Exploring Pisa by Hire Car

It’s not just the famous leaning tower that draws crowds of visitors to Pisa. There are also numerous palazzi, remarkable museums and ancient churches to discover here.

The region has been settled for over 2000 years.

The many historically significant destinations in the surrounding area, which can be easily reached by hire car, make Pisa definitively a dream holiday destination.

Booking the right car

As in any big Italian city, parking spaces are in short supply in Pisa. So book the smallest car that is still able to hold your luggage. This will then allow you to use tight parking spaces.

Insuring the car properly

In Pisa the traffic is raging, an accident can happen quickly there. Protect yourself and book a car with comprehensive insurance without deductible. With the liability, you should make sure that the sum insured is at least one million euros. If people are injured in an accident, the costs can quickly become very high.

Language barrier

Don’t assume that every staff member at the hire car agencies in Pisa speaks fluent English or understands the language. Before you travel, make a note of the telephone number of your rental company’s Italian head office so that you can ask for translation help if you have any communication difficulties.

Remember the tank regulation

In Pisa, make sure to book with a rental company where you receive the car with a full tank of gas and return it with a full tank. This is a clear arrangement for everyone involved. Just make sure you keep your last fuel receipt safe so you can prove that you did indeed fill up just before you got to the hire car station.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

Long waiting times and the external condition of some vehicles are the most common complaints we receive from Pisa. However, most customers are quite satisfied with the local rental companies. If you notice any defects on your vehicle, such as dents or scuffs, you should have any damage confirmed in writing in a fault report.

This way, when you return the car, you can avoid being held liable for any damage not caused by you. You can’t avoid long lines at the counters, only respond appropriately. Especially when returning the car, plan a generous time frame to avoid missing the plane.

Sights in Pisa

Slate Tower: Unique Building
Few tourists do not choose the Leaning Tower as the starting point of the city tour. In 1173, the foundation stone for the construction of the tower was laid. After 12 years of construction, three stories were built. But then a foundation failure threw a wrench in the architect’s plans. The tower began to lean, and construction was interrupted for about 100 years.

Then an unsuccessful attempt was made to compensate for the tilt by building the next four floors at an angle. But the tower continued to lean, so construction was interrupted again. It was not until 1372 that the tower was completed. After countless attempts to stop the inclination, it was possible in recent years to reduce the inclination by 44 centimetres by extracting soil. Experts believe this will keep the tower standing for the next 300 years.

Domo: Romanesque gem
Also in Piazza di Miracoli is the Duomo, a prime example of Romanesque architectural style. Construction began in 1063. However, it was to take several hundred years before the cathedral was completed. The green and cream-coloured marble bands that run across the outer façade already impress visitors. If you enter the austere interior, supported by columns, you will definitely take your breath away. Look out for the magnificent coffered ceiling in the central nave.

Baptistery: Spectacular baptismal font
The next destination of the city stroll is just a few steps away and is also located in the Piazza di Miracoli, which does not bear the name “Square of Miracles” for nothing. The Baptistery was built from 1153 onwards, but was only finally completed in the 14th century. This explains the mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles you can admire here.

The lower part of the building is in the Romanesque style, while the upper parts, with the spires and the dome, have Gothic elements. Inside, the most noteworthy feature is the enormous baptismal font. It was created in 1246 by Guido Bigarelli da Como. Now you can turn your attention to the city, strolling through the streets and discovering the more hidden treasures ,that Pisa has to offer.

Find a good hotel

From a simple guesthouse to a posh hotel, everything is offered in Pisa. Maybe you book your room at the Hotel Bologna. You will stay in a stylish house in the middle of the old town. The rooms are attractively furnished and have amenities such as air conditioning, a safe and a minibar.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

Livorno: Modern city with flair
A round trip with a hire car could lead you first to Livorno. In a good half hour you are there. The port city with its ugly industrial belt is a love at second sight. Do not be deterred and head for the city centre. A modern and well-kept business district awaits you, with shops where you can stock up on the latest Italian fashions. For local delicacies, head to the Mercato Central, housed in a huge neoclassical market hall.

Montenero: Monastery with a view
The next destination on the trip is Montenero. For the journey you need only a quarter of an hour. In Montenero, the monastery complex Santuario di Montenero awaits you, which dates back to the 18th century. Especially the sanctuary, situated at an altitude of 193 metres, is worth a visit. Baroque splendour awaits you inside. And when you stand in front of the church you can enjoy a fantastic view of the coast and the sea.

Castiglioncello: a sophisticated seaside resort
Before you drive your hire car back to Pisa, you can make a stop in Castiglioncello, which you will reach after a half-hour drive. Enjoy the flair of an old seaside resort in which numerous hotels still originate from the time of the art nouveau. You will not find a long beach in Castiglioncello. But there are numerous picturesque bays with fine sandy beaches to discover. A one hour drive separates you from Pisa. There you can park your car and plan the next tours with the hire car in a bar at your leisure.