What to see in Casciana Terme Lari, a weekend in the most authentic Tuscany
If you’re looking for an escape from the crowded and noisy parts of Tuscany, Casciana Terme and the Village of Lari are the right places. Here, among gentle hills and artisan workshops in Lari, you’ll discover the genuine beauty of a land far from the usual tourist trails. In this article, I’ll tell you exactly what to see in Lari, what to do in Casciana Terme, and why they deserve a special place in your heart.
There is an unseen side of Tuscany that escapes the crowded routes of mass tourism and proudly resists the call of overused destinations. This is Authentic Tuscany — the kind that welcomes you with the scent of freshly baked bread and the warmth of a genuine greeting, even from strangers. It’s a Tuscany made of slow rhythms, traditions that live on in the squares, in the artisan workshops in Lari, and in the stories of those who inhabit these places every day.
This hidden and authentic Tuscany is exactly what we chose to experience during a weekend far from the chaos, together with Manuel, among the hills of Casciana Terme, embraced by the relaxing silence of the countryside and the authenticity of small villages like Usigliano and the Village of Lari.
If you’re wondering what to see in Lari, let me share our experience. It’s not a checklist of attractions, but rather an invitation to follow your curiosity, to slow down, and to discover the beauty hiding behind every corner. Because in these places, every detail has a story to tell, every flavor speaks of tradition, and every encounter becomes a memory.
We needed a real break — not filled with hectic schedules, but with deep breaths, slow steps, and wide-open eyes. Here’s what we experienced, discovered, and savored among the gentle hills of Authentic Tuscany. Spoiler alert: everything was incredibly genuine.
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The Village of Lari: history, cherries, and artisan shops
Let’s begin in the heart of this lesser-known Authentic Tuscany: the Village of Lari, a small medieval gem perched on a hilltop, able to surprise you with its untouched charm and genuine soul. Everything here speaks of tradition — the stone houses, the artisan workshops in Lari, laundry hanging in the sun, and that rare tranquility only places untouched by mass tourism can still offer.
We arrived in Lari early in the morning, with the sun peeking through the cypress trees and casting golden reflections on the terracotta rooftops. As soon as we got out of the car, we were met with a fairytale scene: the majestic Vicars’ Castle, silent alleys, flower boxes bursting with color, and that peaceful feeling that instantly tells you you’re in the right place.
We started the day sipping a coffee in the square and a slow stroll through picturesque corners: stone staircases worn by time, arches framing unexpected views, and half-closed shutters hiding pots of geraniums. Every detail seems to tell an ancient story.
If you’re still wondering what to see in Lari, know that the answer isn’t just in its monuments, but in the atmosphere that surrounds you. And if you’re looking for a place off the beaten path where you can experience the beauty of Authentic Tuscany, the Village of Lari will win you over with its subtle grace and slow rhythm.
The Vicars’ Castle in Lari
Among the must-see attractions in the Village of Lari, the Vicars’ Castle stands out without a doubt — an imposing symbol and guardian of the historical memory of this corner of Authentic Tuscany. Perched on the hill, it offers a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside and a fascinating journey through medieval prisons, ancient coats of arms, and tales of battles between Pisa and Florence.
If you’re wondering what to see in Lari, the castle visit is an unmissable experience: you’ll walk along centuries-old walls, pass through historic gates, and explore surprising rooms like the chapel, the dungeons, the old courthouse, and the courtyard of the Palazzo Pretorio.
Once the residence of the Florentine vicar, the fortress also served as a prison until World War II. Today, it’s open to visitors with exhibitions, events, a small museum, and interactive installations for all ages.
A dive into history that perfectly complements a weekend in the municipality of Casciana Terme Lari, immersed in an authentic and evocative atmosphere.
Opening Hours and Info for Visiting the Vicars’ Castle
Opening hours 2025
Jan 1 – Mar 31: Sat, Sun, and holidays 10:30–12:30 / 15:00–18:00
Apr 1 – May 31: Mon–Fri 15:00–18:30 / Sat, Sun, holidays 10:00–13:00 / 15:00–18:30
Jun 1 – Sep 15: Daily 10:30–19:00
Sep 16 – Oct 31: Daily 10:30–13:00 / 15:00–18:30
Nov 1 – Dec 31: Sat, Sun, and holidays 10:30–12:30 / 15:00–18:00
Ticket Prices: Full: €4.00, Reduced/school groups: €3.00, Guided tour (by reservation): €5.00, Free for children under 10
Booking Contact
Email: visite@castellodilari.it
Phone: +39 334 3963782 (at least 6 days in advance for out-of-hours visits)
Visiting a Cheese Maturing Cave
One of the most surprising experiences we had in the Village of Lari was without a doubt visiting the Cheese Aging Cave of Pecorino Tre Latti Lari. Just a few steps from the Volterrana Gate of the Village of Lari, a small underground world awaits — full of intense aromas, muffled silence, and cheese wheels carefully arranged on wooden boards.
