Travel Eye on Montecatini Terme (Italy)

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Overview:

Montecatini is one of Europe's premier spa towns since the 18th century, it is a stylish resort with an air of sophistication accentuated by a wealth of upmarket accommodation, fashion shops and pricey cafes.

Its traffic-free main square (Piazza Popolo) and fine old Tuscan architecture add to the pleasant atmosphere. It is a sizeable town which annually welcomes over 1 million visitors who come to "take the waters", in addition to spoiling themselves with myriad health and beauty treatments available at half a dozen magnificent old spa centres.

This resort attracts a predominantly middle to upmarket mature couples and older families.

There is a large complement of grand 4- and 5-star properties, one or two with their own spa facilities. These are augmented by smart converted villas and the usual smattering of more mundane tourist-class establishments.

Locality:

Montecatini is situated in north west Italy in heart of Tuscany (33 mls E of Viareggio, 19 mls E of Lucca, 40 mls NE of Pisa and Galileo Galilei airport). It occupies a broad, fairly flat, half-moon-shaped valley ringed by steep hills.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

The shopping here is distinctly upmarket, with an abundance of exclusive fashion stores, jewellers and art galleries.

During the daytime there are various health and leisure spa facilities coupled with fine shopping. There are facilities for golf and tennis.

The nightlife here generally genteel. It is principally concentrated around the main square cafes and restaurants. Some hotels provide evening entertainment.

There is an extensive choice of fairly smart restaurants, pavement cafes and numerous little bars, mainly concentrated around the main square and adjacent side streets. There are one or two more basic pizzerias. There is a great mix of international and typically Italian cuisine washed down by renowned regional wines such as chianti.