Lucca


Marina di Pietrasanta: beach, what to do, what to see

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Marina di Pietrasanta

Marina di Pietrasanta is a seaside resort in Versilia which is located between Forte dei Marmi and Lido di Camaiore. From an administrative point of view it is part of the Municipality of Pietrasanta and the Province of Lucca. It is divided into four areas which, from north to south, are: Fiumetto, Tonfano, Motrone and Le Focette.

It is certainly not the most famous of the seaside towns of Versilia, also because there are places such as Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio that enjoy considerable international fame, but Marina di Pietrasanta also has its good dose of charm.

International fame or not, Marina di Pietrasanta is in all respects the typical seaside town of Versilia. Here you will find 4 kilometers of wide sandy beaches, dozens of super-equipped bathing establishments, services of all kinds, restaurants, hotels and many nightclubs.

History

It certainly cannot be said that Marina di Pietrasanta has a very ancient history. The development of the city dates back to the early twentieth century when it established itself as a seaside resort together with the other centers of the Versilia coast. During the twentieth century, Versilia experienced a constant development of the tourism sector, managing to build a strong reputation that led it to be considered one of the most exclusive and glamorous stretches of coast in all of Italy. Even today Marina di Pietrasanta bases a large part of its economy on tourism and everything that revolves around it.

Villa La Versiliana in Marina di Pietrasanta
Villa La Versiliana in Marina di Pietrasanta (Photo by Geobia / CC BY)

Sea and beach in Marina di Pietrasanta

As already mentioned, Marina di Pietrasanta boasts 4 kilometers of coastline. Along its entire coastline there is a single, very long and wide beach characterized by fine, golden sand. The seabed is also completely sandy and, to the delight of families on holiday with children, it slopes gently.

Almost the entire beach of Marina di Pietrasanta is occupied by the bathing establishments. The only stretch of free beach is located next to the Sailing Club of Marina di Pietrasanta. This beach is quite small and therefore it is easy to find crowded in the high season. On the other hand, it must be said that it is equipped with bathrooms, showers, a rescue service and there is also a bar. Immediately opposite, across the street, there is also a fairly large paid parking lot.

As for the bathhouses, Marina di Pietrasanta boasts a truly remarkable offer. We must immediately say that the prices are not among the cheapest in Tuscany, but you know: a holiday in Versilia costs money!

The beach managed by the establishments is always clean, tidy and perfectly organized. Some bathing establishments in addition to the classic umbrellas, also provide tents. In any case, one of the advantages that many bathhouses have is the wide spacing between one umbrella and the other.

If we look at the services offered, there is only the embarrassment of choice. Over the years, the bathing establishments in the area have competed to see who invented new services to offer to their customers. In addition to the classic services (showers, cabins, etc.), the bathrooms of Marina di Pietrasanta have restaurants and bars, private parking lots, swimming pools and organize various activities to be carried out by the sea. Between yoga classes, beach parties, sports of all kinds and group dances, there is something for everyone.

Things to do in Marina di Pietrasanta

If the endless beach activities that you can do in Marina di Pietrasanta are not enough, I recommend you take the classic seafront walk and continue on the pier until you reach the top. What is the best time to go to the pier? At sunset of course! The coast of Tuscany looks west, so the sunset always gives a remarkable spectacle. On the seafront I also point out the presence of a very long cycle path that connects Marina di Pietrasanta with Forte dei Marmi and Lido. The center of Marina di Pietrasanta can also be a good choice for a relaxing stroll.

Marina di Pietrasanta has a pretty good nightlife. In the city, especially the waterfront, there are numerous bars, restaurants and discos. Here are some of the most famous clubs in all of Versilia such as the historic Bussola, the Ostras, the Seven Apples and the Twiga. In short, in the evening in Marina di Pietrasanta you never get bored.

What to see in Marina di Pietrasanta

Holidays in Marina di Pietrasanta are not taken to visit museums and historical monuments, but even in this Versilia city there is something to see. I’m talking about the magnificent Villa La Versiliana which is located in the northernmost part of Marina di Pietrasanta. Immersed in a splendid park, the villa was built in 1886. In 1902 it became the residence of the poet Gabriele d ‘Annunzio who wrote one of his most famous poems right here, La pioggia nel pineto.

The large Parco della Versiliana covers an area of ​​approximately 800,000 square meters. This park is what remains of a large wood, the Macchia di Marina, which in the past extended along this entire stretch of coast. Even today the Versiliana Park represents a magnificent green lung in the heart of Versilia.

In summer, the Park and Villa della Versiliana host the renowned Festival La Versiliana with its remarkable program of theatrical performances and cultural meetings.

What to see around Marina di Pietrasanta

If you also want information on the other seaside towns of Versilia, I suggest you also read the articles on Lido di Camaiore and Forte dei Marmi. In this part of Tuscany there are also Viareggio, Torre del Lago, Massarosa, Camaiore, Pietrasanta, Seravezza and Stazzema to visit.

How to get to Marina di Pietrasanta

Marina di Pietrasanta is easy to reach by car and quite convenient also by public transport

Public transport: The nearest railway station is Pietrasanta, which is located on the Pisa-Viareggio-La Spezia line, and is regularly connected with Viareggio and other cities in Tuscany. Regular buses leave from the station which allow you to reach Marina di Pietrasanta fairly quickly.

By car: from Florence via the A11 to Lucca, then the link road towards Viareggio and finally A12 towards Genoa as far as the Versilia exit. From there, follow towards Marina di Pietrasanta. From Milan you have to take the A1 motorway to Parma, then take the A15 to La Spezia and A12 and exit at Versilia. If you come from Rome, you should take the A1 motorway to Florence and then the A11 to Viareggio and the A12 to the Versilia exit.

Where to stay in Marina di Pietrasanta

One thing that is not lacking in Marina di Pietrasanta are hotels. It could not be otherwise given that the city thrives on tourism. In Marina di Pietrasanta there are many hotels, residences, resorts, bed and breakfasts, villas and apartments to rent. As you can expect from a location in Versilia, here you will find many good level facilities (in particular 4-star hotels).

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