"For over a hundred years this large resort has been well-loved by foreign visitors and Italians alike - always a good sign."
Viareggio is one of the most famous and traditional seaside resorts in Tuscany. The beaches, excellent cuisine and bustling bars and piano bars make it a favourite destination for Italians and foreigners alike. Founded as a fishing village in the 12th century, it is now an important port where prestigious yachts are built in its dockyards. Viareggio is sheltered by dense pine forests to the north and offers miles of beach establishments, bars, restaurants and shops along its coastline.
Surrounded by rolling hills, green countryside, the Apuan Alps and the lake of Massaciuccoli, Viareggio is scenic as well as exciting. Its 3km promenade offers superb shops, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries and a theatre, while the beach beyond it stretches far into the distance. The jetty from the colourful harbour extends into the sea for almost a kilometre and is especially beautiful. Two lovely pine-forests on either side of the town offer the chance for long relaxing walks. And close by is the small lake of Torre del Lago where a sailing schools offers lessons. Hire a mountain bike and you can explore the medieval villages and the mountains beyond.
Find the cheapest late deals to Viareggio leaving in the next six weeks.
Recommended Viareggio hotels and apartments
Viareggio hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Viareggio include Grand Hotel Royal, Hotel Garden, Hotel President and Principe Di Piemonte Hotel.
More Tuscan Riviera holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Tuscan Riviera? Our Tuscan Riviera holiday destinations include Forte Dei Marmi, Lido Di Camaiore, Marina Di Pietrasanta, Pietrasanta, Tirrenia and Viareggio.
Beaches
The sandy beach of Viareggio falls gently into the sea and is ideal for children. Spacious, clean and with beach establishments, the flat beaches of Viareggio are part of a stretch of 20km of coast known as the Versilia Coast line. The town has some pine woods and lovely countryside and a small lake approximately 8km from the coast.
Eating out
Viareggio is famous for its fish restaurants serving local delights like reef mullet simmered in red wine, risotto with fresh shrimp and filets of fresh sole. It is also, however, an international resort with hotels serving the finest cuisine as well as the smaller local restaurants along the promenade. So whatever your taste you will find something to delight you.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Viareggio is exciting and enjoyable. Although it is one of the oldest resorts in Italy, it remains chic and lively and its piano bars are famous up and down the coast. For a quieter time, you can also try the local bars along the promenade and in the town.
Shopping
Shopping is a delight in Viareggio. Not just because of the mix of fashionable stores, boutiques and local shops selling traditional handicrafts, but because of the experience itself. Shops are open until late at night along the promenade in the high season which has a wonderfully eclectic mix of architectural styles, from art nouveau to neo-classical. There is a daily market in the centre of Viareggio with pedestrian streets lined with local shops, boutiques and pavement cafes. Look out for the opening times, however – the shops are open at odd hours during the day and evening.
Local information
Viareggio is the stepping off point for a list of destinations. Take the train and you can visit the nearby walled city of Lucca or go to Lerici and the beautiful "Cinque Terre". Go by bus and you can visit the medieval village of Pietrasanta with its marble workshop or the Lake of Massaciuccoli, where Puccini composed some of his famous operas. On the other hand, you may prefer to spend a whole day walking along the coastline visiting other seaside resorts.
Location
Viareggio is on the Versilia coast of Tuscany, 20km north of Pisa.
Transfer time
Approximately 45 minutes from Pisa.
Recommended
