Car Hire Pisa Airport

Pisa is the gateway to Tuscany, so hiring a car from the airport is the perfect way to explore this spectacular region.

In Italy, you’ll drive on the right hand side of the road. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all passengers and the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel is banned.

Keep an eye out for speed limit signs, as the maximum can change depending on the road you’re on. There are four major limits to bear in mind – 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on other major routes, 90 km/h on local roads and 50 km/h in urban areas.

When driving within Pisa itself it’s important to watch out for signs indicating a Limited Traffic Zone – Zona Traffico Limitato, or ZTL for short, in Italian. These are designed to reduce congestion and protect historic areas.

Look out for a sign with a red circle and the hours when the restriction is in place. Entering a ZTL during these times will automatically result in a fine from the local authorities.

Pisa is a great base from which to explore the wider region. Join the SGC Firenze – Pisa – Livorno eastbound and within 90 minutes you’ll reach Florence. Park up and roam the Renaissance city, famed for its art and historical wonders.

If you head south down the SS1, you’ll pass the Parco Naturale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli, with sights of lush trees and fields. This runs right down to Livorno, a historic port on the Tyrrhenian coast.

With Venetian-style canals and elegant architecture, this seaside spot is strikingly different to the rest of the region.

Venture deeper into Italy and out of Tuscany to discover more of the country’s show-stopping treasures. Travel north along the E35 to reach Bologna or continue onto the E45 to discover the beautiful city of Verona.

If you’ve got time to play with, journey along the E80 down the beautiful coast and make for Italy’s grand capital of Rome.

A curious tower that leans at a seemingly impossible slant, lively street life and mouth-wateringly tasty gelato – Pisa is a city of effortless charm.

Further afield, the rolling hills of Tuscany beckon – take a drive to discover the region’s hidden gems.

Pose alongside the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Call it a happy accident – but if the Tower of Pisa hadn’t started leaning during its construction way back in the 12^th century, the landmark probably wouldn’t be the must-see attraction it is today.

But all quirks aside, this is still a remarkable feat of medieval engineering. One of four buildings that make up the city’s cathedral complex of Piazza dei Miracoli, meaning ‘Square of Miracles’, the bell tower features more than 200 columns across its eight levels.

Pause for a photo with the crooked tower before heading inside to fully experience this unique architectural oddity. Climb more than 250 steep, narrow steps to the top and soak up unrivalled views across the city and surrounding Tuscan landscape.

Explore the Square of Miracles

Stroll around the peaceful Square of Miracles and you’ll discover that there’s much more to Pisa than its famed tower.

Wander the walled UNESCO-listed site and make a beeline for the Duomo, Pisa’s grand cathedral. Finished in the 12^th century, this striking church demands attention, with a Romanesque façade clad in beautiful marble.

Admire the exterior before heading through huge bronze doors into the nave. Turn your attention to the looming columns and let your gaze move skywards to the lavish ceiling.

Fall in love with Florence

Journey from one city to the other and prepare to be mesmerised by Tuscany’s capital, Florence, one of Europe's greatest artistic cities.

Amble along the atmospheric cobbled streets and seek out Uffizi Gallery. You can spend hours here gazing at the Renaissance masterpieces hung upon the walls of the 16^th century gallery from world-famous artists, including Michelangelo, Botticelli and Da Vinci.

Head further down the street from the gallery to discover the Palazzo Vecchio, a foreboding 13^th century palace that’s still home to the mayor’s office. Make your way to the top of the Torre d'Arnolfo to drink in spectacular city vistas and spy Michelangelo’s David among the many works of art within the grounds.

Send your senses into overdrive at Mercato Centrale, the largest and oldest food market in the city.

You really will think you’ve entered foodie paradise. Discover stalls piled high with biscotti, fresh pasta and wheels of rich cheese. Devour a traditional slice of pizza or dare to sample a Florentine Lampredotto – a tasty tripe sandwich.

Car hire from Pisa Airport is the perfect way to discover the city and wider Tuscany region. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace and take in the breathtaking Italian landscape as you go.