Find your perfect hire car in Lucca
Lucca in northern Tuscany is regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful renaissance cities. Even more appealing, it is slightly off the beaten track compared to other popular destinations in Tuscany like Florence and Sienna. What’s more, for car fans, the city’s narrow cobbled streets lined with colourful pastel painted houses, were once home to an historic motor-racing circuit.
Today, Lucca is often on the route of the famous Mille Miglia race for classic cars as well as being a stage in the Giro d’Italia, the most important cycling race in Italy. At the foot of the Apuan Alps, Lucca is also close to the sparkling Ligurian coast at Viareggio making the city the perfect base to explore in your Avis rental vehicle.
Where to find Avis in Lucca
You’ll find our friendly Avis team on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip at our local Avis office in Lucca. The city is an easy drive by hire car from Pisa airport, making it the perfect destination for a long weekend in Italy.
Things to do in Lucca
Time seems to stand still in the charming walled city of Lucca. Whether you are there for a short break, a few days or weeks, the city is rich in treasures – and 100 churches – so you’ll never run out of options.
The centre of Lucca city has been designated as car-free and is ideal to explore on foot or by bicycle. Head for the Cathedral, the Duomo San Michele al Foro which houses some renaissance masterpieces, kick back and people watch in the Roman Amphitheatre in one of the many cafes lining the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Climb the 233 steps of the Guinigi Tower and enjoy spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside from the shady roof garden.
Recommended day trips from Lucca
Pisa
Just a 30min - 22km (13 miles) – drive south of Lucca, Pisa is a bucket list destination – this beautiful walled city has many historic attractions and climbing (and photographing) the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must for anyone visiting this part of Italy.
San Gimignano
Around 1hr30min, or 90km south of Lucca via Autoroute 11, San Gimignano, the city of fine towers is probably Tuscany’s most dramatic hilltop town with its medieval skyline visible for miles around.
The Ligurian Coast
Lucca is the perfect place to begin an Italian Riviera road trip and you are in for a real treat if you head for the Cinque Terre national park. From Lucca take Highway A12 from Lucca Est and go in the direction of Genova/Viareggio to begin a tour of these five magical fishing towns clinging to the Sentiero Azzurro cliffs.
Is it worth hiring a car in Lucca?
While there is plenty to see in Lucca itself, driving around this part of Northern Tuscany is a great way to experience the life, culture and scenic beauty of the beautiful Tuscan hilltop villages and coastal towns. If you are feeling inspired, our experts have compiled some great Italian road trips.
Tips for driving in Lucca
Hiring a car is a popular and easy way to explore the region around Lucca. If you have not driven in this part of the world before be aware that as in the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road. We’d advise familiarising yourself with the road rules for driving in Italy before you travel.
What is parking like in Lucca?
Parking is plentiful in Lucca, both on the outside of the city walls and closer to town but be aware that the centre is now designated as traffic free. The Lucca Tourist Office has all the information on parking zones and charges plus updates on news and events around the city.