Versilia
Latest update: 29 February 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The Versilia region is located along the northern coast of Tuscany, within the province of Lucca. It is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, coastal resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
The area is famous for attracting tourists seeking sun, sea, and relaxation during the summer months. Additionally, Versilia is known for its cultural events, art galleries, and lively atmosphere. |
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Versilia: northern Tuscany's coastline
The Versilia region in Tuscany captivates visitors with its pristine beaches, vibrant coastal towns, and breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps. The fashionable seaside resorts of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi boast elegant promenades, designer boutiques, and lively beach clubs.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the lush pine forests and natural parks, while art lovers will appreciate the cultural heritage of Pietrasanta, renowned for its marble workshops and contemporary art galleries. With its blend of coastal charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty, Versilia offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the lush pine forests and natural parks, while art lovers will appreciate the cultural heritage of Pietrasanta, renowned for its marble workshops and contemporary art galleries. With its blend of coastal charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty, Versilia offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Versilia
Highlights: Pietrasanta, Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi
Fly to: Pisa Airport - 26 minutes/34 km (from Viareggio) |
What are the most popular tours and activities in the Versilia region?
- Beach Excursions: Enjoy the sandy shores of Versilia with beach excursions offering sunbathing, swimming, and water sports opportunities along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visitors can relax on the pristine beaches of popular towns such as Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Pietrasanta, or partake in activities like beach volleyball, windsurfing, and jet-skiing.
- Art and Culture Tours: Explore the artistic and cultural treasures of Versilia with guided tours of its historic towns and landmarks. Visitors can admire masterpieces in Pietrasanta's art galleries, explore Viareggio's Liberty-style architecture, and visit Forte dei Marmi's Roman ruins and medieval fortifications, while learning about the region's rich history and heritage.
- Mountain Hiking and Nature Trails: Discover the natural beauty of the Apuan Alps with hiking and nature trails in the Versilia region. Guided excursions take visitors through scenic landscapes of forests, mountain streams, and alpine meadows, providing opportunities to spot wildlife, discover hidden caves, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Cycling Tours: Explore the picturesque countryside of Versilia on two wheels with guided cycling tours. Visitors can pedal through olive groves, vineyards, and charming villages, stopping to admire historic churches, Renaissance villas, and panoramic viewpoints along the way, while enjoying the fresh air and scenic beauty of rural Tuscany.
- Gourmet Food and Wine Tours: Indulge in the flavors of Versilia with gourmet food and wine tours that showcase the region's culinary delights. Visitors can sample local specialties such as seafood dishes, Tuscan cheeses, and artisanal gelato, as well as wines from the nearby Montecarlo and Colli di Luni wine regions, while learning about the area's gastronomic traditions and culinary heritage.
- Spa and Wellness Retreats: Relax and rejuvenate in the spa and wellness centers of Versilia. Visitors can enjoy luxurious treatments such as massages, facials, and thermal baths, as well as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and wellness workshops, providing a tranquil escape from the stresses of everyday life amidst the serene surroundings of coastal Tuscany.
Where should I eat in Versilia?
- La Pineta: Located in Marina di Bibbona, La Pineta is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its seafood dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on creativity and innovation.
- Ristorante La Magnolia: Situated in Forte dei Marmi, La Magnolia is a charming restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine and warm hospitality. Guests can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients, including fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and local meats.
- Bagno Piero: Located in Marina di Pietrasanta, Bagno Piero is a beachfront restaurant known for its delicious seafood and relaxed atmosphere. Guests can dine al fresco while enjoying views of the sea and sampling dishes like grilled fish, seafood risotto, and pasta with clams.
- Ristorante Lorenzo: Situated in Forte dei Marmi, Ristorante Lorenzo is a renowned fine dining establishment known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite cuisine. The restaurant offers a menu of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, prepared using the finest ingredients.
- Bistrot da Francesco: Located in Viareggio, Bistrot da Francesco is a cozy restaurant known for its delicious pizzas, homemade pasta, and fresh seafood. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and a menu that highlights the flavors of the region.
Versilia Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Versilia?
- Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte: Located in the seaside town of Viareggio, the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte is a luxury hotel offering elegant rooms and suites with sea views. Guests can enjoy a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, a gourmet restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine, and a spa with a range of treatments.
- Byron Hotel: Situated in the historic center of Forte dei Marmi, the Byron Hotel is a boutique hotel housed in a 19th-century villa. Guests can stay in stylish rooms and suites, relax in the hotel's garden and outdoor pool, and enjoy easy access to the town's shops, restaurants, and beaches.
- Villa Roma Imperiale: Located in Forte dei Marmi, Villa Roma Imperiale is a luxury hotel set in a historic villa surrounded by lush gardens. Guests can stay in elegant rooms and suites, dine at the hotel's gourmet restaurant, and unwind in the outdoor pool or at the nearby private beach club.
- Hotel Il Negresco: Situated on the seafront promenade of Lido di Camaiore, Hotel Il Negresco is a beachfront hotel offering comfortable rooms and suites with balconies overlooking the sea. Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and a restaurant serving seafood and Tuscan cuisine.
- Hotel Excelsior: Located in the heart of Viareggio, Hotel Excelsior is a charming boutique hotel housed in a historic Art Nouveau building. Guests can stay in stylish rooms and suites, relax in the hotel's garden and outdoor pool, and explore the town's shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
What's the closest airport to Versilia?
Pisa International Airport (PSA):
- Pisa Airport, officially known as Galileo Galilei Airport, is the nearest major airport serving the Versilia region.
- It offers domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travelers visiting the area.
- The airport is located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Viareggio and 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Forte dei Marmi.
What are the main train stations in Versilia?
Viareggio Train Station:
Pietrasanta Train Station:
- Viareggio has its own train station, providing easy access to the town and the surrounding Versilia region.
- The station is served by regional and intercity trains, connecting Viareggio with cities like Pisa, Florence, and La Spezia.
- It's centrally located within Viareggio, making it convenient for travelers staying in the area.
Pietrasanta Train Station:
- Pietrasanta also has a train station, though it is smaller compared to Viareggio's station.
- The station serves regional trains, providing connections to nearby towns and cities.
- Pietrasanta's train station is within walking distance of the town center.
How do you get to Versilia by car?
Driving Directions:
- If arriving at Pisa Airport, you can easily reach the Versilia region by renting a car or taking a taxi. The drive typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes depending on your specific destination within Versilia.
- From Florence or other parts of Tuscany, you can also drive to the Versilia region via the A11 motorway, which connects to the coastal towns.
What private transfer options are there for Versilia?
A private transfer from Pisa Airport to Viareggio takes around 30 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Versilia?
- Viareggio: Viareggio is one of the main towns in the Versilia region and may have car rental agencies available. You can check with local rental companies or search online for options.
- Forte dei Marmi: Forte dei Marmi is another town located in the Versilia region and may offer car rental services.
- Massa: Massa is a larger city located near the Versilia region and may have more car rental options available, including international chains.