Lari Tuscany hidden village
When people think of Tuscany, the first names that come to mind are Florence, Siena, Pisa, or San Gimignano. But there are hidden, authentic places that preserve the charm of Tuscan tradition, far from the beaten tourist paths. One of these is Lari, a small medieval village nestled among the gentle Pisan hills, perfect for those seeking an exclusive, romantic, and timeless getaway.
Where is Lari located?
Tuscany hidden village
Lari is in the province of Pisa, in the heart of the Colline Pisane (Pisan Hills), just a few kilometers from Pontedera and Casciana Terme. Its location is strategic: in less than an hour you can reach the beaches of the Tyrrhenian coast, Tuscany’s art cities, and renowned wine hills. But once you arrive in Lari, you’ll hardly want to leave.
A village that tells history
Lari is a fortified village of Etruscan and Roman origin, which reached its peak during the medieval and Renaissance periods. The heart of the town is the majestic Castello dei Vicari (Castle of the Vicars), a fortress that dominates the surrounding area and for centuries served as the political and judicial center of the region.
Today the castle is open to visitors and is a must-see for anyone staying nearby. Inside, in addition to evocative medieval architecture and walkway walls, you can visit ancient prison cells, furnished rooms, historical documents, and original frescoes. The view from the castle terrace is simply breathtaking: a panorama of hills, olive groves, and quiet villages stretching out to the horizon.
An authentic historic center
Lari is small, but every corner is a discovery. The stone alleys, Tuscan-style houses, artisan shops, flower-filled balconies, and ancient fountains tell the story of a slow, authentic life, made of genuine relationships and a deep respect for time. There are no tourist crowds here: Lari preserves the soul of a lived-in village, where you can still hear the local dialect, taste freshly baked bread, and greet passersby with a smile.
Gastronomic traditions: the kingdom of cherries (and more)
Lari is famous throughout Tuscany for one of its gastronomic excellences: the Lari cherry. This sweet, juicy fruit is celebrated every June during the Cherry Festival (Sagra delle Ciliegie), one of the most anticipated and attended events in the area. During the celebration, the village comes alive with stalls, tastings, live music, and performances, attracting visitors from all over the region.
But Lari is not only about cherries. The village also hosts one of the most renowned artisanal pasta producers in Italy: Martelli, a small family-run company that has been making pasta using traditional methods since 1926. Their factory is located right in the village, in a yellow building overlooking the main square. You can purchase their products on site and, by reservation, tour the workshop to discover all the secrets of old-fashioned pasta making.
Authentic experiences in an exclusive setting
Lari is the perfect destination for those looking for an authentic Tuscan experience, far from mass tourism but without sacrificing comfort and beauty. In the surrounding countryside, you can stay in historic villas, charming farmhouses, and luxury residences, surrounded by nature and tranquility.
There are countless activities to enjoy in the area: food and wine tours, wine tastings, e-bike excursions, visits to oil mills and farms, and also spa treatments at the nearby Casciana Terme. And for those who wish to explore, Lari is the perfect starting point for day trips to Volterra, Lucca, San Miniato, Pisa, and the coast.
Events, culture, and quality of life
Lari Tuscany hidden village
Despite its small size, Lari boasts a vibrant cultural scene. In addition to the Cherry Festival, events, concerts, exhibitions, and theater performances are organized throughout the year, many of which take place in the courtyard of the Castle of the Vicars or in the village’s main square.
One of the most popular events is the Collinarea Festival, a festival of theater, music, and contemporary arts that transforms Lari into a widespread stage, with performances in historical locations and stunning natural settings. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the village in an even more intimate and evocative way.
Lari, a refuge for those seeking the true Tuscany
In a time when Tuscany risks being overwhelmed by hit-and-run tourism, Lari stands as a precious stronghold, a place where quality of life, beauty, and history remain central to daily life. Staying near Lari means choosing slow, conscious tourism that respects places and people.
It’s the ideal destination for couples looking for romance, families seeking peace and safety, or sophisticated travelers who want to experience the real Tuscany without giving up comfort, culture, and culinary excellence.
Discover Lari with Tuscan Mansions
On TuscanMansions.com, you’ll find a curated selection of villas and charming residences near Lari. Each property has been chosen to offer our guests an exclusive experience, made of privacy, elegance, and a direct connection with the most genuine beauty of Tuscany.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a creative retreat in the Tuscan hills, Lari will surprise you with its authenticity, history, and warm human touch.
