Lucca is certainly not one of the most well known of Italian cities on the tourist circuit, but it has a lot to offer to even the most seasoned of travelers. Lucca (in the province of the same name) is located in Tuscany, near the west coast of central Italy. The sense of history there is immense which is hardly surprising when you read the list of invaders and occupiers that have paid a visit, including Napoleon and of course the Romans.
It is worth visiting Lucca just to see its most famous landmark, the city walls. Dating from about five hundred years ago in medieval times they still circumscribe the old town virtually undamaged. You can actually wander round the immensely thick walls on the tree lined pathway to view the beautiful old town.
On entering the old town through one the ancient gateways, you can stroll through the narrow roads and alleyways to get a true feel for the history and beauty of Lucca. There are plenty of pavement bars and restaurants to sit and enjoy some refreshments, watching the world go by, before setting off again. I always follow the locals to get the best food at a reasonable cost, so avoiding tourist prices.
The Piazza Anfiteatro is another "must see" in Lucca, originally a Roman amphitheatre and now a center for locals and tourists alike. The impressive Cathedral (Duomo) dates as far back as the Roman times of the 5th century and has been renovated several times over the following centuries. It also contains several early Christian holy relics, some of which are displayed during local festivals.
The churches of San Michele and San Frediano in Lucca are worth a visit to view the fine architecture and decoration. Another landmark you won't be able to miss, is the Torre Guinigi, a huge 15th century tower with large trees growing on top of it, the climb to the top is worth it for the views alone.
Outside the town of Lucca but nearby there are various villas (the Villas Torrigiani and Reale are nearest) that are worth a visit and further a field there are many monuments and castles that should be seen if time permits.
The local accommodation is of good quality with reasonably priced hotels and many beautiful villas to be rented in the surrounding Tuscan countryside. If you plan to visit Lucca at peak times it is essential to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Probably the best times to visit are spring and autumn when it is not to hot for lots of walking.
Tourist Information Lake District
Lloret de Mar is one of the liveliest resorts on the Costa Brava, with numerous clubs, bars, and discos staying open from dusk until dawn. The town boasts a variety of pretty beaches and a host of leisure facilities. It is also convenient for touring local towns and cities such as Barcelona, Figueres and Girona. Lloret de Mar dates back to the 3rd century BC, but it was during the late 1950's when tourism began to take off here and the resort became known as a popular package holiday destination.
The main beach in the town is the mile-long Playa de Lloret, overlooked by a seafront promenade lined with shops, bars and restaurants. A variety of leisure activities are available at this beach, including parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing and water skiing. To the south of the town centre is the shorter Playa de Fenals which sits alongside green pine trees. There are several pretty coves along Lloret de Mar's four miles of coastline, in particular Playa Santa Christina which boasts a lovely sandy beach.
On a hill between the beaches of Fenals and Lloret de Mar sits the Castell de San Joan, which dates back to the 11th century. The castle has been attacked several times during its long history, most recently in 1805 when it was fired upon by a British warship. In the last few years Castell de San Joan has been restored and converted into a heritage centre. The cliff top gardens of Santa Clotilde are worth visiting for the stunning views of the coast. Designed by the architect Nicolau Rubio and laid out in the early 1900's, these Renaissance-style terraced gardens are perfect for some peace and quiet away from the busy resort. The scenery around Lloret de Mar is quite beautiful and there are a number of hiking and walking trails in the area. A map is available from the local tourist office.
Lloret de Mar's biggest cultural attraction is the Maritime Museum near the seafront. It is housed within the historic former residence of the wealthy Garriga family, who made their fortune in Cuba during the 19th century. A few miles outside the resort is the popular family attraction of Water World. This huge water park has something for everyone, from hair-raising water slides such as the Kamikaze to small paddling pools for young children. The park also has a picnic area, mini-golf course and several restaurants. There is a free shuttle bus to Water World from the town. Also nearby is the golf course of Santa Cristina de Aro.
Although Lloret de Mar may feel busy during the day, it's at night time that it really comes to life. There are scores of discos, bars and nightclubs to choose from, including the Caribbean-style 'Bumpers' club which has a glass dance floor, and the popular karaoke bar, Moby's. Lloret has a wide variety of restaurants, probably more so than any other resort on the Costa Brava. This choice includes fast-food outlets, British and Irish bars serving pub food and traditional Spanish fish restaurants. There are also international restaurants serving Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisine.
Gary Marshall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Jamaica Vacations, Travel and Leisure and Property Guide. For more advice and information on Lucca please visit . Gary Marshall's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.
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