Electing Versilia as a destination for your holidays is a strategic choice because in addition to day trips that can be done to reach famous places like Pisa, Lucca, Florence and the Cinque Terre, it is ideal for those who want to do something different every day without going too far.
In Versilia, within a few kilometers, we pass from the beautiful golden beaches of the Tyrrhenian sea to the Apuan Alps, from the sparkling whiteness of the marble quarries to the trendy Forte dei Marmi, from the amazing nature that goes from Lake Massaciuccoli to the Antro del Corchia passing through art in Pietrasanta and the liveliness of Viareggio and Torre del Lago. All this and much more is part of this territory of north-western Tuscany called Versilia, and with today’s post we want to tell you 7 things to do in 7 days.
1. Cycling routes (or e-bikes)
Versilia is a privileged destination for cyclists: between salts and downs and hills as far as the eye can see, they can have fun. Let’s not forget the cycle paths parallel to the sea: the Tirrenica. There are so many paths that we will write a dedicated post to give you some suggestions. Who is not particularly passionate about cycling, however, or for those who want to go even farther without too much effort, there are many excursions to do with the e-bike, for example the ride that we told you here.
2. An excursion on the Apuan Alps
Versilia can boast one of the most extraordinary views if you turn your back to the sea: the Apuan Alps stand out in front of you in all their majesty and seem to be able to touch them with a finger. In less than an hour you can reach several villages perched on the mountains, do not miss a trip to the Antro del Corchia, a walk on Mount Matanna (easy excursion even to child proof) and Sant’Anna di Stazzema to make a full immersion in the most recent history.
3. Living the sea in all its facets
Obviously the easiest mental association to make is Versilia = sea, and indeed if you visit in the summer you are spoiled for choice between beach resorts and long golden and wild beaches like the Lecciona between Viareggio and Torre del Lago. But the sea can live in all seasons, maybe even doing something else: from fishing to sports like water skiing or surfing. Among the most curious experiences in the good season we recommend the trip on a fishing boat with tasting of fresh fish on board!
4. A trip to Massaciuccoli between lake and history
Did you know that the largest lake in Tuscany is located in Versilia? It is the lake of Massaciuccoli and offers several choices to spend the day in an original way. First of all you can take a walk on the wooden walkways of the LIPU oasis, and then you can take a trip to the archaeological area and the Roman baths, as well as visit the renovated exhibition pavilion of Roman Massaciuccoli. Those who love to be in close contact with the waters of the lake can hire a canoe, a kayak or a sailboat, contacting one of the many associations along the shores of the lake. And for the bravest ones we recommend a trip to the Wake Park Versilia for some acrobatics on the water. While for the lovers of the work of Puccini clearly cannot miss a night at the theater with the boat, to enjoy the beautiful sunset on the lake.
5. Shopping, markets and crafts
If you are always attentive to purchases and you like to know the local producers, we suggest you to discover the Oltre la Versilia project, an on-line showcase of the places where shopping and shopping at km0 and where there are contacts of local artisans. You cannot miss a jump at the party of BioEroi, a moment of re-enactment of the ancient traditional crafts that are slowly recovering thanks to the will of a group of visionary mountain farmers.
If you like to walk among the market stalls, in Versilia you can satisfy your wishes in the weekly markets that are held in every place on set days: Monday in Lido di Camaiore, Tuesday in Viareggio, Saturday in Marina di Pietrasanta, on Wednesdays and Sundays in Forte dei Marmi. However, if you are curious and lovers of extravagance, surely you will know that Forte dei Marmi is the home of the most famous designers in the world and that the historical center is dotted with shops with figures with multiple digits.
6. Viareggio between sea, pine and Art Nouveau
Viareggio is generally associated with two events: the Carnival and the summer season. In reality it is this and much more: there are two large pine forests with the possibility to rent bicycles and wheelchairs, there is a free beach with dunes and spontaneous vegetation, there is a long walk with Art Nouveau buildings with decorations ceramic and unmistakable features. Do not miss the Caffè Margherita, the Caffè Eden and many villas scattered around the city.
7. Dedicate a day to marble
Versilia would not be the same without the long tradition of extraction and processing of white marble, one of the main riches of the territory. Some of the quarries can still be visited, such as those of Fantiscritti, the Cava della Piana (which inspired Dante Alighieri for the writing of the Inferno) and Colonnata, where you can also make a pleasant stop to taste the famous lard. But if you want to know the most authentic and natural soul of the Apuan Alps you must go to the Botanical Garden of Pian della Fioba, where you will discover unique endemic species enclosed in the rocky landscape of the marble. If you’re lucky it will be Andrea, a passionate young man and researcher, who will guide you along the path and explain the great contradictions enclosed in the marble landscape.
If you prefer to see artists at work you have to go to Pietrasanta, also known as “the little Athens” because of the many artists who decided to live here. It is a very active city full of art galleries and clubs to sip an aperitif.
What would you like to add on the list? What is your favorite place in Versilia?
