Within 60 minutes drive
Grotta del Vento (29km)
‘Cave of the Wind’, underground show caves and passages beneath the rugged Apuane Alps, extraordinary formations, stalactites, crystal lake, underground waterfall. See www.grottadelvento.com.
Adventure Park 'Selva del Buffardello', San Romano in Garfagnana (38km)
High level obstacle course through the forest on zip slides, suspension bridges, swinging beams, nets and ropes. For children and adults. www.selvadelbuffardello.it
Abetone (38km)
Only 40 minutes away, Tuscany’s winter sports resort, at 1,400metres, set in an enchanting forest. Ski runs are available in four valleys: there are numerous ski facilities: 1 cable car, 2 cabinways, 9 chair lifts, 15 skilifts, 37 ski slopes, 5 ski schools and 2 cross-country slopes. You can appreciate the place even in summer, climbing the mountains to the high peaks. See www.abetone.com.
Lago di Vagli (44km)
This huge lake in the Apuane Alps conceals an abandoned village submerged by the dam of the hydroelectric basin in 1940s, with the church tower still visible when the waters are low. The lake is popular for walkers, and boats can be hired.
Pisa (48km)
The Leaning Tower of Pisa needs no introduction, but visitors are often surprised by the the other buildings in ‘the field of miracles’, including the Duomo (cathedral), Baptistery and Camposanto. (By train from Bagni di Lucca, 55 minutes.)
Viareggio (48km)
Appealing large seaside resort, with all the facilities of a typical Italian beach, along with elegant avenues, art nouveau and art deco architecture and pine groves. (By train from Bagni di Lucca, change at Lucca, 1 hour.)
Torre del Lago Puccini (53km)
Lake Massaciuccoli was Puccini’s insprirational retreat. His lakeside villa is now a museum, and the open air theatre hosts the Puccini festival every summer. See www.puccinifestival.it.
Parco Naturale di Migliarino-San Rossore (63km)
Nature Park of 23,000 hectares of coastal forest, with cycle paths, walking paths, bird watching, picnic areas etc.
