|
One of Europe's premier spa towns since the 18th century. Measuring 1 ml by 1 ml, it is a stylish resort with an air of sophistication accentuated by a wealth of upmarket accommodation, fashion shops and pricey cafes. Its traffic-free main square (Piazza del Popolo) and fine old Tuscan architecture add to the agreeable atmosphere. It is a sizeable town of 20,000 which annually welcomes over 1 million visitors. Many come to "take the waters", in addition to spoiling themselves with myriad health and beauty treatments available at half a dozen magnificent old spa centres. A funicular railway links the town with the quaint old hilltop village of Montecatini Alto with its small square and historic church. |
| Suitability |
Predominantly middle- to upmarket mature couples and older families. |
| Accommodation |
Large complement of grand 4- and 5-star properties, one or two of which have their own spa facilities. Augmented by smart converted villas and a smattering of more mundane tourist-class establishments. |
| Shopping |
Distinctly upmarket, with an abundance of exclusive fashion stores, jewellers and art galleries. |
| Entertainment |
Daytime: the various health and leisure spa facilities; fine shopping; funicular to hilltop village; golf and tennis.
Nightlife: generally genteel and principally concentrated around the main square; some hotels provide evening entertainment. |
| Eating |
Extensive choice of fairly smart restaurants, pavement cafes and numerous little bars, mainly concentrated around the main square and adjacent side streets. One or two more basic pizzerias. Mix of international and typically Italian cuisine washed down by renowned regional wines such as chianti. |
| Public
Transport |
A bus service operates around the town. Regional coach and rail services to nearby towns, Pisa and Florence. Taxis are relatively cheap. |
| Excursions |
Half day: Lucca. Full day: Viareggio; Pisa; Florence. |
| Location |
In NW Italy, in the heart of Tuscany. 33 mls E of Viareggio. 19 mls E of Lucca. 40 mls NE of Pisa and Galileo Galilei airport. |
| Position |
Occupies a broad, fairly flat, half-moon-shaped valley ringed by steep hills. |
| Contact
Information |
Post Code: 51016
Website: www.turismo.pistoia.it
|
| Serving
Airports |
Airport : G Galilei
Airport Code: PSA
Flight time from ther U.K.: 2 hrs 15 mins
|
