Car Hire Pisa

A quick guide to Pisa

It can be hard to shrug off the stereotype of being famous for just one thing but, trust us, there’s way, way more to Pisa than just a tower that’s not on the perpendicular. This ancient city has a world-famous university, sprawling piazzas, a 12^th century cathedral and more Gothic and Romanesque buildings than you can shake a stick at. Add in a food scene that’s heating up and access to all of Tuscany’s riches, and you can see why people flock here.

Lean on me

Of course, the city’s most iconic attraction is The Leaning Tower of Pisa, which attracts visitors from all over the world. You’ll be able to learn more about the tower and how it started to lean during construction. Climb the many steps to the top – there’s no lift, as you’d imagine - for incredible panoramic views of the city.

The Duomo took some 50 years to build, eventually being consecrated in 1118. It’s in great condition for its age, with a remarkable Romanesque exterior and, inside, a dome that was added a couple of hundred years later. It also boasts amazing doors and a couple of sensational pulpits – a 14^th century classic in marble and a more divisive 2001 effort.

Pisa and pizza

The city offers many culinary delights to tempt your taste buds, whether you’re dining in the high-end restaurants or savouring the incredible street food. Local specialties include great game and the more challenging frog soup, but you can also delve into Pisan takes on the classic Italian staples.

If you want to step outside the city on your foodie adventure then San Miniato, just 30 minutes away, is well known for its truffle hunting and tasting.

Hit the beach

Just a stone’s throw away from Pisa, explore the gorgeous coastline which is home to many beaches that are perfect for a leisurely day of unwinding. Take the Strada Statale 1 Via Aurelia and in under 30 minutes you’ll arrive at Versilia. This is a fashionable resort that attracts the rich and famous as they flock to enjoy the incredible beach and lively nightlife. Dotted with hotels and restaurants, there are miles of soft, sandy beaches to find a spot on.

Take to Tuscany

The Tuscan region is a famously beautiful area of Italy and car rental in Pisa will let you see the very best of it at your leisure. The highlight? Florence. This is one of the most picturesque places in Italy thanks to its Renaissance architecture, a city groaning with riches. The Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and countless cupolas and basilica compete for your attention. It’s the ideal day trip from your base in Pisa.

Driving in and around Pisa

Pisa is a beautiful city to drive through and you’ll quickly feel at home. Of course, it is a tourist hot spot so be aware that traffic can get a little busy at peak times - especially close to the landmarks. However, everything in the city is quite spread out, so you may not encounter as much congestion as you’d expect.

Certain areas of the city operate, around key landmarks and in the old town, a ZTL zone. This is a limited traffic zone, meaning that you can’t travel in that particular area without a permit or you will incur a fine. Should your hotel be in a ZTL area, contact them in advance so they can arrange access for you. Our local teams will be more than happy to advise you about the ZTL.

Leave Pisa and you can enjoy the beauty of the open roads that stretch across the country. Major cities within Italy are connected by autostradas, which are high speed motorways reaching speeds of 130 km/h, meaning you can easily get around to see other cities which are close by. These are often toll roads. Take note that if you’re travelling along a two-lane motorway, you’ll need to use dipped headlights. Seatbelts must be worn by the driver and all passengers, and it’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.

Lucca is just 20 minutes away from Pisa on the Via Statale 12. This exceedingly pretty place draws the crowds with its unblemished Renaissance architecture and traditional old town which is the perfect place to stop for lunch and people watch.

Take the Superstrada Firenze Pisa Livorno away from Pisa and, around 90km away, you’ll find the glorious city of Florence, famous for its enchanting architecture, stunning galleries and wonderful cuisine. In fact, wherever you drive from Pisa, you’ll find nothing but amazing places to visit and stay.