Entering this cave means discovering the art of aging cheese “like it used to be,” where every detail — humidity, temperature, time — is crucial to creating dairy products with unforgettable flavor.
For more details, check out my dedicated article.
Pastificio Martelli: Traditional Pasta Making
Among the stops I had dreamed of for a long time, visiting the Martelli Pasta Factory was a real thrill. I already knew their famous pasta, but seeing it being made with my own eyes was something else. A small, timeless place where the renowned “yellow pasta” is still made according to traditional methods handed down through generations.
It was a surprising stop that let me discover the authentic soul of the town through one of its most iconic products.
If you want to know more about this experience and the history of the Martelli family, I tell everything in detail in this dedicated article.
Sunset at the Madonna dei Monti Sanctuary and the Sky Bench
To enjoy a spectacular sunset with a panoramic view, I recommend heading to the Madonna dei Monti Sanctuary and the Sky Bench, just a few minutes by car from the Village of Lari.
Here, immersed in silence and nature, you can sit on the famous Sky Bench — a giant blue bench facing a breathtaking view of the Valdera.
The sun slowly sets behind the rolling profiles of the Tuscan countryside, bathing everything in gold and orange hues. It’s a moment of pure wonder far from the usual tourist circuits.
Bring something to drink, take a seat, and let the landscape do the rest: here, the beauty of nature takes center stage!
Where to Eat in Lari: Bottega di Canfreo
After exploring the wonders of the Village of Lari, we treated ourselves to a delicious break at Bottega di Canfreo, a true artisan shop with a kitchen overlooking the castle. Here lunch becomes an experience made of local flavors, generous portions, and a warm welcome. At Bottega di Canfreo, the menu changes depending on the season and the products available from local farmers.
Don’t miss the cured meats, pasta from Pastificio Martelli, and the homemade desserts. Every bite tastes like Authentic Tuscany.
Where to Stay Nearby: Agriturismo Il Meletto
We ended our first day by arriving at Agriturismo Il Meletto, a peaceful haven nestled among the hills. The room, filled with the scent of wood and lavender, offered a stunning view of the vineyard rows—a perfect picture of tranquility. Irene, the owner, welcomed us warmly, instantly making us feel at home.
If you want to fully experience the authenticity of Casciana Terme Lari and its countryside, I highly recommend staying at Agriturismo Il Meletto.
Here, surrounded by nature, you’ll enjoy cozy rooms, breathtaking views of the hills, and a regenerating peace. Each morning, you wake up to birdsong and a rich breakfast prepared with local and zero-kilometer products that will make your stay even more special.
Souvenirs and Snacks: Must-Visit Shops in the Village of Lari
Forno Bernardeschi and the Giulebbe
Before leaving Lari, we made some essential stops for anyone who, like me, loves Authentic Tuscany flavors. The first was Forno Bernardeschi. The scent of freshly baked bread and sugar embraces you as soon as you step inside.
This bakery is a true institution in the Village of Lari, and Stefano, the baker, is a force of nature: welcoming, brilliant, and incredibly passionate about his craft.
And his creations speak for themselves—from the displayed pastries to the almond Cantucci, including their original Cherry of Lari variety, and even artisan taralli—each product is a small concentration of territory and tradition.
But the real surprise was the Giulebbe, his award-winning creation both nationally and internationally. It’s a leavened Tuscan dessert made with artisan sourdough, similar in texture to the Easter colomba cake but with a completely unique personality. Of course, I brought one home! Perfect for breakfast, delicious at the end of a meal, maybe with a little Nutella!
Davide Balestri Butcher Shop and the Cherry Salami of Lari
While strolling through the streets of the Village of Lari, it’s impossible not to notice the Davide Balestri Butcher Shop, a place that combines the tradition of Tuscan butchery with a bold touch of originality. The undisputed star? The cherry salami—a one-of-a-kind product born from the union of the strong flavor of aged meat and the surprising sweetness of Lari’s cherries, the true symbol of the area.
A bold idea that has become the flagship of this small artisanal business. The result is a unique-tasting salami, perfect for those seeking something different without compromising on quality. It was so intriguing I immediately bought a cherry salami to let my family try it too—some discoveries are meant to be shared.
Inside the shop, there’s also a small tasting area: ideal for sampling the best products, accompanied by a good glass of local wine. An authentic experience that tells the story of Lari not just with words, but with its truest flavors.
