San Colombano

The Neighborhood

In the foothills of Monte Pisano, with lovely views, San Colombano enjoys a fantastic setting, just 6km south of Lucca and near some of northern Tuscany’s most wonderful places to visit. There are two local restaurants within walking distance and you can also wander to a small village around 2km away. Even closer, sport fans will appreciate the estate’s shared tennis court and football field – just pay to hire rackets and balls. One of the greatest highlights of this location is its proximity to the exquisite town of Lucca, 6km away. You will want to return again and again as you explore its historic centre, admiring the incredible medieval and Renaissance architecture, dining in excellent restaurants or just enjoying a coffee and gelato in one of the many charming cafes found in pretty squares or cobbled lanes. Walking or cycling along the historic walls is another brilliant experience – come across parks, play areas and gorgeous views. You can also head to Lucca to catch the train to either Pisa (16km) or Florence (84km) - the owners can also arrange guided tours and private drivers. Spend an amazing day visiting historic sights, galleries and boutiques as well as experiencing city life in two of Tuscany’s world-famous gems. The little Tuscan village of Collodi (24km) is also a delight (especially for children who can enjoy the Pinocchio theme park), as is Vinci (48km), a must for art-lovers with Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace and museum. Montecatini Terme (36km) features a number of spas and is a great place for shopping in impressive surroundings. Take the old-fashioned funicular to the pretty village of Montecatini Alto for magnificent views. If you feel like a trip to the beach then the vibrant summer resorts of Viareggio (30km) and Forte dei Marmi (40km) are both within easy reach for watersports, lidos, fantastic beaches and a lively ambience. This is also a superb location for driving as far as the Ligurian coast with lovely villages and beaches along the rather romantic Golfo dei Poeti. A little further north is the renowned and very popular Cinque Terre National Park with its historic seaside villages perched above the sea and stunning scenery – it’s been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site with good reason. The beautiful countryside of this region offers horse-riding, many cycling opportunities (guests can hire bikes from the villa’s owner) as well as some wonderful walking, especially around Monte Pisano. As well as watersports along the coast, find river rafting, kayaking and canyoning around an hour north of Lucca near Garfagnana.