When it gets too hot in Lucca, we head towards the mountains, to get a little bit of fresh air. The Monte Matanna region is one of our favourite.

It's a 40 km (25 miles) drive from Lucca: take the road to Abetone, then when you get to Ponte a Moriano get on the "old road". When you get to Diecimo, turn left towards Pescaglia, then follow the road towards Pascoso. After about 20km on that road you will see a sign on the right that just says "Matanna". Take the narrow road, which will take you to the Inn at Alto Matanna.

There you can have a picnic, or get food from the restaurant, play frisbee, relax. Kids will be very happy, as there are swings, slides and half a dozen tricycles and toy cars to play with. It is really a great place to spend a day outdoors, far from the heat of the city.

Of course you can also hike from there, anything from an easy 15 minutes walk up the nearest pass to a giant cross overlooking the Appuan Alps, up to a few days accross the chain (you can sleep at the Inn too).