Ceccotti Butcher Shop and the Rigantino of Lari
Among the historic shops in the Village of Lari, Ceccotti Butcher Shop is a must-visit for anyone looking for top-quality artisan products to enjoy or gift. Here, only meat from nearby Peccioli is used, ensuring a very short supply chain and fully artisanal processing. The aging happens naturally, within the thick walls of the village, and you can feel the care put into every single product.
Walking in is a sensory experience: intense aromas and shelves full of Tuscan specialties. The fennel salami, fragrant and aromatic, is a true classic. But the real star is the Rigantino of Lari, a cured pancetta seasoned only with garlic, salt, and pepper—simple, rustic, and perfect sliced thin or used in cooking to enrich any dish with Authentic Tuscany flavor.
During the visit, we even saw the aging room, with salamis hanging and forming their typical white coating—a picture that says more than a thousand words about the passion behind it. I couldn’t resist and bought a Rigantino to bring home—it was simply too good to leave behind! If you love bold and genuine flavors, this is the shop where you’ll find truly special gastronomic souvenirs.
Near the Village of Lari
Vecchia Fattoria Castelli in Usigliano
Our second day began with a visit to the tiny village of Usigliano, and then we moved on to Vecchia Fattoria Castelli for a very special guided tour. Vecchia Fattoria Castelli is a truly charming agriturismo, perched on a panoramic hill with breathtaking views. Inside, some of the original rooms have been carefully preserved—spaces once lived in daily that now tell the story of rural life with great authenticity.
Luca, the owner, guided us on a fascinating journey through the past, taking us through the olive press, the cellar, and the “coppaio.” With great expertise, he narrated the story of rural life through these perfectly preserved spaces—filled with vintage tools, old furnishings, and painstakingly reconstructed daily scenes. A real step back in time that I found incredibly interesting!
To make the experience even more surprising, there was a splendid collection of handcrafted nativity scenes by a local artist—absolutely breathtaking!
Tip: Take your time, listen, ask questions. You’ll discover a world that risks disappearing, but still proudly lives on here.
Tasting and Visit at La Spinetta Winery
In the afternoon, we moved to Terricciola, to the Casanova La Spinetta winery—a place where nature and design meet in a surprising way. The building, modern and almost futuristic, fits harmoniously among the vines, creating a striking contrast between innovation and tradition.
Upon arrival, we were won over by the Sezzana, a structured, elegant, and intense red wine that made an impression from the very first sip. A toast overlooking these Tuscan hills is truly an unforgettable experience.
We joined a guided tour of the winery, where the production processes, characteristics of the different wines, the nature of the soils, and the cultivated grape varieties were all explained to us with passion. At the end, we tasted a selection of their reds and were blown away by the excellent quality of each glass. Among my favorites were the Sassontino and the Chianti—authentic expressions of the land.
An experience I highly recommend to anyone who loves wine and wants to dive into a journey of flavors, aromas, and real stories.
Casciana Terme and the Terme di Casciana
Sunday was entirely dedicated to ourselves, and we chose to spend it in Casciana Terme, a gem nestled among Tuscany’s rolling hills.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by tree-lined boulevards and elegant liberty-style buildings that give the town a discreet and refined charm. Casciana Terme Lari is perfect for those seeking Authentic Tuscany wellness, far from the chaos and crowded hotels, where time seems to slow down and every detail is crafted for relaxation.
The real heart of this part of Tuscany is its spa: the Terme di Casciana—an oasis of thermal pools, fed by Acqua Mathelda, which flows from a spring at a natural and constant temperature of 35.7°C. A regenerating experience that refreshed both body and mind.
We spent the whole day here, soaking in the water under the spring sun. If you want to know all the details of this experience, I recommend reading my dedicated article about the Terme di Casciana, a place where the body and soul are recharged in the heart of Authentic Tuscany.
Brunch Time at the Spa
For lunch, we treated ourselves to brunch at the Gran Caffè delle Terme, right next to the pools. The best part? You can go in your bathrobe without even leaving the spa area. A little luxury that makes you feel truly pampered! Pancakes, waffles, salmon bagels, yogurt with dried fruit, scrambled eggs with bacon, and a good cocktail—a delicious and well-curated mix, perfect to recharge after a morning of soaking.
An experience I highly recommend: simple, delightful, and truly memorable.
This was our escape into the heart of Authentic Tuscany, made of slow moments, peaceful landscapes, and genuine encounters. If you’re wondering what to see in Lari, we hope this guide will inspire you to explore this little gem with the same amazement we felt.
Save this post, share it with someone who needs a break from the city, and start planning your next trip to Casciana Terme Lari. Because sometimes, happiness is just a hilltop village away.
Ready to discover more about what to see in Lari and enjoy the best of Authentic Tuscany? Let curiosity lead the way, and let the Village of Lari surprise you — one charming alley, one local flavor, one sunset at a time.
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