Forte dei Marmi

One of the first beach resorts in Italy, begun at the turn of the century and becoming instantly popular with royalty and the rich 'beautiful people' who still flock to villas in the pines. The number of bathing establishments is enormous. Andrea Bocelli lives here and Armani has a villa. The streets are ordered with umbrella pines, dotted with Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Miu Miu. It offers a Wednesday market that deals in designer clothing, among other things. It is known to offer bargains and is 'the' place to go to get cut-price reproductions of expensive designer clothes. Close to Forte dei Marmi is Torre del Lago (sometimes called Torre del Lago Puccini), where Giacomo Puccini lived and wrote his operas. Today there's an open-air theatre by the lake where one can enjoy Puccini's operas beneath the stars. A summer festival is also held here.

Nearby:
Beaches, Pisa, Lucca and Pietrasanta

Distances:
Florence - 68 miles, Pisa - 24 miles, Lucca - 23 miles, Viareggio - 7 miles

Livorno

The Tuscan gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, is crossed by canals and situated by the seaside. Planned as an ideal town in the 16th century, Livorno reveals its history through its districts characterized by the Medicean canals, which are still navigable, and through its port, overlooked by towers and fortresses, leading to the town center. It offers many bathing establishments, hospitable and welcoming, situated along the shoreline promenade that stretches for many miles among impressive 19th century buildings, villas in the Liberty style and the green vegetation: pine trees, tamarisks and oleanders. The Terrazza Mascagni offers a wonderful view over some of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago: Elba, Capraia and Gorgona, as far as Corsica.

Nearby:
Beaches, Pisa and Lucca

Distances:
Florence - 56 miles, Pisa - 15 miles, Lucca - 30 miles, Forte dei Marmi - 36 miles

Tirrenia

The modern and elegant resort of Tirrenia is set in a vast Mediterranean pine forest, at the center of the Tuscan coast. The town boasts a wide stretch of beach mostly occupied by bathing establishments, but there are also short stretches of free beach that are perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the clear, blue sea. A wide variety of sports can be practiced on the beaches or in the many sporting facilities immersed in the green of the pine forest: beach volleyball, sailing, underwater fishing, tennis, soccer, golf, horse riding. Tirrenia's pine woods and dunes reserve - a protected area of unique flora and fauna run by the WWF - are perfect for relaxing walks, hikes and bicycle and horse rides.

Nearby:
Beaches, Pisa and Lucca

Distances:
Florence - 56 miles, Pisa - 10 miles, Lucca - 25 miles, Forte dei Marmi - 31 miles

Viareggio

Viareggio is the southernmost Italian Riviera style resort on Italy's Mediterranean coast and the largest beach town in Tuscany. Liberty style buildings housing shops, cafes, and seafood restaurants line its promenade and there are several good Liberty style villas, including one built by Puccini, in town. There are excellent beach establishments along the whole stretch of this beach where you pay for loungers, umbrellas and have the use of the attached bars, restaurants and showers. The sea is usually calm and good for swimming. A long seafront promenade lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants runs between the beach and town. The south end has Liberty style architecture. The promenade is the place to see and be seen, especially during the evening passeggiata. A holiday here offers you the best of everything, from a perfect beach holiday to a hectic round of shopping and night clubs to a nature lovers paradise.

Nearby:
Beaches, Pisa and Lucca

Distances:
Florence - 62 miles, Pisa - 14 miles, Lucca - 16 miles, Forte dei Marmi - 12 miles