If you’re looking for a city with character, look no further than Livorno. This Tuscan gem is located on the picturesque Tyrrhenian Sea and is known for its lively harbor. From here, you can easily access any number of day trips to some of the most amazing destinations in Italy.
So whether you’re looking to explore world-renowned art cities like Florence and Lucca or take in the stunning natural beauty of the Cinque Terre, Livorno is the perfect base. To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve put together a list of the 12 best day trips from Livorno.
1. Pisa
Pisa is a beautiful city located in the Tuscan region of Italy. It is best known for its iconic Leaning Tower, which is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. However, Pisa has much more to offer than just the tower.
The city is home to a number of other historic buildings and monuments, as well as a lively university town with vibrant nightlife. Livorno is the perfect base for exploring Pisa. The two cities are less than an hour away by train, and there are plenty of cheap and comfortable hotels in Livorno.
Plus, Livorno is located on the beautiful Tuscan coast, so you can enjoy some beach time before or after your visit to Pisa. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Livorno for an unforgettable day trip to Pisa!
How to get there: The best way to get to Pisa from Livorno is by car. It is a short drive of around 30 minutes and there is no need to take a bus or train. Simply follow the signs for Pisa International Airport and you will be there in no time.
2. Lucca
Just a short train ride from the coastal city of Livorno, the charming town of Lucca awaits. Surrounded by medieval walls, Lucca is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
Visitors can stroll through the cobbled streets, admire the impressive churches, or enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the many cafes. The Lucca Cathedral is not to be missed, with its beautiful facade and towering campanile.
For those seeking a more active day trip, the nearby hills offer ample opportunities for hiking and biking. Whether you’re looking to soak up some history or explore the great outdoors, Lucca makes for an ideal day trip from Livorno.
How to get there: There are several ways to get from Livorno to Lucca, but the best option is to take the regional train. The journey takes about an hour, and the trains run frequently throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased at the station, and there is no need to make a reservation in advance.
3. Florence
Just an hour’s drive from Livorno, Florence is the perfect day trip for anyone looking to experience the best of Italian culture. From the stunning Duomo to the world-famous art galleries, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Start your day with a visit to the Duomo, one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in Florence. Climb to the top of the bell tower for unbeatable views of the city, then explore the interior of the cathedral, admiring the beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows.
Afterward, meander through the narrow streets of the city center, popping into boutique shops and cafes. No visit to Florence would be complete without seeing some of its world-renowned art. Spend an afternoon at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art museums in Italy.
As night falls, enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional Tuscan cuisine before heading back to Livorno. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and mouthwatering food, Florence is a must-see for any traveler to Italy.
How to get there: The best way to get from Livorno to Florence is by train. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and trains depart regularly throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the station, and discounts are often available for students, seniors, and children.
4. Siena
Just an hour south of Livorno lies the charming city of Siena. Though small, Siena is packed with history and culture, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.
The centerpiece of the city is the Piazza del Campo, a beautiful medieval square that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also explore the Duomo di Siena, a Gothic cathedral with intricate marble mosaics and an iconic black-and-white striped bell tower.
For a taste of local flavor, be sure to try some of the city’s famous Tuscan cuisine, washed down with a glass of Chianti wine. With so much to see and do, Siena makes for an unforgettable day trip from Livorno.
How to get there: The best way to get to Siena from Livorno is by car. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and is relatively straightforward. There are a few different routes you can take, but the most direct route is via the A12 highway.
5. San Gimignano
Just an hour’s drive from Livorno is the lovely hill town of San Gimignano. Perched atop a hill, San Gimignano is known for its picturesque setting and its medieval towers.
The town is small enough to explore in a day, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to keep you fueled as you wander. Highlights include the duomo, the museum of Willie Dynamite, and the Tower of Pisa.
For breathtaking views, climb to the top of one of the towers. Or, if you’re feeling lazy, simply enjoy a glass of wine on one of the many outdoor terraces. No matter how you spend your time in San Gimignano, it’s sure to be a memorable day trip.
How to get there: San Gimignano can be reached from Livorno by taking the SGC Florence-Pisa-Livorno expressway. Exit at Firenze Certosa and follow the SS429 towards Siena. Take the exit for San Gimignano and follow the signs to the city center. The journey should take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
6. Chianti Region
The Chianti Region is one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in all of Italy. Just a short drive from the city of Livorno, this picturesque region is home to some of the country’s finest wines.
The best way to experience the Chianti Region is to take a day trip from Livorno and explore all that this beautiful area has to offer. From its rolling hills and medieval villages to its vineyards and wineries, the Chianti Region is a must-see for any traveler to Italy.
