Forte dei Marmi in Italy is a popular tourist destination largely due to its clean, sandy beaches. The resort town is located along the northern coast of Tuscany, between the Ronci and Pietrasanta marinas, in an area known as Versilia. If you are thinking of visiting Forte dei Marmi or have already made travel plans, use this quick guide to get a better idea of not only what to see and do there, but also where to stay.
Playas Forte dei Marmi
Above all, Forte dei Marmi is a resort aimed at wealthy Italians. In fact, the seaside town was one of the first resorts of its kind in Italy. Released at the turn of the century, it has become extremely popular with royalty in particular and people privileged enough to flock to the villas in the pines. Footballers are known to enjoy the seaside town as well.
The number of bathing establishments is enormous, and some beaches in Forte dei Marmi, such as Santa Maria beach, have been highlighted as the best topless beaches in the world. While it’s not mandatory for beachgoers to part with their bikinis or swimsuits, don’t be alarmed if you see others doing it.
Famous weekly market in Forte dei Marmi
Forte dei Marmi offers its wealthy villagers a Wednesday market featuring designer clothing, a variety of leather goods, cashmere and other luxury items. The market is known for offering steep bargains, especially on expensive clothing reproductions. The town of Forte dei Marmi is centered around the market and the marble fortress built there in 1788. That is where its name originates.
The Puccini connection
Forte dei Marmi is near Torre del Lago (sometimes called Torre del Lago Puccini), where Giacomo Puccini lived and wrote his operas. Today there is an open-air theater by the lake where you can enjoy Puccini’s operas under the stars. There is also a summer festival in his honor. It’s called Fondazione Festival Pucciniano.
Llegar in Forte dei Marmi
There is a train station at Forte dei Marmi, and there are a few direct trains per day from Florence main station Santa Maria Novella. Still others go online in Pisa. The center of the coastal city is about 5 km from the train station: you can take a bus every hour or take a taxi for the short trip. Due to the small size of Forte dei Marmi, if you settle for staying in the city you can get by without a car. Otherwise, if you are driving, Forte dei Marmi is on the A12 motorway, known as Autostrada Azzurra, which runs from Rome to Genoa.
Where to stay in Forte dei Marmi
Most of the hotels in Forte dei Marmi are either along the seafront or in close proximity, which means that no matter where you stay, you are sure to have a fabulous view. Some hotels have private beaches, allowing guests to have the beach to themselves. One thing to know: during the summer, even basic rooms are priced higher on Tuscan beaches. Better to book in advance when rates are lower, or just figure out paying the highest dollar for your piece of Tuscan sun. Also note that because Forte dei Marmi is a resort town, many hotels operate seasonally and close from late fall to spring.
See our tips for going to the beach in Italy.
