Inside Lucca: a local guide to Tuscany’s historic city and its wider region

From its historic walled city to rolling hills and the nearby coast, Lucca reveals a refined Tuscan lifestyle shaped by culture, heritage and quiet sophistication

Ellie Pryor

05 August 2026

2 mins read

Inside Lucca: a local guide to Tuscany’s historic city and its wider region — Skyline of Lucca © Feng Wei Photography

Within Lucca’s Renaissance walls lies one of Italy’s most remarkable and storied cities, while the surrounding landscape ranges from the wine-producing Lucchese Hills to the chic beach resorts of the Versilia coast.

Serimm SRL, Knight Frank’s regional partner, brings in-depth local expertise across this diverse property market, from elegant apartments within Lucca’s historic palazzi to charming farmhouses and villas in the countryside spanning Lucca, Pisa and Livorno, as well as highly sought-after coastal homes from Forte dei Marmi to Bolgheri, San Vincenzo and Castiglioncello.

Here, Alessandro Deghè, Partner and CEO, shares why this unique corner of Tuscany offers such an exceptional lifestyle.

Lucca, Tuscany

Villa, 1.98 acres

Majestic period villa set within beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring a swimming pool, a private chapel, and a charming orangery

Asking Price €3.400.000

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How would you describe the lifestyle and community in Lucca to someone discovering the city for the first time?

Within Lucca’s perfectly preserved Renaissance walls lies the birthplace of renowned composer Giacomo Puccini, a city deeply rooted in culture and history. To live in Lucca is to embrace the essence of Tuscan slow living, fully immersed in its vibrant, year-round cultural life.

Here, life unfolds at a gentle pace, best experienced on foot or by bicycle, weaving through charming cafés, family-run trattorie, artisanal boutiques and historic landmarks. Yet despite its peacefulness, Lucca is a dynamic and engaging city, hosting a rich calendar of events throughout the year. The Lucca Summer Festival attracts internationally renowned artists for a series of concerts across June and July, Lucca Comics & Games, the largest comics festival in Europe, is held in the city every autumn, while the nearby Puccini Festival celebrates the region’s musical heritage with an programme of opera and classical performances.

Which of the wider region’s attractions truly capture local life?

Beyond the city walls, the surrounding landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Scenic hillside walks to the northwest reveal sweeping views over olive groves and vineyards, while the hills behind the Versilia coast provide breathtaking vistas stretching towards the Tyrrhenian Sea and the unspoilt beaches of the Bolgheri area. Along the coast, Forte dei Marmi offers a seaside escape, known for its exclusive beach clubs, elegant promenades and its celebrated open-air fashion market, where visitors can discover a curated selection of high-quality fashion and artisanal finds.

What types of homes define the area?

For premium real estate, Lucca offers the best of both worlds. Within the historic centre, elegant apartments in grand period palazzi provide timeless appeal and convenience, ideal for lock-and-leave living. In the surrounding countryside, villas are nestled among the olive groves of the Lucchese hills, offering privacy and spectacular views, while remaining just a short drive from the Versilia coast and Pisa International Airport, Tuscany’s main international gateway.

Why are international buyers drawn to Lucca?

In recent years, Lucca’s appeal has grown significantly, establishing it as one of the fastest-growing residential markets in Italy. Despite this increasing demand, the city has retained its charm and tranquil atmosphere, avoiding the overtourism seen in many other historic destinations. Here, an international community lives alongside local residents, preserving traditions while welcoming new influences.

Lucca’s long-term appeal lies in its exceptional lifestyle, defined by safety, culture and its strategic position between Florence and the coast. Strong and growing demand for historic properties within the walls, as well as villas in the surrounding hills, continues to reinforce the resilience and strength of the property market, making Lucca an increasingly compelling destination for both homeowners and investors alike.