Free walking tours in Montecatini Terme and what to see

Must-sees

Montecatini Terme is in the Valdinievole, between Lucca and Pistoia, and has lived off its thermal waters for centuries. Since 2021 it has been one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its heart is the Tettuccio and Redi parks, with early 20th-century spa buildings in Liberty and neo-Gothic style, and the Viale dei Bagni, the avenue where the high society of the day used to stroll.

From the centre the funicular, running since the late 19th century with its two red cars, climbs to Montecatini Alto. Up there is a medieval village with its square, terraces and views over the plain. In the lower town, the town hall houses a contemporary art space. Before you leave, try cialde, thin wafers filled with almond.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Montecatini Terme, and the town is easy to explore on your own. Most of what is on offer are day trips from here: to the Cinque Terre, to Lucca and Pisa, or to Pisa with a climb of the Leaning Tower. It is a good base for getting around Tuscany without a car, as it has trains and organised trips.

How long to spend

A day is enough to stroll through the spa parks, take the funicular up to Montecatini Alto and come down at sunset. If you want a bathe or a treatment at the spa, add another half day. Many travellers stay three or four nights and use the town as a base for visiting Florence, Lucca and Pisa by train, or the Grotta Giusti in neighbouring Monsummano Terme.

Where to stay

Montecatini has a huge number of hotels for its size, a legacy of its spa heyday, and it is easy to find a room. The most convenient area is the centre, between the spa parks and the station, where everything is within walking distance. If you prefer calm and views, Montecatini Alto has few places to stay but they are very quiet, linked to the centre by the funicular. The surrounding hills are full of country houses with pools.