Lucca Car Hire

Guide of Lucca

Geography

Lucca is a city in Tuscany, located in north-central Italy. It sits in the valley of the Serchio River and is surrounded by rolling hills. The Apuan Alps surround the city to the north and west.

Climate in Lucca

Lucca has a typically Mediterranean climate, with a mild short winter and warm summers. The coldest month in Lucca is January, with an average low temperature of 3°C and highs of 10°C. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average high of 30°C and low of 18°C. November is the rainiest month, with an average of 9.3 days of rain throughout the month. The best months to visit Lucca are May, June and September, when temperatures are higher but not sweltering.

Culture

Lucca was first settled by the Etruscans as early as the 3rd century BC. The Romans arrived in 180 BC and named the city Luca, which means “sacred wood”.They laid out the current street plan and the Piazza San Michele stands on the site of the ancient forum. The city quickly became an important colony, renowned for its music school, which was founded in 787 AD. It’s still famous for its musical associations: Giacomo Puccini, who wrote Madame Butterfly and Tosca, hailed from here. It was also popular with Romantic poets like Percy Shelley, who wrote “The Baths of Lucca” about the pretty city.

Things To Do in Lucca

Explore the Palazzo Pfanner

This 17th-century palace, originally known as Palazzo Controni, was once owned by an Austrian brewer who set up one of Italy’s earliest breweries. It’s home to one of the region’s most exquisite gardens, filled with bamboo, palm trees and statues of Greek gods. Inside, there are exhibitions dedicated to art and surgical artefacts in honour of Pietro Pfanner, who later became the Mayor of Lucca.

Hike or bike the city walls

Lucca’s city walls were first constructed by the Romans, then rebuilt in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. The 4.9km loop is lined with trees and free from cars, with views of both the medieval city centre and the surrounding countryside. You can hire bikes from one of the bike rental outlets in Piazza Santa Maria.

Take in the view from Torre Guinigi

Once upon a time, there were as many as 250 towers dotted across the city. There’s just a handful left in Lucca today. At 45 metres high, the Torre Guinigi is the most impressive. The 230 steps to the rooftop garden are well worth the workout.

Pay your respects at the Puccini Museum

The famous Italian composer was born in Lucca and his home is now a museum. Inside, the rooms have been restored to their original state, with historic furniture and objects that once belonged to the musician, including his Steinway & Sons piano. There are also signed scores of his early compositions, paintings and costumes. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago.

Brush up on botany

The Botanical Garden was founded in 1820 by Maria Luisa of Bourbon, Duchess of Lucca. The two-acre gardens, located in the southeast corner of the old town, are brimming with exotic flora and fauna, winding paths and ornate statues.

Eating Out in Lucca

Like Emilia-Romagna, Umbria and Campania, Tuscany is blessed with bountiful fruit and vegetables. Tomatoes are the cornerstone of local cuisine, used for beef and pork stews, pastas and soups. History is important to Lucca, and many of the city’s most famous dishes date back centuries. The city is renowned for its crumbly pecorino sheep’s cheese, farro soup and castagnaccio, a traditional chestnut cake.

Piazza Anfiteatro and Fillungo are bursting with brilliant restaurants, like the Trattoria da Giulio and Peperosa. Just around the corner, at the Lucca Center of Contemporary Art, is L’Imbuto. This high-end restaurant is run by one of Italy’s most controversial chefs, who has built up a reputation for his creative dishes. Ristorante Butterfly, which is located just outside the city centre in a rural farmhouse surrounded by lush gardens and an outdoor pavilion, is another popular spot too.

Transport

Airport

The closest international airport to Lucca is Pisa, which is around 40 km southwest of Lucca. Most major international airlines fly here, including EasyJet, Alitalia and British Airways. To reach Lucca from Pisa, you can either take the train or hire a car – both take around 30 minutes. The nearest train station to the city centre is Porta San Pietro.

Buses generally take longer and cost at least the same amount as the train ticket. You could also fly into Florence, which takes around an hour and a half. From here, you can either drive or take the train.

Getting Around Lucca

One of the many advantages of Lucca’s compact historic centre is that it’s free from cars and traffic. The best way to explore is on foot or by bicycle. Lucca is famously bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and stations across the city. There are affordable bike rental shops all across the city. If you’ve rented a car, there are dozens of car parks outside the city walls, some with a shuttle or bus service into the city centre. Renting a car is recommended if you’re looking to explore the sights outside the city walls, like the golden circle of villas around Lucca, the thermal baths and some of the region’s many wineries.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Lucca

• Research Car Hire Companies: Explore various car hire companies in Lucca and compare their offerings. Look for reliable car hire providers that offer competitive prices.

• Compare Lucca Car Hire Prices: To find the best deals and cheap car hire in Lucca, compare prices from different car rental companies. Look for promotions, discounts, and special offers to secure a cost-effective rental.

• Vehicle Options: Consider your needs when selecting a car. Whether you require a small car for easy city navigation, medium car, luxury cars for added comfort, or a van hire for group travel, choose a vehicle that suits your preferences.

• International Driving Permit: If you're an international traveler, check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to comply with local regulations.

• If you're a young driver, inquire about any applicable young driver surcharge. Some car rental companies may impose additional fees for drivers under a certain age.

• Different Location Returns: Check if the car rental company allows you to return the vehicle to a different location. This flexibility can be convenient for one-way trips.

• Book in Advance: To secure the best car hire deals in Lucca, consider booking your hire car in advance. Early reservations often come with discounted rates.

• Check Rental Terms: Before confirming your reservation, carefully read the rental terms and conditions. Pay attention to fuel policies, mileage restrictions, and any additional fees.

• Inspect the Vehicle: Upon receiving your rental car, thoroughly inspect it for any existing damages. Take note of any scratches or dents, and report them to the rental company to avoid disputes later.