Winter is the season of reflection, rest and indoor activities. Just as nature is silent waiting to regenerate and blossom, so men adapt their rhythms to less hectic activities, enjoying the small pleasures of life and devoting more time to their passions.
This does not mean that you have to give up travelling or going out, it rather means that there are other activities to better enjoy your free time. This is a selection of things we like to do in Versilia in winter so that if you decide to visit us here you won’t be unprepared!
Versilia in winter: Back in time through historical places
Versilia is an ancient land, where you can touch the history with your hand. Even today there are places of interest that have their roots in Roman times and in the Middle Ages, just think of the Roman Massaciuccoli with its villas and spas and the Pieve di Camaiore built in the 10th century and the 12th century Abbey.
Versilia in winter: Going to villas
Always reconnecting to this historical wealth, in Versilia you can take a tour of the historic villas and residences. You can start with Giacomo Puccini’s house on the shores of the lake, where the master composed most of his works. Villa Borbone is also very beautiful along the Viale dei Tigli that connects Torre del Lago to Viareggio, where exhibitions and markets are often held in its immense garden. In Seravezza, on the other hand, there is the Palazzo Mediceo officially recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site. The building houses the Museum of work and popular traditions of historical Versilia and often also temporary exhibitions dedicated to photography.
Versilia in winter: Looking for the perfect photo
The clear winter skies are the dream of every photographer and Versilia is full of views that are just waiting to be immortalized. On fine days, the blue of the sky stands out and makes every detail clear, especially when the atmosphere has been cleared of the winter rains. On the coast you can photograph the waves crashing on the rocks, the Apuan Alps on the horizon, the lake that acts as a mirror, some villages from which the lighted fireplaces puff.
Versilia in winter: Breathe the brackish
The sea in winter has a charm that needs no introduction, just as the benefits of breathing in the sea air are universally known. In Versilia the walk is kilometers long and you can decide whether to walk on the shoreline or on the paved area dotted with bars and often with markets at the weekend. In Versilia, moreover, there are three piers: in Lido di Camaiore, in Marina di Pietrasanta and in Forte dei Marmi, where you come face to face with the sea to make a load of charm (and surfers!).
Versilia in winter: Taste the local cuisine
What’s better than a good hot and steaming dish when it’s cold outside? In Versilia there is certainly no shortage of opportunities to taste local cuisine, both from the land and from the sea. We also have our favourite places: to eat spaghetti with clams along the Viareggio promenade at the Gran Caffè Margherita, or a good stewed wild boar with polenta at the Ristorante al Mattarello in Torcigliano. And if we want to cook something traditional vegetarian, the incavolata soup from Camaiore.
Versilia in winter: Carnival
Winter in Versilia and especially in Viareggio is synonymous with Carnival. The Viareggio Carnival, one of the most famous carnivals in Italy, is a deeply felt event that attracts people from all over the world. There are five major parades around February, with dates varying from one year to the next (this year starts on January 27 and the following dates are February 4, 11, 13 and 17). The highlight of the event is the promenade, where huge papier-mâché floats parade to the rhythm of music and dance.
