Italian city with Renaissance charm is hidden gem that's still 21C in autumn

If you want to keep experiencing the sunshine of summer, planning a warm getaway can be just the ticket to lift your spirits.

We're fortunate enough to be only a short flight away from numerousEuropean destinationsthat maintain their warmth well into autumn and even winter, providing ample opportunities for sun-soaked escapes without straying too far from home.

And if you're keen to avoid the crowds while still enjoying a relaxing few days of sightseeing, wine tasting, and cultural immersion, then one "hidden gem" Italian city should be on your radar.

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Lauded as Italy's lesser-known fairy tale city by Conde Nast Traveller, Lucca, nestled in the Tuscany region not far from Florence, is truly enchanting.

Merely glancing at photos of this fortified city transports you to an entirely different realm, with a wealth of attractions to captivate visitors of all ages, reports the Express.

While this quaint city in central Italy may not enjoy the same fame as Rome or Lake Como, its lack of congestion makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely break steeped in culture.

Its fairy tale-like charm is accentuated by the imposing Renaissance-era walls encircling the city.

Once a bustling centre for silk production during medieval times, Lucca has managed to preserve its historical allure while adding a contemporary twist.

Despite the city's growth and modernisation, the walls that once encased the old town have been preserved.

Lucca is home to an impressive collection of stunning Pisan-Romanesque churches, adorned in marbled hues, which never fail to captivate tourists.

Even in October, the weather remains pleasant, reaching up to 21C - not too hot, perfect for sightseeing, shopping and dining.

One of the best ways to explore the city is by bike, as many of the lanes are too narrow for cars. Numerous companies offer bike hire, including Cici Rai near Porta San Gervasio, the San Gervasio Gate.

For architecture enthusiasts, Lucca is ideal; spend time admiring the striking façade of the Cattedrale di San Martino and its large Crucifixion scene inside.

The best views of Lucca are from above, so it's worth climbing the Torre Guinigi - the city's last remaining tower-house - for the most breathtaking panoramic vistas.

From the top of this 45-metre-high tower, you can admire rural landscapes and spot the outline of Lucca's Roman amphitheatre, perfectly framed by medieval townhouses.

And naturally, the cuisine in Lucca is to die for. As per To Tuscany, local delicacies include a unique sweet tart of spinach and chard with pine nuts and, inspired by neighbouring Garfagnana, chestnut flour ravioli.

Sweet lovers will be eager to try some buccellato, a sweet bread made with raisins and aniseed that harks back to Roman times.

And if you're fond of a glass of wine, some Lucchesi varieties range from the robust red Montecarlo di Lucca to the subtle white Colline Lucchesi.