If you’re looking for the best things to do in Versilia with kids, you’ll quickly discover that this beautiful corner of northern Tuscany offers much more than beaches. Between golden sands, peaceful nature reserves and hidden freshwater pools, it’s the perfect destination for families looking to slow down and enjoy quality time together.
These are three experiences we genuinely love and often recommend to guests staying at Borgo4Case.
1. Best Beach Experiences in Versilia with Kids
Sometimes, the best holiday plan is… no plan at all.
One of the greatest things about Versilia is its long stretches of soft golden sand and the incredibly shallow shoreline. The sea slopes gently for many metres, making it one of the safest and most enjoyable beaches in Tuscany for families with young children.
Most beaches are fully equipped with traditional Italian beach clubs (stabilimenti balneari), offering everything you might need for a relaxing day: sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins, hot showers, restaurants, playgrounds and beach service.
Santeria Belmare
Our favourite is Santeria Belmare, a smaller beach club with a relaxed atmosphere run by a young and passionate team. We especially love its beautiful sea-view terrace, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, an aperitivo or dinner while feeling the sea breeze. During summer weekends they often host live music and DJ sets, creating a lively but never overwhelming atmosphere.
One detail we particularly appreciate? Guests can borrow bicycles and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) free of charge.
We highly recommend cycling to Tonfano, the charming centre of Marina di Pietrasanta, just a few minutes away. Stop for an espresso, wander through the boutiques and enjoy the many contemporary sculptures and open-air artworks scattered throughout the streets.
Back at the beach, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Challenge the kids to a game of table tennis or get the SUP to explore the calm waters just offshore.
After a relaxing day by the sea, it’s wonderful to return to a peaceful home surrounded by nature instead of a busy beachfront hotel. Sometimes, happiness really is this simple.
2. Nature Experiences Near Versilia: Lake Massaciuccoli with Kids
If there’s one place we never get tired of recommending, it’s Lake Massaciuccoli.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about this landscape. The changing light, the reeds moving in the wind, the silence broken only by birdsong… every visit feels different.
It’s also a wonderful destination because it offers something for every member of the family.
LIPU oasis
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the LIPU Oasis, where wooden walkways lead through the wetlands, allowing visitors to observe herons, marsh harriers, kingfishers and many other bird species in their natural habitat. It’s an easy and fascinating walk, even with children. The reserve also offers guided visits and seasonal activities.
For a little adventure, you can book a kayak excursion and explore the lake from the water.
Archaeological roman site Villa Venulei
History enthusiasts can stroll through the artistic gardens of Hotel Le Rotonde before reaching the archaeological area of the Roman Villa of the Venulei, one of Tuscany’s most fascinating Roman sites. The ancient thermal baths and museum overlook the lake, creating an unforgettable setting.
And if you’re travelling for good food—as you should in Tuscany—Massaciuccoli won’t disappoint.
Some of our favourite experiences include:
- a sunset boat cruise with an aperitivo on board (Verde Salmastro Escursioni);
- a wine tasting among the vineyards at Tenuta Mariani, featuring their excellent traditional-method sparkling wines;
- dinner at Osteria Le Terme, where seasonal ingredients and an outstanding wine list complete the experience.
For us, Massaciuccoli is one of those places that quietly steals your heart. It isn’t crowded or flashy. It’s simply beautiful.
If you’re looking for a memorable day trip in Versilia, this is one we would never skip. One of the things we love most is that Lake Massaciuccoli is only a short drive from Borgo4Case, making it an easy and relaxing day trip during your stay.
3. Cool Off at Candalla Waterfalls and Natural Pools
If you’re visiting during the hottest weeks of summer, there’s one place you’ll definitely want to know about.
Hidden in the hills above Camaiore, the Candalla waterfalls and the crystal-clear waters of the Lombricese stream offer the perfect escape from the coastal heat.
The first waterfall and natural swimming pools are only a short walk from the parking area, making them easily accessible even for families. Those who enjoy hiking can continue along the ancient paths that follow the stream, discovering more secluded pools surrounded by lush woodland.
Along the way you’ll also come across the ruins of old water mills, reminders of a time when the river powered local life and craftsmanship.
The scenery becomes almost tropical: giant ferns, colourful dragonflies, towering rocks and incredibly clear water that stays refreshingly cold even in the middle of August.
It’s one of those hidden corners of Tuscany that many visitors never discover.
If you still have some energy afterwards, you have two options.
Casoli village
The adventurous can continue hiking uphill towards Casoli (be prepared for a steep climb), while everyone else can simply drive there in a few minutes.
Casoli is a tiny hilltop village famous for its sgraffiti—beautiful artworks engraved and painted directly onto the walls of the houses. Walking through its narrow streets feels like visiting an open-air gallery.
After your visit, stop at the small local grocery-bar for an aperitivo or a simple Tuscan snack on the panoramic terrace overlooking the surrounding hills.
Osteria Candalla
For a truly unforgettable evening, book a table at Osteria Candalla.
The restaurant sits right beside the stream, creating one of the most unique dining settings in the area. Before dinner, enjoy a drink at the Tropical Bar with your feet literally in the water.
One tip from us: book at least a month in advance during summer, especially for weekend evenings. It fills up incredibly quickly.
Why We Love These Places
Versilia is so much more than a beach destination.
Within a short drive you can spend the morning by the sea, the afternoon exploring Roman ruins or kayaking through peaceful wetlands, and the evening cooling off beneath waterfalls before dining beside a mountain stream.
That’s exactly why we love living here —and why we enjoy sharing these places with every guest who stays at Borgo4Case.
We hope they become part of your holiday memories too.
Ready to Explore Versilia?
If you’re looking for a peaceful place surrounded by nature, yet close to the sea and all these wonderful day trips, Borgo4Case is the perfect starting point for your Tuscan family holiday.
→ Explore our apartments
→ Check availability (Stalletta 4 people home)
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→ Plan your stay in Versilia
