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.