Montecatini Terme Holidays

One of Tuscany’s most prominent spa towns, Montecatini Terme is an intoxicating blend of historic architecture, beautiful scenery and some great local attractions. The area has been inhabited as far back as 10,000 BC, thanks mainly to the impressive natural spa located in the town. Today, however, the town mostly dates from the medieval period, and offers plenty of historic sites for you to explore.

Like many of the towns in the region, this one is split between a lower and upper section, known as Montecatini Bassa (lower) and Montecatini Alto (upper). One of the best ways to go between the two sections is via the town’s historic funicular railway, which has been running since 1888. The upper town is most historic, with pretty cobbled lanes, stunning views and a 12th-century church. The town’s spas are also located here, and are some of the best known in all of Tuscany. While spa treatments have modernised, there are many original spas still standing, including the grand Tettuccio Terme – one of the region’s best.

Montecatini Terme is just over 40 minutes’ drive from Pisa and Florence, so you’ve got plenty of day trip options during your stay here.

Handpicked hotels in Montecatini Terme

Discover the real Montecatini Terme while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Grand Hotel Francia e Quirinale

Tuscany, Tuscany Hotels

Situated in the centre of Montecatini Terme, close to the thermal park
Family-run hotel with friendly and relaxed atmosphere

Find out more

Things to do in Montecatini Terme

Things to doLeaning Tower of PisaThe construction of Italy’s most famous bell tower started in 1173, and went on for about 200 years. Find out more about the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Things to doPiazza del CampoSiena’s Piazza del Campo is considered to be one of Europe’s greatest Medieval squares. The sloping piazza is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants and cafés, with the impressive Duomo stealing the show. Find out more about Piazza del Campo

Things to doWine TastingTuscany's iconic landscape of lush green hills dotted with expansive vineyards offers the perfect opportunity to sample its best-known wines. Find out more about Wine Tasting

Flight Information

The majority of international flights arrive into Pisa airport (PSA). Direct flights to Pisa are available from Belfast, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Tuscany is predominantly a summer destination, with the main tourist season generally running from April to October. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August, this is also when Tuscany is at its busiest. However, Tuscany also enjoys a mild climate in spring and autumn with temperatures rarely going beneath 20 degrees which makes it perfect for visiting at the beginning or end of season too. The coast has wonderful sea breezes and the hilltop towns are much cooler than the lower countryside villages. The best time to visit is during the quieter season, from April to June and September to October when the weather is good, prices are a bit lower and there are fewer crowds. There are many festivals and events throughout the year in Tuscany and Easter and Christmas are always busy.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Introduction to languages

Tuscany Specialities Tuscany’s tantalising cuisine crosses different budgets and tastes, while retaining its one common theme. Whether you are wandering the local markets sampling gelato, breads or olive oils, tasting the delights of a street food cart, or dining in a family run restaurant, the common themes are simple dishes and high quality ingredients.

Tuscany Specialities Start your taste experience in Tuscany with a bowl of Pappa al Pomodoro, one of the best examples of traditional Tuscan comfort food. Featuring quintessential Italian flavours, this thick bread soup is widely served throughout the region, so why not sample a few variations to find your favourite? Although recipes may vary from town to town, the principle ingredients are the same, and typically include bread, tomatoes, and delicious Tuscan olive oil.

Tuscany Specialities The autumn season doesn’t just mark the harvesting of grapes and olives in Tuscany, it signifies a change in menus through the restaurants and cafés too. Warming hearty stews and pasta dishes are common, but for a real mouth-watering treat try a risotto flavoured with precious truffles or porcini mushrooms. Risotto is a popular part of Italian food culture, and the perfect dish to share with your partner or friends on a bright autumn day.

Tuscany Specialities One of the best ways to end a relaxing Tuscan meal is by satisfying your sweet tooth with Cantucci. These traditional biscuits originated in Prato, and are famous for their crunchy texture and delicious almond flavour. Eat them on their own or go with tradition and enjoy these twice baked delicacies the right way, with Vin Santo (Holy Wine). Often served up as dessert wine for dipping, Vin Santo adds to the nutty, sweet flavours, for an end of meal treat.