Find out how to have fun in Pisa and where to go on excursions.

Sights and history

Although Pisa is a city of only one monument, don't be fooled and discover other lesser-known places in Pisa besides the most famous one. However, it is certain that the first steps of the vast majority of tourists will head to the UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli, which boasts these monuments mostly dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries:

• Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Cathedral of the Assumption
• Baptistery of St. John the Baptist
• Camposanto Cemetery

In the centre of Pisa, however, on the way to the Leaning Tower, don't forget to visit the centre of political power , Piazza dei Cavalieri, and if you have time to spare, stop by the pithy church of Santa Maria della Spina or the fortresses of Giardino Scotto or Torre Guelfa, for example.

Excursions around the area

Pisa is ideally situated for taking day trips or day trips in all directions. You can visit magnificent historic towns, resorts, mountains and the beautiful wild coast. Especially if you don't like to change accommodation during your holiday, but also like to travel to multiple destinations, Pisa should definitely be your base.

A trip to Florence

Florence, Tuscany's capital and one of Italy's most visited places, is just under 90km from Pisa and offers itself as an ideal larger trip, or combining Pisa into one trip.

It's important to remember that Florence itself is a 2-3 day destination at the very least, so if you get a cheap Ryanair ticket to Pisa, you might as well check if another airline, such as volotea.com, offers cheap flights from Florence. You can then plan a great sightseeing trip around Tuscany.

• Fastest way - Trenitalia trains about 50 - 70 minutes depending on the type of train, trains run 2-5 times an hour all day
• Price - one way ticket from 8,70 eur, return is not discounted, just buy at the ticket machine
• Length of trip - ideally 2-4 days, fast travellers can manage but also turn around
• Guide to Florence
• Accommodation in Florence

A trip to Lucca

Lucca is the closest city of interest to Pisa and, at roughly the same size, offers many times more sights and a much larger historic centre. Head to Lucca to experience the atmosphere of medieval Italian cities and discover the beauty of its monuments.

• Thefastest way - Trenitalia trains take about 27 minutes, trains run twice an hour all day
• Price - one way ticket from 3,60 eur, return is not discounted, just buy at the ticket machine
• Trip length - 1 day
• Lucca guide

Trip to Siena

Siena is the jewel of Tuscany and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. The magnificent historic centre is set in a hilly landscape, creating incredible panoramas. With its size and concentration of sights, Siena is the perfect place for both fast travellers and those of you who like to stay in one place for multiple days.

• Fastest way - Trenitalia trains approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes, trains run twice an hour throughout the day, usually requiring a change in Empoli
• Price - one way ticket from 10,90 eur, return is not discounted, just buy at the ticket machine
• Trip length - 1 to 2 days
• Siena Guide
• Accommodation in Siena

Trip to Cinque Terre

The famous Ligurian coast with its five colourful, pithy villages attracts travellers from all over the world. And Pisa is the closest major international airport to this coastline, again making it an ideal starting point.

• Thefastest way to get there - Trenitalia trains take about 1.5 to 2 hours, trains run 1-2 times an hour throughout the day, usually requiring a change in La Spezia
• Price - one-way ticket from 8,60 eur, return is not discounted, just buy at the ticket machine
• Length of trip - for a spin, but also for a night or two
• Guide to Cinque Terre
• Accommodation in Cinque Terre

Trip to Massa and Carrara

Less well known, but all the more authentic and less touristy, are the towns in the continuously inhabited belt along the coast between Pisa and La Spezia. Ideally combine a trip to the historic town of Massa with its Masalpina Castle and the town of Carrara with a visit to the famous marble mines.

The two towns are traditionally best reached from Pisa by Trenitalia trains, which run several times an hour on this route. The journey to Massa (Massa-Centro station) takes about 37 minutes and costs 5,80 eur for a one-way ticket, while the journey to Carrara (Carrara-Avenza station) is about 5 minutes longer and costs the same.

This trip will take you less than a day and you can do it in a roundabout way.

A trip to the Apuan Alps

Just under 20km north of Pisa, the majestic mountains of the Apuan Alps begin to rise, but despite their name, they are not part of the Alps, but the Apennines. The highest mountain reaches 1,945m above sea level and the mountain range is ideal for wandering through forgotten mountain villages, hiking with spectacular views and in winter you can ski in several small ski resorts.

There are buses to the mountain villages (especially from Lucca and Viareggio), but it's definitely more practical to rent a car in Pisa and head into the mountains independently of the timetables.

Beaches and swimming

Pisa may not be a typical beach destination, but the proximity to the sea on hot summer days simply draws travellers to the sea anyway. The closest resort to the centre is Marina di Pisa, which offers little-visited pebble beaches and a laid-back small town, followed by the quiet town of Tirrenia with its beautiful sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

For a much more spacious and classic straight long beaches with fine sand, the larger resort of Viareggio with its pretty historic centre will surely tempt you, 16 minutes and 3,60 eur by train from Pisa. However, the straight, wide beach stretches from Viareggio practically all the way to Massa, measuring an impressive 20 km!