Day trips from Pisa: places you can't miss

Famous for its Leaning Tower, Pisa is surrounded by historic towns, seaside resorts and beautiful Tuscan landscapes that can be explored in a day. Its location and transport connections make it easy to discover different sides of Pisa and Tuscany, from Renaissance cities to the Mediterranean coast.  

 

If you are planning day trips from Pisa in Italy, you can choose between art cities, seaside resorts and relaxing escapes in the Tuscan countryside. These destinations also rank among the most interesting places to visit near Pisa for travelers looking to explore beyond the city. 

 

 

Best day trips from Pisa 

 

Lucca: Renaissance walls and timeless charm 

A day trip from Pisa to Lucca combines history, architecture and a relaxed atmosphere. The city is surrounded by Renaissance walls, now transformed into a tree-lined promenade that can be explored on foot or by bike. In the historic center, don't miss the oval-shaped Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the Guinigi Tower, famous for the trees growing on its rooftop. Lucca also hosts major international events, including the Lucca Summer Festival and Lucca Comics & Games, one of Europe's leading pop culture festivals.

 

Tip: Climb the Clock Tower for a different rooftop view, or visit the Botanical Garden beside the walls for a quieter stop in the historic center. 

 

 

Florence: Renaissance art and iconic landmarks 

Among the most popular day trips from Pisa, Florence offers world-famous museums, Renaissance architecture and vibrant city life. Visitors can admire landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, while art lovers can explore collections housed in renowned museums throughout the city. The experience also extends to the table: Florentine cuisine celebrates bold, traditional flavors, including street-food classics such as Lampredotto and Florentine tripe. Thanks to direct train connections, Florence can easily be visited in a single day from Pisa. 

 

Tip: For a panoramic finale, head to Piazzale Michelangelo or continue uphill to San Miniato al Monte, away from the busiest central streets. 

 

 

Viareggio: beaches and Liberty architecture 

Traveling from Pisa to Viareggio is one of the easiest ways to experience the Tuscan coast. Located in the heart of Versilia, Viareggio combines long sandy beaches with the elegant Passeggiata, a seafront promenade lined with cafés and Liberty-style buildings. The city is also famous for its historic Carnival, when spectacular papier-mâché floats transform its streets into a colorful open-air celebration. 

 

Tip: Look beyond the beach and explore Viareggio’s Liberty façades; Villa Paolina and the nearby pinewood add an artistic and green break to the day. 

 

 

Livorno: canals, sea views and local flavors 

Going from Pisa to Livorno reveals a different side of Tuscany. Explore the canals and bridges of the Venezia Nuova district before walking along the seafront to Terrazza Mascagni, with its distinctive checkered pavement and views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Livorno is also famous for cacciucco, a traditional fish stew that reflects the importance of seafood in Tuscan cuisine. 

 

Tip: Add the Fortezza Vecchia for views over the port and try Livorno’s local street-food pairing of chickpea cake in bread, known as “5 e 5” (named after the five cents once paid for the bread and five for the chickpea cake). 

 

 

Cinque Terre: colorful villages by the sea 

For travelers wishing to explore beyond Tuscany, the Cinque Terre are among the most rewarding day trips from Pisa. This stretch of Ligurian coastline is known for its colorful villages perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Connected by train and scenic walking trails, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore offer spectacular landscapes and a unique Mediterranean atmosphere. 

 

Tip: Start early and use the local train between villages; Corniglia is the only village without direct sea access and rewards visitors with elevated coastal views. 

 

 

San Giuliano Terme: thermal waters and relaxation 

At the foot of Monte Pisano, San Giuliano Terme offers a peaceful alternative to Tuscany's art cities. Known for its thermal waters and centuries-old spa tradition, the town is ideal for combining wellness with the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding landscape. 

 

Tip: Pair a spa visit with Villa di Corliano, a historic Renaissance residence set in a centuries-old park between Pisa and Lucca. 

 

 

Places to visit near Pisa 

Beyond the most popular day trips from Pisa, there are several interesting places to visit near Pisa that offer a different perspective on Tuscany. Vicopisano is known for its medieval streets and historic fortifications, while Marina di Pisa offers a relaxed atmosphere by the sea. Calci attracts visitors with its historic Certosa and the natural landscapes of Monte Pisano, making it a rewarding destination for those wishing to explore beyond Tuscany's most visited cities. 

 

Tip: In Calci, combine the monumental Charterhouse with the Natural History Museum; around Vicopisano, look for the medieval towers and fortifications linked to Brunelleschi. 

 

 

How to plan your day trips from Pisa 

Planning a day trip from Pisa is a simple and enjoyable way to explore this part of Italy, thanks to the region’s efficient transport network. Destinations such as Lucca, Florence, Viareggio and Livorno are easy to reach by train, while travelling by car offers more flexibility for discovering smaller towns and countryside escapes. 

 

Pisa Airport is connected to Pisa Centrale by the PisaMover, providing easy access to the city's main railway station. The compact historic center of Pisa is also easy to explore on foot, making it simple to combine time in the city with trips to the surrounding area. 

 

 

FAQ 

• Is it better to travel by train or car from Pisa? 

Both options work well, depending on the kind of day you have in mind. Trains connect Pisa easily with Florence, Lucca, Viareggio and Livorno and arrive close to their central areas, while a car opens up more possibilities for discovering smaller villages, rural landscapes and the surroundings of Monte Pisano. 

 

• Can two destinations be combined in the same day? 

Combining two nearby stops can be a pleasant way to add variety to the day. Lucca pairs naturally with some time in Pisa, while Marina di Pisa fits easily alongside the city center. Florence and the Cinque Terre offer plenty to explore on their own and can fill the day at a more relaxed pace. 

 

• How much time should you allow for a Cinque Terre day trip? 

A full day gives the journey a comfortable rhythm. Exploring two or three villages leaves room for scenic train rides, viewpoints and an unhurried meal, while still capturing the distinctive atmosphere of the Cinque Terre. 

 

• Which destinations suit a slower or more relaxing day? 

For a gentler pace, San Giuliano Terme brings together wellness and peaceful surroundings, while Viareggio and Marina di Pisa invite visitors to enjoy the coast. Lucca is another appealing choice, with a compact historic center and tree-lined walls that are easy to explore at leisure.