The Versila Coast
Forte dei Marmi
Derives its name from the old fortress that still remains in the main piazza and the pier that was once used for loading marble. This gem of Versilia became a highly fashionable resort in the 1970’s attracting many international and some ’would be’ celebrities and has in recent years undergone a facelift to become popular again as a chic destination. Grand old villas of the late 19th Century provide the perfect facade of this luxury town with important families of Italian industry and design owning villas here. For those seeking retail therapy Italian style the town will not fail to impress with some of the most famous brands in the world. Even if many of the shops sell some of the most expensive items money can buy, it has managed to retain a strangely relaxed and somewhat unpretentious atmosphere. Stylish boutiques and cafes line the streets, ideal for a drink while you ponder over a purchase. Maybe you will catch a glimpse of a famous face hidden behind the compulsory sunglasses. Before you reach for your credit cards, visit the weekly market on Wednesdays and during the summer on Sunday where often you can find some designer bargains. When you have had enough of shopping you can always escape to one of the beach clubs for some sun, sea and relaxation.
Torre del Lago
A splendid avenue of lime trees, the Via dei Tigli, connects Viareggio with Torre del Lago, once the home of the opera composer Giacomo Puccini. He and his wife are buried in the grounds of their former home, now the Museo Villa Puccini, a small homage that features the piano on which the maestro composed many of his best known works. You can take a pleasant boat trip around the lagoon and wetlands of Lago Massaciuccoli, an important nature reserve for rare and migrant birds. The lake provides a pretty backdrop for open air performances of Puccini’s works, held during August in his memory. A stage is built on the lake near his house and provides an atmospheric setting to enjoy some of his famous creations. For opera enthusiasts it is advised to reserve tickets in advance as this is a popular attraction. The other face of Torre del Lago with more modern musical connections, offers a lively nightlife with a variety of trendy clubs, bars and restaurants situated along the lake side. A relaxed sea side town during the day, however by nightfall, a party atmosphere is guaranteed during the summer.
Viareggio
Is the oldest of the coastal towns on the Versilia. Its origins are Roman and in the middle ages it was an important sea landing. In the 19th century it was reputed to have built some of the best boats ever to sail on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the boatyards are very much alive still today. Viareggio reached its hey day at the turn of the century with a number of the original buildings remaining in the town. Along the palmed fringed boulevards Art Nouveau style of architecture can be seen in the grand hotels, villas and cafes built in the 1920s. The finest example is the Gran Caffe Margherita at the end of the Passeggiata Margherita, designed by the father of Italian Art Nouveau, Galileo Chini. Viareggio is known best for its extravagant carnival held in January and early February second only to the more famous festival of Venice. Today this is the most popular resort on the Versilia coast. During the summer months there is a lively atmosphere and any train bound here on a summers morning is likely to be full of people heading for an easily organised day at the beach. Forget tiny coves with hidden beaches where you can throw down a towel as Viareggio is commercialised with private stretches of beaches that charge for entry. All are equipped with towels, changing rooms and sun loungers for the convenience of the beach enthusiast. Many find the resort a bit too commercial however a few things are for certain, several miles long of excellent beach, clean and groomed sand and a relaxed beach atmosphere. Seafood restaurants are plentiful even if the prices are quite high but they are some of the best on the coast. If you don’t mind sitting in organised rows on the beach with everything at hand, then Viareggio provides an ideal resort.