If you are looking for ideas for the May 1st long weekend, I recommend Versilia, in Tuscany, one of my favorite places. In fact, this area offers everything you could want from a holiday: relaxation, sea, shopping walks and artistic villages. So let’s see a perfect three-day itinerary for this long weekend.
Carrara, white marble and first glimpses of the sea
As a first stop, why not start from Carrara, a city known throughout the world for its white marble and for its intimate and authentic historic center. Walking through the streets that revolve around Piazza Alberica means immediately entering the slow atmosphere of the area, among porticoes, artisan shops and historic buildings. Not far away, the marble Cathedral surprises with its compact elegance, while the Giant’s Fountain tells the story of the city’s past.
After the visit, the journey continues towards the coast. A few kilometers are enough to completely change the scenery and arrive in the best-known Versilia, where the sea begins to dominate the landscape. The contrast between the Apuan Alps and the beach, with the mountains that seem close at hand, is what remains imprinted on this part of Tuscany.
Forte dei Marmi among boutiques, pier and elegant atmospheres
In the afternoon we reach Forte dei Marmi, one of the most iconic locations in Versilia. Here the rhythm changes and becomes more refined. The pedestrian center is perfect for a walk among elegant boutiques, shop windows and art galleries, while the Fortino dominates the square with its historic profile.
From the pier of Forte dei Marmi there is a wide view of the coast and the Apuan mountains. The atmosphere is relaxed, with people walking slowly and the sea reflecting the late afternoon light. The first day ends with a spectacular sunset with the sky turning colorful and many on the beach admiring it. If you are lucky, this will be one of the features of the trip with your phone gallery filling with photos of the sun setting behind the sea, giving you postcard-like images.
Pietrasanta, open-air art
The second day begins in Pietrasanta, often called the little Athens of Versilia. The historic center is compact but full of details: elegant squares, outdoor sculptures and shops linked to marble processing. The heart of the city is Piazza Duomo, dominated by the Collegiate Church of San Martino and the unfinished bell tower.
Walking through alleys and galleries you can feel a strong artistic identity. It is not uncommon to come across contemporary installations or temporary exhibitions, as happened to us, which make the village a true open-air museum. After the visit, the sea returns as the protagonist, moving towards Lido di Camaiore, perfect for a break between the beach and the seafront.
Seafront, relaxation and sunsets over the sea in Lido di Camaiore
In Lido di Camaiore the promenade along the seafront is wide and well-kept, ideal for walking without rushing between bathing establishments and clubs overlooking the beach. Here time seems to slow down and the afternoon passes between sea, sand and open views. And in the evening, inevitably, it gives us a splendid sunset over the sea which colors the horizon making the atmosphere even more evocative.
Viareggio, port and yachts along the coast
The last day is dedicated to Viareggio, the southernmost city in Versilia famous for its Carnival but also for its Art Nouveau seafront and port. Walking along the Promenade means discovering historic buildings, cafes and shops, with the sea always just a few steps away.
The port area is perfect for those who love watching boats. Here there are yachts and luxury boats, moored along the dock, which make the atmosphere elegant and lively. Walking between piers and docks is one of the best ways to end the journey, between the scent of the sea and photographic views.
The Versilia cycle path, always pedal with a view of the sea
If you love two wheels, I advise you not to miss a perfect alternative to discover the coast: the Versilia cycle path, considered one of the most scenic cycle paths in Italy. I’ve done it several times, but I never get tired of it. The route connects Viareggio to Marina di Massa for approximately 28 completely flat kilometres, almost always a few meters from the beach. It is an easy itinerary suitable for everyone, which can be done with trekking, MTB or racing bikes, also ideal for families or for those who want to alternate pedaling and stops by the sea.
Starting from Viareggio you cycle north along a linear route that crosses Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi, with continuous glimpses of the Apuan Alps on one side and the sea on the other. The route is largely on a protected cycle path, although in some sections the space is shared with pedestrians, especially in the more central and lively areas of the seafront. Along the route there is no shortage of bars, ice cream parlors and beach clubs, perfect for breaking up the ride.
The cycle route continues to Ronchi, Poveromo and finally Marina di Massa, crossing a continuous and linear Versilia, where the various municipalities seem to merge into a single long coastal town. The sea, the mountains in the background and the soft afternoon light perfectly summarize the spirit of this area. In three days you go from historic villages to elegant locations, from Carrara marble to sandy beaches, from walks in luxury to more natural views. An ideal itinerary for the May 1st long weekend, between relaxation and unforgettable sunsets.
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