings along the Arno on the eve of the feast of San Ranieri, Pisa's patron saint, followed by fireworks over the river.
comune.pisa.it -
Thursday 17 June 2027
Palio di San Ranieri
Pisa, on the Arno
A rowing race on the Arno between crews from Pisa's historic quarters, on the feast of the city's patron saint.
comune.pisa.it -
Thursday 24 June 2027
Calcio Storico Fiorentino: the final
Florence, Piazza Santa Croce
The final of Florence's historic football tournament, played in costume on sand in Piazza Santa Croce between two of the city's four historic quarters.
The semi-finals are played earlier in June; their dates are announced in the spring.
feelflorence.it -
Thursday 24 June 2027
Festa di San Giovanni
Florence
Florence's patron saint's day, with a morning procession to offer candles at the Baptistery and, in the evening, fireworks from Piazzale Michelangelo.
cultura.comune.fi.it -
Saturday 26 June 2027
Gioco del Ponte
Pisa, Ponte di Mezzo
After a Renaissance-costume parade, teams from the two halves of the city push a heavy cart along a track on the bridge, each trying to drive it into the other side.
comune.pisa.it
July 2027
-
Friday 2 July 2027
Palio di Siena
Siena, Piazza del Campo
The bareback horse race round the Piazza del Campo between Siena's contrade, preceded by a historic pageant.
palio.comune.siena.it -
9 July to 29 August 2027
Festival Puccini
Torre del Lago, the open-air theatre on Lake Massaciuccoli
Open-air Puccini by the lake near his villa: La rondine, Turandot, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, La bohème and Il trittico.
puccinifestival.it -
10 to 12 July 2027
I Giorni di San Paolino and the Palio della Balestra
Lucca
Three days for Lucca's patron saint: a parade on 10 July, an evening illumination on 11 July and, on 12 July, the crossbow contest between the city's three terzieri.
rievocazionistoriche.cultura.gov.it -
July 2027: so far 17, 20 and 30 July
Lucca Summer Festival
Lucca, on the city walls
Open-air concerts by major international acts; so far Muse (17 July), Take That (20 July) and Simply Red (30 July) are announced.
More concerts are likely to be added.
summer-festival.com
August 2027
-
Sunday 1 August 2027
Palio del Golfo
La Spezia, in the gulf
A rowing race in the Gulf of La Spezia between crews from the thirteen seaside districts, with a night parade in the days before.
paliodelgolfo.it -
Monday 16 August 2027
Palio di Siena
Siena, Piazza del Campo
The August running of Siena's horse race round the Piazza del Campo, in honour of the Assumption.
palio.comune.siena.it
September 2027
-
Evening of Tuesday 7 September 2027
Festa della Rificolona
Florence, Piazza Santissima Annunziata
On the eve of the Nativity of Mary, children and families carry paper lanterns through the city to Piazza Santissima Annunziata.
comune.firenze.it -
Evening of Monday 13 September 2027, from 8:00 pm
Luminara di Santa Croce
Lucca, from San Frediano to the cathedral
The high point of the Settembre Lucchese: a candlelit procession through the old town in honour of the Volto Santo, with the street lights off and the buildings lit by candles.
turismo.lucca.it
Every week, every month
-
Third Sunday of each month and the Saturday before
Lucca antiques market
Lucca, around the cathedral of San Martino
Antiques and collectables stalls fill the streets and squares around the cathedral.
20–21 March, 17–18 April, 15–16 May, 19–20 June, 17–18 July, 14–15 August, 18–19 September, 16–17 October 2027
turismo.lucca.it -
Last weekend of each month
Arti & Mestieri
Lucca, Piazza San Giusto
A crafts market in the heart of the old town.
turismo.lucca.it -
Every Friday morning
Camaiore market
Camaiore, historic centre
The general market in town: food, produce, clothing and household goods, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
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Every Thursday morning
Pietrasanta market
Pietrasanta, Piazza Statuto and Piazza Crispi
The town's weekly general market, just below the old town.
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Every Wednesday, and every Sunday from Easter to late October
Forte dei Marmi market
Forte dei Marmi, Piazza Marconi
The town's large general market, 8:00 am to 1:30 pm; an antiques market fills Piazza Dante on the second weekend of each month.
visitforte.com
Dates to be announced
-
Usually mid-May
Festa del Limone
Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre
A village lemon festival, with lemon-based food and produce on sale in the streets.
lamialiguria.it -
Usually July and August
La Versiliana Festival
Marina di Pietrasanta, Villa La Versiliana
A summer programme of theatre, concerts and talks in the pine woods of Villa La Versiliana.
visittuscany.com -
Usually early September
Murabilia
Lucca, on the city walls
A garden and rare-plant fair on Lucca's walls, the late-summer counterpart to Verdemura.
luccacrea.it -
Throughout September, centred on 13 and 14 September
Settembre Lucchese
Lucca
A month of religious festivals, fairs, historical re-enactments and concerts, built around the feast of the Holy Cross.
turismo.lucca.it -
Usually the end of October into early November
Lucca Comics & Games
Lucca, throughout the historic centre
A very large comics and games festival that takes over the old town; crowds and traffic are heavy while it runs.
visittuscany.com
Dates are from the organisers and the towns’ own sites; do confirm before you travel. Checked September 2026.
