Colourful Liberty-style houses, a pine forest, beautiful beaches and a temperate Mediterranean climate make Viareggio one of Tuscany’s most popular resort towns.
Sun tan on the beach and then cool off with a swim in the Mediterranean. Wander through the cool halls of Villa Paolina, the former home of the sister of the French emperor Napoleon. This lavish residence is home to a contemporary art gallery and civic museums.A short walk from the beach is Piazza Shelley. This pleasant public square was named for famed poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, whose body was found washed ashore on Viareggio’s beach.
Nearby Piazza Shelley isPasseggiata di Viareggio. This famous promenade is named for the Italian tradition of taking leisurely evening strolls, also called passeggiatas. Put on some nice clothes and take part in this Italian tradition. On hot days, imitate famed opera composer Giacomo Puccini, who used to relax in the shade with a gelato.
Be sure to see the Statue of Burlamacco. This colourful clown is the unofficial mascot of Viareggio’s world-famous carnival, which has been a local tradition since 1873. The extravagant festivities take place in February and draw visitors from all over the globe.
Get out of the bustle of the city with a visit to the Pineta di Ponente. This pine forest is divided into a Western and an Eastern Forest. The Western Forest is within easy walking distance of the centre of town. The Eastern Forest is 12 kilometres (7 miles) from town and is accessible via bike, car or bus. Within its wooded interior is the historic Villa Borbone, which hosts cultural performances and art exhibits.
Viareggio is 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Florence and only 22 kilometres (14 miles) from the nearest airport, which is in Pisa. If you are visiting in July or August, be sure to attend one of the open-air theatre shows at Festival Puccini. Visitors with a car may want to take the short drive to Puccini’s resting place at the Torre del Lago.
