Bagni di Lucca (20K North of Lucca)

A town of 'poets, princes and philosophers', Bagni di Lucca was once a famous resort / spa town, visited by the likes of Byron, Shelley, Rossini, Puccini and the Brownings. The (now closed) casino claims to be the first in Europe and there are still numerous spas and thermal baths to be visited. The nearby 'Devil's bridge' spanning the river Serchio is worth seeing.
Click here for some more information on the spas.

Barga (25K North of Lucca)

The small hilltop town of Barga is dominated by the fine cathedral, which houses an excellent marble pulpit and some works of the Della Robbia school. An important centre of the Garfagnana, it has wonderful views of the whole area and the town itself is a charming network of narrow streets, archways and winding stairways.

Pietrasanta (25K North West of Lucca)

A busy little town, Pietrasanta is historically and artistically the chief town of inland Versilia. Share a coffee with marble sculptors from all over the world and maybe even visit a marble workshop. The town has a pleasant historical centre, and the main piazza is often decorated with exhibitions of modern sculpture.

Camaiore (18K North West of Lucca)

Lying in the foothills of the Apuan alps, Camaiore may not be very attractive on its outskirts, but the long central main street makes for a very pleasant stroll. There are some interesting shops and restaurants and the town has some fine examples of Romanesque churches and architecture.