Versilia at a glance
Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the marble-capped Apuan Alps, Versilia stretches for about 20 km along Tuscany’s north-western coast. It is celebrated for its golden beaches, pine forests, and vibrant social scene, yet just a few kilometres inland you’ll find quiet villages steeped in art and tradition.
The area’s economy blends tourism, marble working, high-end fashion, ship-building, and a dynamic luxury-real-estate sector.
Quick Facts
- Province: Lucca
- Main resorts: Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Pietrasanta, Lido di Camaiore
- Viareggio population: ~60,700 (2025)
- Climate: Mild Mediterranean; warm, breezy summers and cool, rainy winters
- Peak season: June – September
Key Towns of Versilia
- Viareggio – Belle-Époque promenade, famed Carnival, bustling nightlife.
- Forte dei Marmi – Designer boutiques, exclusive beach clubs, and some of Italy’s most coveted villas.
- Camaiore & Lido di Camaiore – Hill-top Romanesque churches and a family-friendly beachfront.
- Seravezza & Stazzema – Gateways to the marble quarries and hiking in the Apuan Alps.
Pietrasanta - the Artistic Heart
Known affectionately as La Piccola Atene (“Little Athens”), Pietrasanta merges medieval charm with a world-class contemporary art scene. Piazza del Duomo doubles as an open-air gallery where monumental sculptures rotate throughout the year, while dozens of foundries and studios keep the centuries-old marble tradition alive.
The town balances small-town intimacy with cosmopolitan flair. Weekly farmers’ markets, craft bakeries, and Michelin-listed restaurants cater to every palate. Property ranges from historic apartments in the centro storico to seaside villas in Marina di Pietrasanta. Expect higher prices than inland Tuscany, buoyed by steady demand from international buyers.
Fun fact: the local council offers residency permits designed to attract working artists and creative professionals.
Pietrasanta Real Estate
Why it Stands Out
- Population: 22,933 (2024)
- Heritage: Marble carved here has attracted masters from Michelangelo to Botero.
- Culture: Annual Versiliana Festival of music, theatre, and literature in nearby pine forest.
- Beaches: Marina di Pietrasanta is just 3 km away, offering wide, well-serviced sands.
Things To Do
- Tour artisan workshops or take a sculpting class.
- Climb the Rocca di Sala fortress for panoramic views.
- Cycle the flat coastal path connecting Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio.
- Sip an aperitivo under the loggias of Piazza del Duomo at sunset.
Getting There & Around
- Nearest Airport: Pisa (PSA) – 40 km / ~35 min by car or rail-shuttle via Pisa Centrale.
- Rail: The coastal Pisa ↔ La Spezia line stops at Pietrasanta, Viareggio, and Forte dei Marmi.
- Road: A12/E80 motorway (exit: Versilia) links the coast to Pisa, Genoa, and Florence.
- Local mobility: Extensive cycle paths, seasonal beach shuttles, and regional buses.
Tip: Summer parking fills quickly along the beachfront—arrive early or go car-free.
Climate
Versilia enjoys more than 250 sunny days per year. Sea breezes temper the hottest weeks, keeping average August highs around 29 °C / 84 °F, while winters rarely drop below 6 °C / 43 °F.
Food & Wine
Expect fresh seafood, cacciucco fish stew, tordelli lucchesi, and crisp Vermentino whites. Beach clubs often host sunset grills, and the hills behind Pietrasanta produce delicate olive oil worth taking home.
Healthcare & Services
Versilia Hospital in Lido di Camaiore offers full emergency coverage, while Pietrasanta hosts a 24 h Guardia Medica (out-of-hours clinic). High-speed fibre internet is available throughout the historic centre, attracting remote workers.