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Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
Lucca is a province of Tuscany punctuated by its beautiful medieval capital, the city of Lucca, and surrounded by rolling hills, verdant Mediterranean flora, and even lovely beaches. Lucca villa rentals let you experience the best of this beautiful part of Tuscany in style, privacy, and luxury.
Like the villas themselves, Lucca is home to a rich history. Since Roman times, it has been widely regarded as a centre of arts and culture – in fact, the town’s main piazzas, Pizza San Michele and Pizza dell’Anfiteatro, are located on the site of an ancient forum and amphitheatre, respectively.
During the Middle Ages, Lucca became a centre of pilgrimage, thanks in part to hosting Volto Santo (Holy Face), a wood carving of Jesus Christ on the cross which is said to have been carved by Nicodemus after helping entomb Christ. It is housed today in the city’s famous gothic Cathedral, St Martin’s Cathedral, whose bell tower dominates the city’s skyline.
That said, Lucca’s most famous features are its old walls. Dating back to the Renaissance, these thick, tree-lined walls completely encircle the city and have become important common areas for the city’s residents. They help further imbue Lucca with its own distinct charm.
Ultimately, it’s this laid-back, quant character that really elevates Lucca and makes it such a favourite among connoisseurs.
While the city’s narrow streets and thick ramparts give it an undeniable appeal, it’s in the surrounding countryside where you’ll find Lucca’s best villas.
Starting in the 15th century and through to the 19th century, rich aristocrats built holiday homes in the hills surrounding the city. Today, Lucca’s most historic villas include Villa Bernardini, Villa Grabau, and Villa Reale, the former residence of Elisa Baciocchi (Napoleon’s sister and the former princess of Lucca).
While these villas cannot be rented as accommodation, Rental Escapes has a fine selection of luxury villas in Lucca that can be all yours. Most are in the surrounding countryside, where you can experience the beauty of Tuscany while still being just a short drive to the centre of town.
These villas are independently owned and operated, with a history and style all their own. The first step to choosing a Lucca villa, then, is deciding on your approximate travel dates, and your party size. From there, your Rental Escapes villa specialist will be happy to present you with the very best options for your dates.
Because so much of Lucca’s appeal revolves around enjoying the warm climate and beautiful landscapes, most of our Lucca villas have private pools. Take a dip and cool off before enjoying a wonderful meal al fresco, prepared by your chef. That’s villa life in Lucca.
Top choices here include:
Villa La Rocca: Located within a medieval castle, high up on a Tuscan hill, Villa La Rocca is one of Italy's most unique 3-bedroom villas. Its private pool allows for magnificent views and is surrounded by a fragrant mix of lavender, wildflowers, and orange trees. Plus, it’s just ten minutes from the beautiful beaches of Pietra Santa and Forte dei Marmi.
Bosco: A true classic villa, Bosco is located just south of Lucca and, like the city itself, has plenty of old-world charm and even its own enclosure wall, allowing for a refined and private stay. The villa features period art, antiques, and a large grand piano on its noble floor, while below you’ll find a large, private pool surrounded by careful landscaping. It’s the quintessential Lucca villa.
Rodolfo: A restored farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, Rodolfo evokes the best of the Tuscan countryside. The interior is a cozy blend of rustic charm, natural light, and well-appointed taste, while outside, the pool and hot tub provide the perfect foil for the beautiful landscapes that surround you. It’s an ideal choice if you plan to spend a lot of time outside.
Rica: Rica is another restored farmhouse 30 minutes out from Luca and closer to the coast. It offers a perfect blend of intimacy and quaintness, making it an ideal choice for those looking for more of a country home atmosphere, the old-world charm made all the richer by the sounds of the nearby church’s bells.
Tuscan life is all about getting together with friends and family and enjoying good food, good wine, and the beauty of your surroundings. Large villas in Lucca let you do just that with comfortable communal areas, elaborate dining areas, and plenty of spacious bedrooms for all. They include:
Orfea: Dating back to the 15th century and lovingly restored and renewed across generations, Orfea is one of the largest and most glorious villa rentals in Lucca. Walk around the beautifully landscaped gardens, take a dip in the fountained pool, enjoy a meal in the large dining room, or relax in the private spa – every part of this villa is designed to allow you and up to 28 guests to enjoy your time together as much as possible.
Leandra: Just 15 minutes from the centre of Lucca, the large and fully-staffed Leandra makes an ideal choice for multigenerational groups thanks to its 7 well-appointed bedrooms, its indoor elevator, its private tennis court, and its large pool and well-manicured gardens. This is where you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.
