SHOPS

The shops in the village of Lajatico can supply everything one would need for a two-week holiday - three small alimentari (general stores and grocers), a butcher, a greengrocer, a baker (very good bread!), 2 cafés - one of which serves pizza and other snacks, a newsagent, a bank, a hairdresser, plus several other establishments.

There is also a chemist and a doctor, the nearest hospital being at Pontedera (30 minutes drive). The nearest supermarkets are either at La Rosa (20 mins) or Volterra.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Besides the Ripanucci's own restaurant, Santa Eugenia, there are a number of other local restaurants providing a good range of cuisine at reasonable prices.

Just outside the village is a new restaurant, La Vallata, and in the next village (San Giovanni Val d'Era, 15 mins) can be found Il Villaggio, a trattoria (pizza restaurant). At La Sterza (4 km away) there are two restaurants, and in Orciatico (20 mins away) La Mangiatoia has fixed daily menus with 2 choices and is also recommended.

It should be noted, however, that the majority of restaurants are closed on Mondays out of season and several also do so during the holiday period, so it is worth checking beforehand.

NOTE: 'LAJATICO' OR 'LAIATICO'?

The name of the village has two spellings - it appears that recently the town decided to replace the I with a J. Be aware that the old version, Laiatico, is still in use on some signs - even on some that lead into the town!