With its golden-sand beaches and vibrant coastal energy, Viareggio is the perfect summer holiday destination on the Tyrrhenian Sea coast in northern Tuscany. The famous beach resort in the province of Lucca forms part of the Tuscan riviera of Versilia and is located just half an hour’s drive from the international airport of Pisa! Before its prosperous leap into shipbuilding and establishing its fashionable seaside resort status during the mid-19th century, Viareggio was originally a mediaeval fishing village. Today, beautiful Liberty style and Art deco buildings adorn the resort’s streets, forming an alluring backdrop for the annual Viareggio Carnival, one of the most important carnivals in Europe. The seaside city is a holiday mecca for a refreshing range of visitors, from beach lovers and partygoers to culture vultures and nature fans. So let’s see what you can do, see and visit to count down the summer degrees in Viareggio!
Why visit Viareggio?
The resort’s stunning beaches & lidos
A trip to this seaside resort must involve a visit to one of Viareggio’s sandy beaches at some point!
![Viareggio's fine-sand beach with a boardwalk, flanked by typical blue-white sunloungers, leading to the Tyrrhenian Sea]( "Viareggio's fine-sand beach with a boardwalk")
Atmospheric dusk at Viareggio’s soft sandy beach
But before you stroll out in your bikini or swimming shorts, it’s worth mentioning that most beaches in Italy are private beaches and paid lidos! One of the most popular Lidos of Viareggio is Bagno Maurizio. Located next to a beautiful pine wood along the promenade and on the doorstep of Piazza Mazzini, this lido promises a warm welcome for families. Complementing the 30 metres of beach frontage and kid’s playground are a host of cafes, restaurants and shops.
Another popular lido in town is Bagno Irene, which serves up delicious beachside food; making it perfect for those hoping to savour a holiday snack from the comfort of their rented sun lounger. For those looking to simply dip their toes in the water, the free public Viareggio beach is also on the doorstep–with the added option to rent parasols, chairs and changing rooms, in case you change your mind.
For those who prefer a natural beach setting and perhaps the chance for a scenic stroll and laid-back picnic, the free public beach La Lecciona in Viareggio is ideal. Reached by parking along Viale dei Tigli near Villa Borbone, visitors walk along a path through pine woods, past ponds and natural dunes, before the trail opens to greet visitors with a vast stretch of pristine coastline. The sand, sea and unspoilt setting of La Lecciona makes it arguably the best free public beach in Tuscany!
Also worth exploring is the beautiful Marina di Pietrasanta, with its long stretch of sand and open spaces with free beaches, located just north of Viareggio and less than half an hour’s drive from the resort!
If you have time to soak up any more beaches, then the neighbouring lidos and beach clubs found in Forte dei Marmi and Lido di Camaiore. What to see in Viareggio?
Exploring the top tourist sites of Viareggio!
The beautifully restored Villa Argentina is an architectural gem of the 19th Century Italian Liberty style, otherwise known as Art Nouveau. Dating back to 1868, the villa and the fashionable Art Deco buildings of the town provide breathtaking diversity next to the much older heritage sites of Viareggio, such as the ancient Torre Matilde built in 1542.
After taking in these local landmarks, some popular seaside walks await! Visitors and locals alike adore nothing more than people-watching along Viareggio’s liberty-era boardwalk La Passeggiata and savouring a romantic sunset stroll along the seafront sculpture, L’attesa, depicting a family awaiting the return of the sailors gone out into the sea.
![The famous sculpture of L'attesa in Viareggio depicts a partial view of a family awaiting the return of the ships]( "The famous sculpture of L'attesa in Viareggio")
The moving sculpture of L’attesa perched on a rock overlooking the Tyrrhenian SeaWhat to do in Viareggio?
The unique pescatourism of Viareggio with sumptuous lunch
One of the best boat tours in Viareggio is ‘Pescaturismo Evolution Viareggio’. A perfect example of Pesca-tourism at its best, it is a personal boat tour that departs in the morning, with Captain Alfo behind the helm. Once out on the water, you have the chance to assist in bringing in the fishing nets, which are cast out the evening before. The freshly caught ‘catch of the day’ (usually prawns, ‘canocchie’ and other fish) is then cooked fresh as-can-be on board for lunchtime. The delectable seafood dishes wash down very well with the accompanying Italian vino and homemade pudding!
