VIAREGGIO AND SURROUNDINGS

In terms of tourism, Tuscany is the most sought-after region in Italy. This is not only because of Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca, but also for its coasts, and the Apuan Alps with their views of both the sea and the Tuscan countryside, which changes from one place to the next but is always beautiful. There is also Chianti, which is famous for its wine, the rolling hills of Siena, the picturesque Garfagnana, the inland hills around Pisa and Livorno, and the rugged Maremma.

Not just beaches and sea but a territory full of fascinating places and events for all tastes.

The Versilia

Thanks to its facilities, open spaces, pleasant climate, and equipped beach establishments with all their amenities, this coastline is considered one of the best in Italy. The beaches of the Versilia Riviera have always been known throughout Europe for their open stretches of fine, golden sand, as well as the picturesque areas to go walking along the coast. There is also an excellent cycle trail system.

Marble quarries

Carrara is the most important centre in the world for the extraction and processing of the famous white marble, sourced from the nearby Apuan Alps. The golden age of quarrying activities was initially started by the Comacine Masters, Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, who used the marble for projects throughout central Italy. In the Renaissance, Michelangelo used this marble for his sculptures, and would come in person to choose the blocks that he would work on.

Lucca

Lucca is famous for its historical monuments and its intact sixteenth-century walls, which house one of Italy's most important cities of art. Officially of Roman origins, but in probably built on top of earlier settlements, Lucca retained its autonomy as an independent state for many centuries until 1799 when the ancient Republic was abolished after French conquest by Napoleonic troops.

Collodi and Pinocchio’s park

Collodi is the village of Pinocchio and has a beautiful park where children can meet fairytale characters, see the puppet theatre and the giant instruments, play in the adventure park, and look at the artwork depicting scenes from the tale of Pinocchio. Collodi also has something to offer for adults, namely the beautiful Villa Garzoni park, a historic landmark made up of greenery, water, flowers, a maze and other trails to discover, as well as a beautiful butterfly museum.

Pisa

According to legend, Pisa was founded by Trojan refugees from the Greek city of the same name, in Peloponnese. Among the most important monuments in the city is the famous square, Piazza dei Miracoli, a World Heritage Site, with the cathedral that was built between 1063 and 1118 in the Romanesque Pisan style, and the famous Leaning Tower, which today is one of the most famous Italian monuments in the world, due to its characteristic crookedness.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre are a jewel among landscapes. The conversion of the landscape that man has carried out over the centuries successfully combines respect for the environment and the protection of the area's biodiversity. The Cinque Terre National Park is unique in that it is the only one in Italy that with the aim of protecting an man-made environment, in particular preserving the terraces and the dry walls that support them.