Daniela: Just outside Lucca you’ll find Daniela, a large villa with 11 spacious bedrooms, a formal Italian garden, and a large pool. It’s private yet by a nearby village, making it a great choice for parties where some guests may not have access to a car, as well as for weddings.
Dimora Lucchese: Just a short drive from the Versilia coast, Dimora Lucchese is a 7-bedroom villa offering plenty of Tuscan charm, as well as luxurious amenities like a heated, jetted, saltwater pool, another outdoor pool, a jacuzzi hot tub, a waterfall, and a wood-fired pizza oven, all surrounded by olive groves and woodland. This is Tuscan living done right.
Italy is part of the Schengen area, which includes most European countries. If you’re coming from outside the Schengen area, including from the US, Canada, or the UK, then you'll have to show your passport once upon entering, after which you won’t have to pass through customs again.
The closest airports to Lucca are Florence Airport and Pisa Airport if you're travelling by air. Pisa is about 20 minutes by train from Lucca, while Florence is one hour and 20 minutes away. If you’re landing in Venice, Milan, or Rome, expect a 3–4-hour train ride.
You can also rent a car or arrange for a private driver to travel from Pisa or Florence to Lucca. Pisa is a 30-minute drive, while Florence is an hour and 10 minutes.
Once you’re in Lucca, a rental car or private driver is suggested if you are staying outside the city. Much of the old city is closed off to cars, so once inside you have to get around on foot or by bicycle.
Your Rental Escapes concierge can assist you with airport drivers, rental cars, private drivers, and more.
For most, late spring and early fall are the ideal times to visit Lucca. The weather is warm, though not as hot as the peak of the summer, and there’s still a low chance of rain. Travelling at this time also lets you avoid the crowds of peak season in the summer.
That said, if you’re looking to relax by the pool or visit some of Lucca’s beaches, then you’ll probably want to travel in the summer months when water temperatures are at their highest. Just be aware that villa rentals for this busy time tend to book months in advance.
Winter in Lucca is decidedly low season, and many villas close during this time. Temperatures drop, leaves fall, and there’s not much going on until Easter. Still, if you want to experience Lucca like a true local, this could be the time for you.
Bike or walk around the wall: Lucca’s well-preserved and tree-lined ramparts encircle the city and function as a much-loved communal area. Walk or take a bike to get a great view of the city and experience the laid-back rhythm of life here.
Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral: Lucca’s most famous and magnificent sight, St. Martin's Cathedral is a massive Gothic cathedral that is home to three masterpieces: Ilaria del Carreto’s tomb, Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints, and Volto Santo. These masterpieces, and the church itself, have attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Take in the San Michele in Foro: With its distinct Gothic and Romanesque façade, San Michele in Foro is a masterpiece to behold. Built on the site of a former Roman forum, its four levels of loggias are replete with intricate sculptures, culminating with a large statue of St. Michael at the top. The area around the church is also one of Lucca’s main piazzas and a great place to grab a drink.
So much of Lucchese cuisine revolves around using fresh, local ingredients. Its privileged location, with Emilia-Romagna to the north, the rest of Tuscany to the south, and the sea to the west, gives Lucca the unique advantage of being able to pull from a variety of regional influences and bounties.
Local specialties include scarpaccio, a type of flatbread filled with fresh ingredients; tordelli Lucchese, a type of fresh stuffed pasta; and rovelline lucchesi, made with local beef and mountain capers.
And while Lucca certainly has its share of great restaurants, your Rental Escapes concierge can also arrange private chef service and villa pre-stocking (as well as restaurant reservations) on any stay.
Lucca benefits from a warm, Mediterranean climate, and is slightly cooler than other parts of Tuscany.
Summers are short and hot, with average temperatures of 26°C (78.8°F), reaching a peak of 30°C (86°F) in July. Summer is also dry season, with only 3-4 days of precipitation per month.
Autumn sees temperatures drop to 16°C-11°C (60.8°F-51.8°F), with precipitation picking up to an average of 7.2-9.2 days of the month.
Winter sees temperatures drop further to an average of 7°C (44.6°F), with a chance of snowfall.
Temperatures pick back up by spring, with average temperatures between 10°C-17°C (50°F – 62.6°F), and with precipitation averaging between 6.5-8.1 days per month.
If you’re hoping to visit this beautiful part of Italy, Rental Escapes can elevate your Lucca villa rental into a true luxury experience.
Our portfolio includes the finest villa rentals in Lucca, including villas with private pools, large villas, family villas, and more.
Your Rental Escapes reservation expert can find the best villa for your group, and your concierge personalizes your trip to create the ultimate Lucchese luxury villa experience.
Contact us today to book your next dream holiday!