Visitors will get the chance to spot dolphins along the way and snorkel in the pristine waters which lap a small tucked-away beach. The intimate and enjoyable boat tour is a great way for adventurers and families alike to interact with the beautiful bounty of the sea.
![A Lucchesi fisherman untangling and cleaning the fishing nets at the port]( "A Lucchesi fisherman untangling and cleaning the fishing nets at the port")
A Lucchesi fisherman untangling the nets thrown out into sea
Viareggio offers many more chances to book a fishing charter, a sightseeing boat tour and to soak up the fantastic cruises and sailing lessons on offer at ‘Vela Mare SSD’ and the Cinque Terre tour, which offers a carefree way to take in the captivating, photogenic coastline of Italy.
Discover the beauty of the Versilian Coast through helicopters, e-bikes and more
Other ways to take in the beauty of Viareggio and the Versilian coast are by private helicopter ride. For more grounded visitors, an e-bike tour along the coast, or through one of the local nature parks is a must. The resort also boasts a fantastic range of cookery schools, which offer everything from private food market tours to authentic cookery lessons, with the promise of lunch and/or dinner! Those looking for a more personal experience can even savour the food and company of an authentic Italian meal at a local chef’s home in nearby Lido di Camaiore.
For the crème de la crème of tours, try the bespoke service of ‘Wishversilia’. This specialist tour company personalises the holiday experience; from wine and food tasting tours to regional discovery days across Tuscany–home to a wonderful itinerary travelling through baroque villas, moonscapes, thermal spas and more! Where to eat in Viareggio?
Eat (or shop) till you drop!
Viareggio offers a wealth of shops and authentic restaurants to complement a self-catering holiday along the Tuscan coast.
For fans of fine dining, the resort will spoil you! Some of the very best include Michelin-star restaurants like Il Piccolo Principe and Ristorante Romano. Those in search of something more authentic can savour the tasty dishes on offer at the ambient eateries of Fior di Sommelier, Ristorante Amaro Braceria and Osteria Pazza Idea, as well as with gourmet street food served up at the popular L’Ottavo Vizio.
Foodies who enjoy relaxed bites out will enjoy the plentiful supply of pizzerias here, with one of the most popular being Pizzeria Il Piccolo Flaminio.
![Pasta alla Trabaccolara, a typical pasta dish of the Tuscan region, Italy]( "Pasta alla Trabaccolara, a typical pasta dish of the Tuscan region, Italy")
Give your taste buds the treat of the typically Tuscan, Pasta alla Trabaccolara
Alongside its traditional offering of eateries, restaurants and upmarket shops, Viareggio enjoys a great range of gift shops and delicatessens for that perfect souvenir. Be it a bottle of Tuscan wine, homemade chocolate or some artisan homeware; you will want to make room in your suitcase for these regional treats!
Can’t make it to Viareggio in the last days of summer? Visit in February and enjoy the most important and spectacular carnival of Europe!
Arguably the most popular is the highlight of Viareggio’s annual carnival! The famous spectacle is one of the most important carnivals in Europe, dating back to 1873. Held each year in February, along Viale Regina Margherita, many of the politically-themed floats in the carnival depict strong adult themes and are decorated with caricatures of famous people and eminent world leaders using the papier-mâché technique!
![A papier-mâché float in the important carnival of Viareggio that takes place annually in February.]( "A papier-mâché float in the important carnival of Viareggio")
A gargantuan Viareggio Carnival float depicting the global concern of sea pollution
The unique and beguiling parade is complemented by authentic Italian hospitality, which culminates in exciting fine dining opportunities, live theatre shows, masquerade balls and a thrilling festival-themed nightlife.
So, want to start planning by booking a carefree and affordable stay around Viareggio? Our diverse holiday homes across the Versilian Coast will certainly fit the bill!
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Atmospheric dusk at Viareggio’s soft sandy beach 
The moving sculpture of L’attesa perched on a rock overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea
A Lucchesi fisherman untangling the nets thrown out into sea
Give your taste buds the treat of the typically Tuscan, Pasta alla Trabaccolara
A gargantuan Viareggio Carnival float depicting the global concern of sea pollution
