Many people use Pisa as a base from which to explore Tuscany by car, as the airport is close to the city and perhaps easier to navigate than Florence’s. Heading east on the SCG Firenze will take you to that amazing Renaissance city in just over an hour, which makes a day trip possible.

A short drive to the north-east is Lucca, reached via the SS12. The home of Puccini, it’s a pretty city with ancient remains and well-preserved churches. Take the SS1 from Pisa north-west to the coastal town of Viareggio, famed for its annual carnival. Held every year since 1873 it’s even broadcast on national television. The A12 threads its way south-west to Livorno. It may not be the most picturesque place in Tuscany, but it’s a buzzing city with a great reputation for seafood. It’s a fine place to highlight the contrasts available in this always surprising region.

Driving in Pisa itself is a pleasant experience, but do be aware that the centre, within the medieval walls, is a Zona a Traffico Limitato – a Limited Traffic Zone. Watch out for the signs because, if you do drive into the ZTL, you will be fined. Instead, simply park up your hire car at one of the many car parks – both free and paid, along with meter parking on the road – and it’s a short walk into the historic heart of the city.

Speed limits are strictly enforced and, as in most countries, vary by type of road. The AA has a user friendly guide to driving in Italy which you can download here. Be aware that Autostrada – denoted by an A in the road name – are toll roads and that outside of city centres headlights need to be used at all times.

A famous piece of architecture may dominate the skyline, but the excellent university here ensures that there’s a lively buzz to the city that manifests in cool restaurants and cafes. Pisa is a city of history that constantly renews.

The lean must be seen

It’s very much the big ticket item in Pisa, but the renowned Leaning Tower still has ability to surprise – just how does it stay up? Construction on the Torre Pendente began in 1173, but its troubled history meant it wasn’t unveiled until 1372, long after its original architect had passed. It had been leaning from almost day one, but the tilt got more pronounced over time until it reached over 5 degrees in the 20^th century. Work in the 1990s prevented it slipping further, and in fact moved it back to 3.9 degrees, which is sustainable. It’s open to visitors but is limited to just 40 people at once. It’s best to book in advance, and be aware that children under 8 years old are not allowed into the tower, and that access to the top is by stairs only – all 251 of them. The tower is situated on the Piazza del Maricoli, also home to Cathedral and Baptistry.

A craving for the coast

If you feel like a break from city life, Pisa is only a very short distance from the coast. The small village of Tirrenia has become a tourist hotspot with its sandy beaches surrounded by fragrant pine forests. It’s not just sun-seekers who flock here, but also walkers, cyclists and water-sport enthusiasts. The WWF looks after the nature preserve and children will love the theme parks on offer - with a choice of Luna Park, Sunlight Park and Fantasilandia. There’s more surfing and sun if you head south to the beaches at Calambrone, while the huge beach at Marina di Vecchiano is popular with both tourists and locals, who can take a shaded walk in the pine woods when the heat becomes too much.

The Tuscan larder

Tuscany is famed for its olive oil and truffles, tastes that have travelled the world, but Pisa has its own specialities, often influenced by its proximity to the sea and fishing ports. Other dishes tend to make the most of pork, beans, peas and game - think bean-based soups enriched with parmesan, simply dressed mushrooms, chickpeas cooked with vegetables, tomatoes and served with bread. The streets of Pisa are packed with cheap eats (this is very much a student town), but also caters to tourists wanting both traditional food and more ambitious high-end cuisine. For a taste of pure Pisa, with atmosphere to spare, try Osteria la Grotta.

Whether you’re visiting the tried and tested tourist areas, heading to the coast or exploring the rest of this incredible region, car hire in Pisa will put it all at your fingertips.