Tuscany is an Italian region well known for its rich culture, beautiful art, and history. For many, the first image that comes to mind when thinking about Tuscany have is picturesque and important cities such as Florence and Pisa, which have made history. But Tuscany isn’t only that. It is also a region with a beautiful coast and stunning beaches that should be enjoyed just as much as the rich culture that characterizes Tuscany. Indeed, if you are visiting Pisa or Florence or even Siena, you should consider combining a city tour full of history and art with a beach day. Not only you’ll be able to soak in the sun and relax for a while, but you’ll also be astonished by the wonderful panorama you’ll be in front of.
But what are the best beaches you should be visiting when in Tuscany? To help you make up your mind, we prepared a small guide about the top 3 beach towns in this beautiful town.
Viareggio
Viareggio is also called the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea and with good reasons. The view is stunning: on one side you can appreciate the beautiful sea and to the white marble peaks of Massa Carrara. Even if not as famous as other Tuscan cities, Viareggio is the second-largest city in the province of Lucca and it is not only popular during the summer season but also for its famous carnival.
The coast is small but worth visiting: with around 10 km of sandy beaches, Viareggio is an awesome town to stop by for a while to relax under the sun and eat delicious food by the beach. Also, if looking for something “more active” to do, you can stroll around the popular “La Passeggiata” a 3 km long road running parallel to the beach scattered with several gelaterias, cafes, restaurants along the way. If you get tired or if you want to enjoy your gelato sitting down with a view of the sea, you can sit down on one of the many benches along the road, decorated in the traditional liberty style.
Additionally, if you are looking for some good shopping, Viareggio might be the right place for you.
Choose from one of the several “Bagni” or simply go to a “Spiaggia Libera”, or free beach and enjoy everything that Viareggio offers!
Forte Dei Marmi
Forte Dei Marmi is much better known compared to Viareggio, but only because it is a slightly posher destination, popular among many celebrities. This exclusive beach town is worth visiting because of its astonishing panorama, with the elegant villas hidden behind the lush vegetation of the pineta (pine tree forest) and the stunning view of the Alpi Apuane. But Forte Dei Marmi is also fine dining and luxurious shopping. If you love the sea but also fashion, Forte Dei Marmi is the place to go as it is the chicest place of all Tuscany. It is the ideal destination for everyone looking to experience some luxury, with plenty of posh beach resorts offering more privacy and comfort than other “simpler beaches”. Of course, this also translated in higher prices, both when it comes to stay somewhere or to eat at a restaurant. But if you are not afraid to spend a little bit more for a luxurious experience, even if only for a couple of days, you should consider visiting Forte Dei Marmi.
Also, keep in mind that even if Forte Dei Marmi is mainly remembered for its luxurious villas and high-end restaurants and beach resorts, this beach town also has an interesting history and traditions hidden behind the beautiful mountains of the Alpi Apuane. When you are looking for a break from the beach, Forte Dei Marmi has plenty to offer to its visitors. You can visit the inside parts of the city and discover a place that is very different from the “chic” beach town you though Forte Dei Marmi would be.
For this reason, if you can, try to include a couple of days in this picturesque and famous Tuscan beach town and try to explore more of the town than the beaches and the city center: you won’t be disappointed!
Marina Di Carrara
Massa di Carrara is famous around the world for its beautiful white marble used throughout the century to build churches or even wonderful villas and for decoration. The caves can still be visited and have an important historical meaning: they were used by the Roman for their sculptures and during the Renaissance by artists such as Michelangelo. What many do not know is that in the small Carrara, you’ll also find a little sea town, Marina di Carrara. If you want to mix a visit to the famous Carrara with some relaxing time at the beach, consider visiting Carrara. With its several resorts and restaurants, but also the beautiful coast, Marina di Carrara is gaining traction as a tourist destination in Tuscany. The nightlife is particularly lively in this small town, meaning that if you are looking to fully relax, this might not be your ideal destination. But if you are looking for some life even during the night, you should experience Marina di Carrara. Also, if you are looking for some shopping, you’ll find good deals in local shops.
The Bottom Line
Tuscany is an excellent Italian destination that can suit everyone’s taste: from good food to rich history and culture, but also wonderful landscapes, everybody will be able to enjoy this wonderful Italian region. Tuscany is also a great destination if you are looking to enjoy the sun and the beach. With so many things to do, it might be hard to choose what to do and where to go. If you want to combine history, art, and culture with stunning beaches, consider including at least one of the destinations we proposed in this short guide for you. The destinations we proposed you here are all different and unique, and possibly suited for different people’s taste, but without a doubt, you’ll find the panorama stunning!