What to visit in Versilia among towns, villages and beautiful beaches
19 Apr 2023
Versilia combines beautiful natural scenery, entertainment and plenty of activities, from hiking in the countryside to discovering cities full of art. This area in north-west Tuscany knows how to surprise in every season, and when spring and summer arrive, it reveals its most fascinating side
This is the ideal period to discover Versilia: you can explore its free beaches, enjoy the architecture of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi and see the small, characteristic villages.
Find out what to do in Versilia, the destinations not to be missed and the best hotels where you can enjoy a special stay.
Must-see hotels in Versilia
Before exploring Versilia, it is important to choose where to stay. A number of state-of-the-art facilities are located along the coast, and the UNA Esperienze and UNAHOTELS hotels present are reopening their doors after a renovation that has involved the spaces and services.
Two renovated hotels with the idea of giving guests an unforgettable holiday with entertainment, typical dishes to be enjoyed in relaxing settings and beautiful landscapes.
Where to stay in Versilia
The Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze, located in Lido di Camaiore, has just reopened and has many new features to discover
The jewel in the crown is the renovated terrace of the Versilia Roof Bar & Restaurant by "UNA cucina", with a view of Viareggio and the Golfo dei Poeti. Thanks to the implemented roofing, it will be possible to enjoy this landscape even on less warm days or months.
There are many events planned for this new open space, such as mixology master classes and aperitifs with live music and DJ sets.
The hotel offers a selection of the best Tuscan and Tyrrhenian cuisine: the Versilia Garden Bar & Restaurant by “UNA cucina” allows you to enjoy local delicacies overlooking the garden.
For a lunch break immersed in nature, stop at the Versilia Pool Bar & Restaurant, which is located next to the semi-Olympic pool and allows you to wrap your gaze around the Mediterranean pine forest.
New additions also include the Residence and Junior Suites, with new furnishing elements, and the Baby Club, with larger spaces and many new recreational activities for the little ones.
The hotel is equipped with a wide range of wellness and fitness facilities. The wellness centre offers a circuit with a Turkish bath, sauna, showers and massages, and there is no shortage of state-of-the-art sports equipment.
Where to stay in Forte dei Marmi
In nearby Forte dei Marmi is the UNAHOTELS Forte dei Marmi. This hotel too has several new features, starting with the rebranding: not just a name change, but an upgrade in the quality of service typical of UNAHOTELS.
The hotel is ready to welcome you to its 41 newly renovated Superior rooms with a style that recalls design elements such as light shades and bamboo.
Not to mention the Garden Beach, the outdoor relaxation area with cabanas in authentic Versilia style, ideal for sunbathing. Also renewed is La Vela Bar & Restaurant by “UNA cucina”, where you can enjoy traditional local dishes or relax with a drink.
The hotel features tennis courts, a semi-Olympic swimming pool with bar and Tesla Supercharger stations. In addition, you will find an electric and traditional bicycle park to ride the bicycle path from the hotel to the city centre.
There will be no lack of entertainment: UNAHOTELS Forte dei Marmi has planned a summer of evening events with music and DJ sets.
What to see in Viareggio
When talking about what to see in Versilia, it is impossible not to mention Viareggio: the town is famous throughout Italy for its docks, natural and architectural beauty and refined atmosphere.
The Viareggio Promenade is the towns pride and joy. Also known as the Passeggiata Margherita, it sees the splendid Versilia sea on one side and the famous Art Nouveau buildings on the other.
Treat yourself to a visit to Villa Argentina: built in the 19th century, it has a spectacular garden outside and a series of halls decorated with period paintings and mosaics inside.
Then there is Villa Paolina, so called because it belonged to the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. Once the haunt of artists, it is now home to the civic museums: you will find the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments and the Contemporary Art Gallery.
Viareggio is also Torre Matilde, the Church of San Paolino, the Basilica of Sant'Andrea and the Palazzo delle Muse, which houses the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.
The beaches of Versilia
Going on holiday in Versilia means exploring its coastline, which stretches for tens of kilometres and offers beaches of all kinds.
Marina di Pietrasanta and Lido di Camaiore are among the most popular destinations. The former surprises tourists with its golden beach and transparent blue sea, while the latter has 4 km of fine sand and a promenade full of restaurants and clubs.
There are several free beaches in Versilia, where you can be in contact with nature thanks to the low crowding. If you are interested, visit the free beach of Lecciona: a stretch of coast within the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli natural park.
The surrounding dunes and the characteristic pine forest behind add to the charm of the area, which should be visited especially in the early morning hours.
What to do in Forte dei Marmi, a jewel in Versilia
Forte dei Marmi is most famous for its summer nightlife and beaches, but it also reveals its charm with the first warmth of spring.
Start from the Forte Lorenese, built in the late 18th century and reborn as a place of culture, and the lively Piazza Marconi: surrounded by bars and shops, it hosts events and the characteristic Sunday morning market.
The Forte dei Marmi seafront promenade is very charming, to be walked as far as Piazza Navari: this is where the pier begins with the Forte dei Marmi Controvento Statue, to be visited at sunset for a unique spectacle.
Dont miss the Vittoria Apuana district, you will feel as if you are going back in time thanks to the elegance of the various old villas.
With spring and summer holidays just around the corner, there is no shortage of opportunities to visit Versilia. Book a room in your favourite hotel and get ready to explore a land where every corner hides a surprise.