Dear Reader,
I hope you are enjoying a relaxing Sunday. In this week’s Merenda I wanted to share some travel tips to the Tuscan coast, a popular destination by local Italians. For my paid subscribers I share a true pearl of the sea well worth visiting. I’ve had the pleasure to visit Forte dei Marmi twice this Summer and experience some fun activities, sea, sun and good food both times, and I can’t wait to go back soon again.
So, let’s get into it!
Cari Saluti,
Emilia in Bologna
Are you enjoying Merenda? I’d love if you would forward it to a friend or family member. Thank you!
Forte dei Marmi
Forte dei Marmi is the coastal town located in the province of Lucca, in Northern Tuscany. It translates from Italian to Fort of Marbles, where the Carrara Mountains surround the town and views. As many Italian destinations by the coast, the high season affects the prices of accommodations in July and August. To look for more affordable options, you could stay further South of the coastline towards Pietrasanta with a bit lower price range of hotels. We stayed at the Hotel Re Versiliana in Pietrasanta, which had a good price-value even for the high season period in July. I especially enjoyed their breakfast and location next to the Parco della Versiliana, where we would start our day with a morning run.
Where to Eat
In between sun bathing and swimming take a lunch break at Pesce Baracca, and try their Frittura of Calamri, Gamberi and Verdure at the Street Food Level.
Tip! After lunch make a pier walk on the pontile of Forte dei MarmiIf you’re looking for some great sea food pastas, head to Bagno Pietro to enjoy the amazing pasta dishes at their lunch restaurant. Make sure to finish your meal with a small chocolate covered gelato dai dai.
After a day of relaxation head to Alma Rosa Restaurant to enjoy dinner along live music. Try at least the Burrata, Burro & Acciughe Antipasti dish.
If you’re looking for a fancier or more romantic dinner setting, try Osteria del Mare by the beach, where you can enjoy classic local sea food dishes, pizza and even Gillardeau Oysters.
Bonus! After dinner head to Riviera club for a drink.
What to do
My top activities would include:
Go to the beach. Book sunbeds and an ombrellone for the day at one of the local beach clubs. Spend the whole day relaxing and swimming by the sea.
Rent a boat and tour around the Tuscan and Ligurian coast.
Go wander around the beautiful center of Forte dei Marmi. You can do some serious shopping around the luxury boutiques, however the center is very pretty and worth visiting even without the intention to buy anything.
Bike around the beach front. There are several bike rentals in the city, but also several hotels offer bikes for their guests.
Enjoy the clubs and the night life the coast has to offer. Visit The Beach Club on a Saturday night, and Seven Apples on a Sunday night.
Drink Vermentino white wine from the nearby Colli di Luni!
A Pearl in the Sea
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Merenda to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.