Preparing your trip to Pisa

Pisa from Corsica by ferry: the gateway to Tuscany

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With Cors'Express, reach Livorno by ferry from Bastia and you will be in Pisa in 20 minutes by car. It is the easiest and most economical way to discover Tuscany from Corsica, without the constraints of low-cost flights or the limitation of luggage. You board, cross the Mediterranean and arrive directly on the continent in complete freedom.

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Pisa is one of the most visited stops in Tuscany, and for good reason. Its Miracles Square is one of the most impressive architectural complexes in the world. Thanks to the Bastia-Livorno Cors'Express connection, it is more accessible than ever for travelers leaving from Corsica.

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To prepare for your visit, consult the official website of Pisa Tourism Office, located directly on Piazza dei Miracoli.

What to see in Pisa beyond the Leaning Tower

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Piazza dei Miracoli

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The Square of Miracles is of course the heart of the visit. This monumental complex, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral (Duomo), the Baptistery (the largest in Italy) and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery decorated with striking medieval frescoes. Allow 2 to 3 hours minimum to explore this site. To go up to the Tower, book your time slot online on the Official site of Piazza dei Miracoli because places are limited to 50 visitors at a time.

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Palazzo Blu and the banks of the Arno

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Far from the tourist hustle and bustle of the Piazza, the historic center of Pisa is worth a stroll. Palazzo Blu, a 14th-century palace located on the banks of the Arno, hosts internationally renowned temporary exhibitions. Just opposite, the quays offer a pleasant stroll along the river, with numerous cafes and restaurants where you can try Tuscan specialties.

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Tuttomondo by Keith Haring and the Walls

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Less well known to hurried visitors, two other sites are worth a visit. The fresco Tuttomondo, painted by American artist Keith Haring in 1989 on the wall of a central church, is a bright and colorful work that contrasts with the surrounding medieval architecture. As for the medieval ramparts (Mura di Pisa), they offer 3 kilometers of walk in height with a remarkable view of the roofs and the Duomo.

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Excursions from Pisa

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Florence, Volterra and Cinque Terre

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Pisa is an excellent base for exploring Tuscany. Florence, one of the richest art cities in the world, is a 1-hour train ride from the central station. The medieval villages of Volterra, perched on their rocky outcrops, lie about 50 kilometers to the south-east. And if you want to go along the coast, Cinque Terre and its villages clinging to the cliffs can be reached in just under 2 hours via Ligurian coastal roads. For a well-organized weekend, one night in Pisa combined with one night in Florence is a particularly popular option.

Reach Pisa from the port of Livorno in 4 steps

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Once your ferry Cors'Express docked at the port of Livorno, reaching the famous Tower of Pisa is child's play. Here are the steps to follow to optimize your trip:

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1. Disembarkation and transfer to the station: When you leave the ferry, use the port shuttles or a taxi (about 10 minutes) to reach the central station, Livorno Centrale. It is the strategic starting point for all of Tuscany.
2. The Livorno-Pisa train journey: Regional trains run every 15 to 30 minutes. The trip is direct, very economical and only takes 15 to 20 minutes. Buy your ticket at the vending machines or on the Trenitalia app.
3. Arrival in Pisa Centrale: Once you get off at Pisa station, you have a choice. For a direct immersion, walk 20 minutes through Corso Italia and cross the Arno River. Alternatively, the bus (LAM Rossa line) drops you off at the foot of the Piazza dei Miracoli in less than 10 minutes.
4. Car option: If you are travelling with your vehicle on the ferry, use the expressway SGC Firenze-Pisa-Livorno. In 25 minutes, you will reach the secure car parks located in the north of the city, a stone's throw from the monumental pedestrian zone.