And with so much to see and do, a day trip is really all you need to experience everything that this wonderful region has to offer. So if you’re looking for the best day trip from Livorno, look no further than the Chianti Region.
How to get there: The best way to get to the Chianti Region from Livorno is by car. The journey takes just under an hour and a half, and the scenery is beautiful. If you’re not renting a car, there are a few different bus companies that offer direct service to the Chianti Region.
7. Volterra
Volterra is a beautiful medieval city located just a short drive from Livorno. Its well-preserved walls and towers offer stunning views of the Tuscan countryside, and its rich history can be explored in its many museums and churches.
The city is especially renowned for its alabaster craftsmanship, and visitors can watch artisans at work in the numerous workshops dotted around the city. There are also plenty of great restaurants serving traditional Tuscan cuisine, making Volterra the perfect place to enjoy a day trip from Livorno.
How to get there: The best way to get to Volterra from Livorno is by car. The journey takes just over an hour, and the route is well-signposted. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service between the two cities, which takes around 1h 45m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station.
8. Cinque Terre
Nestled in the picturesque Ligurian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a must-see for any traveler to Italy. Just a short train ride from Livorno, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of five colorful towns, each with its own unique charm.
From the lively fishing village of Monterosso al Mare to the dramatic cliffs of Manarola, there is something for everyone in Cinque Terre. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, sample fresh seafood dishes, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through winding streets lined with charming shops and cafes. Cinque Terre makes the perfect day trip from Livorno.
How to get there: The best way to get to Cinque Terre from Livorno is by train. The journey takes about an hour and a half and the views along the way are stunning. You can also take a bus from Livorno to Cinque Terre, but the journey is long and the buses can be crowded.
9. Levanto
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Livorno, Levanto is the perfect day trip. This charming town is located just a short train ride away, and it offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Visitors can stroll along the promenade, relax on the beach, or explore the quaint shops and cafes. Levanto is also home to several beautiful churches, including the 17th-century Church of Sant’Andrea. Levanto makes for a perfect day trip from Livorno.
How to get there: The best way to get to Levanto from Livorno is by car. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A12 motorway. There is also a train service that runs regularly between the two towns, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
10. Pistoia & Montecatini Terme
Pistoia and Montecatini Terme are two of the most popular day trips from Livorno. Located just a short drive from the city, these two destinations offer a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Pistoia is best known for its stunningly well-preserved medieval old town, which is a unique sight in Italy. Visitors can explore the cobbled streets and learn about the city’s rich history at the many museums and churches.
Montecatini Terme, meanwhile, is a renowned spa town where visitors can relax and rejuvenate at one of the many luxury hotels. With its picturesque setting and abundance of thermal springs, Montecatini Terme is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day exploring Pistoia.
How to get there: From Livorno, the best way to get to Pistoia & Montecatini Terme is by car. It will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Pistoia & Montecatini Terme by car. The route is as follows: take the SS1 Aurelia exit from Livorno and follow it for 42 km. Then, take the exit for Pistoia/Montecatini Terme and follow the SP1 for 5.5 km. Finally, take the SP2 for 8.9 km until you reach your destination.
11. Viareggio
Viareggio is a beautiful seaside town located just a short distance from Livorno. With its sandy beaches, quaint cafes, and lively shops, Viareggio is the perfect place to spend a day or two relaxing by the Mediterranean Sea.
The town is also home to a number of important historical sights, including the Palazzo Puccini, which was once the summer residence of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini. For those who are looking for a more active day trip, Viareggio also offers a variety of water sports and hiking trails.
How to get there: The best way to get to Viareggio from Livorno is by car. The journey takes just over half an hour via the A12 motorway. motorists should take the exit for Viareggio Sud and then follow the signs for the seafront.
12. La Spezia
La Spezia is a beautiful city in Italy that makes for the perfect day trip from Livorno. Located in the province of La Spezia, the city is situated on the Gulf of Genoa and is known for its stunning harbor.
Visitors can explore the harbor area and visit the many shops, restaurants, and cafes. The main attractions in La Spezia include the Cattedrale di Cristo Re, Palazzo Civico, and Museo Amedeo Lia.
There are also numerous parks and gardens to enjoy, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. With so much to see and do, La Spezia is sure to make your next vacation even more enjoyable!
How to get there: The best way to get to La Spezia from Livorno is by car. The journey by car takes around an hour and a half. To get to La Spezia by car, take the A12 westbound from Livorno. Exit at the La Spezia exit and follow the signs for the city center.
In Conclusion
There are plenty of great day trips to take from Livorno, Italy. Whether you’re looking to relax by the Mediterranean Sea or explore some of the country’s most stunning historical sites, there’s something for everyone. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect day trip for your next vacation.