 Versilia well
known for its wide and long fine sand beach and its mountains
which give it a special nice weather. It offers moreover
the chance of visiting the most important touristic centres
of Tuscany that can make your holiday really complete.
Versilia
renowned name is not only deserved for its beautiful sandy
beaches, in the shade of the Apuan Alps. It has been the homeland
and meeting point of great artists since the beginnings of
1900.
In those days, world-known artists, such
as Lorenzo Viani and Galileo Chini, have made Versilia famous. It was the Liberty
period, which has still left its strong mark in the lounges
and palaces in Viareggio.
Also in those days, Pietrasanta became
the destination for sculptors who found there not only well-equipped
workshops where they could accomplish their works in marble,
but also the most skilled art foundry.
In the nearby Camaiore,
rich in memories and monuments, every year the "Tappeti
di segatura" (Sawdust Rugs) festival takes place.
Enjoy the beach
You
can enjoy the wide, endless beaches. Most of students meet
at the "Bagno italia" beach
resort. You can lay on the sand to get a tan under the
sun, or sit in a chair snd read a book under an umbrella. 
Enjoy the cooking
You will not forget the excellent cuisine.
There are several famous Viareggian fish dishes, as well
the traditional Tuscan cuisine. You may prefer a pizza prepared
in the traditional way or a terrific "spaghetti allo
Scoglio" (spaghetti with seafood). Don't miss out on
savoring the wonderful range of Tuscan wines, such as the
"Montecarlo" white wine or the more classic "Chianti"
reds. Most dishes are served with vegetables.
Enjoy the nightlife
At night you can take a quiet "passeggiata"
(stroll) along the promenade, maybe tasting a "gelato"
(Italian ice-cream), or choose the exciting nightlife. Viareggio,
with its well-known "Versilian" discos, was a
starting point for many a famous italian singers. In July
and August you can see the "Puccini Festival"
in Torre del Lago.
From there, the road to Lucca,
which crosses tiny villages and, along which numerous antique
villas capture visitors' attention.
 Versilia
is the pearl of the Apuan Riviera, a suggestive sandy coast
bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the most limpid mirror for
the Apuan
Alps to reflect their majestic image. This "marble kingdom"
familiar to Michelangelo offers excursions to the quarries
of Carrara and Massa
and spectacular views of the coast introduced by luxuriant
hills and pine woods.
The climate is very temperate with an
average of 270 sunny days a year in which to enjoy the
many attractions in this area: sport and folklore, art
shows, cultural meetings, and plenty of shopping and
social life.
 Versilia
has a very well-developed network of roads and
railroads lines, and excellent bus and coach services
providing links between the coast and the interior of
Tuscany. Viareggio,
whose fishing port grew alongside the boat building industry
as the early bathing establishments began to develop,
is the largest centre of Versilia. Close to Torre
del Lago Puccini, it is famous for its winter Carnival,
its smooth and wide sandy beach and its lush pine park.
Forte dei Marmi has
been the most fashionable resort in Versilia since the
first elegant holiday homes were built in 1800, surrounded
by pine forests opening onto a splendid beach. It has
since attracted artists, painters, poets and writers
who were enchanted by its surroundings, now equipped
with high quality tourist facilities, although it retains
the relaxed atmosphere of a small residential community. Also
visit the Apuans Alps (mountains)
A Sundown on the Viareggio harbor
Beyond and up on the mountains, Seravezza is the marble
centre of upper Versilia, and has a noble history which
can be traced through its imposing cathedral and impressive
Palazzo Mediceo, while the neighbouring town of Pietrasanta
presents some of the loveliest monuments in Versilia in
its suggestive square, which is a "living room" for residents
and tourists, not to mention the variety of international
artists who provide a lively cultural environment all year
around.
Today the versilia and
its sea attracts so many Italian and foreign tourists. The
whole coastline is equipped with organised beaches that
offer a service characterised by traditional Tuscany welcome
and by all the comforts you might request during a holiday.
 Versilia
and environs covers a surface of 165 square kilometres,
including the province of Lucca. It occupies the north-western
part of Tuscany, between the ridge of the Apuan Alps and
the Tyrrhenian Sea, with a coastal strip of about 20 kilometres
in length. The south is bordered by the Lake of Massaciuccoli
and the thichet of Migliarino, white the north is bordered
by the mouth of the Cinquale.
The territory of Versilia is divided into
the administrative Communes of Pietrasanta, Forte di Marmi,
Seravezza and Stazzema. Camaiore, Massarosa and Viareggio
are the outskirs. It is a strip of coastline 10 kilometres
wide at its minimum and 18 at its maximum. Despite this,
the natural environments are quite varied. In fact, from
Versilia's highest peak, la Pania della Croce, 1859 metres
above sea level, to Forte dei Marmi, it is only 15 kilometres
in a beeline.
The climate is naturally affected by the
geographical configuration of this territory. At sea level,
during the hot seasons, the mountains moderate the humidity,
while the winter is more temperate due to the beneficial
influence of the sea. |
