Vespa route: from Pontedera to Lari, via Palaia

Valdera is an enchanting region – located in the heart of the Terre di Pisa – known for its undulating landscapes and historical richness.

Here is an itinerary to discover part of this authentic territory, designed especially for lovers of a vehicle that is an icon of Made in Italy: the legendary Piaggio Vespa.

Departure from Pontedera

Our itinerary starts in Pontedera, whose history is inextricably intertwined with that of the Vespa, created by Piaggio and which has become a global mobility icon. The Piaggio Museum narrates this incredible industrial adventure with an exhibition that includes historical models and unique prototypes, such as Salvador Dali’s Vespa, and celebrates Piaggio’s contribution to design and innovation.

In addition to this, Pontedera offers artistic and cultural attractions, including the PALP Exhibition Centre (home to the city’s most important exhibitions), outdoor installations and industrial architecture converted into creative spaces.

Montecastello

Just 5 km from Pontedera, we discover an enchanting village, a true place of peace: we are talking about Montecastello. Situated about 132 metres above sea level, the small village is known for its circular castle.

The village – with a population of around 500 – offers a privileged view of the surrounding area. A stop here is a must.

Palaia and Montefoscoli

Palaia is a jewel set in the Tuscan hills, where history and nature come together in a picture-postcard landscape. Among the narrow streets and historic buildings, the village preserves treasures such as the Civic Tower, built in 1500, and the Parish Church of San Martino, a simple yet imposing example of Romanesque architecture.

Montefoscoli is a village that celebrates Tuscan rural life through its Museum of Rural Civilisation. Here, work tools and everyday objects tell the story of life in the fields and the toil of the hands that worked the land. Under the vaulted ceilings, you can almost hear the echo of the farmers’ voices. Not to be missed, in a wood near the village, is the Temple of Minerva Medica, a building constructed between 1821 and 1823 at the behest of Andrea Vaccà Berlinghieri, a physician and luminary from the University of Pisa.

Lari

The village of Lari – one of the Italian Touring Club’s Orange Flags – is dominated by the medieval Castello dei Vicari. This castle is not just a monument, but a true journey through time. The frescoed rooms tell the story of centuries of daily life and political struggles. A visit to the Castello dei Vicari is an intense experience, possible thanks to the interactive didactic museum set up inside.

You have probably already heard the name of Lari. This is because the village is known not only for its beauty and history, but also for two food and wine excellences in addition to wine: cherries and pasta.

The cherry – which was awarded the IGP mark in 2023 – boasts the cultivation of no less than 19 different varieties in this area, which are celebrated every year in May and June with an important and long-awaited festival.

Speaking of pasta, we find the historic Martelli pasta factory in Lari, at the foot of the Castello dei Vicari. Founded in 1926, it is still strictly family-run. Pasta production is closely linked to the Pisan hills. If you have time for another pasta-themed itinerary, just click here.