Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, Italy

Viareggio

Viareggio is one of the most famous resorts of the Tuscan Riviera, the oldest resort in the region, the cultural and historical center of Versilia. It is located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, on the Riviera di Versilia. Surrounded on one side by the sparkling turquoise sea and on the other by the majestic Apuan Alps, gleaming white marble, Viareggio is a true gem of Versilia. The city got its name from the “via Regis” street, which in the Middle Ages connected the port of Lucca with the city center. The foundation of Viareggio dates back to 1772, when the famous fortress was erected here. However, the city’s oldest fortress, Torre Matilde, was built in the 16th century. Viareggio is a city with a rich history and has been known as a seaside resort since the 17th century. The resort has become especially famous since 1822. when Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister Paolina Borghese came here to rest, in 1828 the first bathing house was opened in the city, and the resort began to attract the European elite with its wonderful beaches. The great Giacomo Puccini liked to rest here, whose museum is located in the vicinity of the resort, in the town of Tore del Lago at Villa Puccini, where the composer lived most of the time. By the way, in honor of Puccini, the resort hosts an annual opera festival. Torre del Lago also houses the Paolina Palace (Villa Paolina), which houses a museum of modern art. The streets of the city delight with magnificent architecture, for example, the famous “Passeggiata a mare” promenade, stretching along the sea for 3 km, is decorated with elegant Art Nouveau and Art Nouveau buildings. Viareggio is also famous for its enchanting carnival – the second most popular after the Venetian one. The tradition originated in 1873, when young bourgeois, frequenters of the Caffe del Casino, decided to walk along the coast in masks. Since then, every year the city turns into an endless colorful festival for four weekends, during which giant papier-mâché dolls depicting politicians, showmen and other celebrities are carried through the streets. Fantastic processions are accompanied by folk festivals, contests, dances, music and fireworks. And, of course, the resort offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable holiday: first-class hotels, wonderful beaches, water and sailing, golf, sports activities, fashion boutiques, excellent restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs, and much more.

Ligurian coast

This small region of Italy, located on the shores of the transparent Ligurian Sea, takes its name from the powerful ancient people of the Ligures. Landscapes of Liguria seem to have descended from ancient canvases, frozen in eternal beauty. Magnificent Genoa, the city of flowers and music of San Remo, the charming port of dolphins – Portofino, serene Rapallo. The mild climate, crystal sea waters, the fragrance of the gardens, the monuments of history and architecture of Liguria create ideal conditions for relaxing in this delightful resort at any time of the year.

Geographical location
Liguria is one of the smallest regions of Italy, located in the northwest of the country. The Ligurian coast is washed by the Ligurian Sea. Liguria borders France to the west, Piedmont to the north and Tuscany to the east. The length of the Ligurian coast is just over 300 kilometers. The Italian Riviera consists of two parts – Levante and Potente.

Climate 
The protection from the mountains makes the climate of Liguria unusually mild and pleasant, which ensures relaxation even in winter. The average temperature in winter is +7…+10 C, and in summer +25…+28 C, while the water temperature in the tourist season is +20-25 C.

Cuisine
The excellent climate and nature of Liguria have determined the high quality of the products and the excellent cuisine of this region. Liguria is famous for its dishes – fragrant pesto sauces with basil and pine nuts, mouth-watering focaccia with a variety of fillings, signature Ligurian aspic “Cappon Magro”, and excellent wines – from white Vermentino, Pigato di Albenga, Cinque Terre, red Valpolcevera Treipaexi, Ûnn’ a Coae and Cruvin to dessert Sciacchetrà Cinque Terre and Moscato Golfo del Tigulio.

Forte dei Marmi

Forte dei Marmi) is one of the most prestigious resorts in the region, located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The town became known from the 16th century, when there was only a small pier, and in 1788 a fortress was built, which gave the city its name. At the beginning of the 19th century, Forte dei Marmi began to develop as a charming seaside resort town, where the European elite began to gather, and today it is still popular with wealthy guests, especially among wealthy Russians. First-class hotels have been built in the picturesque town, there are many restaurants here – from gourmet restaurants to small and cozy Italian restaurants. Forte dei Marmi has beautiful sandy beaches, excellent opportunities for sports, the resort is one of the best places in Italy for surfing, there are wonderful yacht clubs, as well as the largest number of tennis courts per square kilometer in the country. The resort is also famous for its festivals – the festival of the patron saint of the city – St. Ermete (Sant’Ermete) and the festival of San Francesco (San Francesco) held at the end of August. For shopping lovers, Forte dei Marmi offers boutiques of world famous brands and colorful markets – for example, weekly antique markets in Marconi Square and Victoria Apuana.