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 20th 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 delMaricoli, also home to Cathedral andBaptistry.
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.
