The charm of Viareggio and Versilia in winter

If you are looking for what to do and where to eat in Versilia during winter, read this guest post by Serena…

I am native from Viareggio and Versilia and in love with my land… My beloved Versilia is best known for its golden beaches,  Puccini (Massaciuccoli) lake, its mild climate and amazing nightlife, but what makes it unique is having them all close at hand. In a short time you can have a walk on the seashore and then have lunch uphill viewing the Massaciuccoli Lake, which inspired Giacomo Puccini.

Versilia is beautiful to visit in summer time, but has a special appeal during winter. Its lively towns, from Viareggio, to Pietrasanta to Forte dei Marmi and Camaiore, are always teeming with events and activities going on all year long.

Viareggio

Viareggio is one of the best places where spending one day strolling around from its pinewood to the seafront promenade, relishing the first warm sunrays while sitting at a cafe or just tasting some spaghetti with “arselle” (small typical clams) under the flat-roof facing the sun at Tito del Molo, one the oldest fish restaurant in Viareggio, almost dating back to early 20s when fishermen unloaded their nets on the pier’s wharves.  If you prefer a quick lunch or snack make forAdone, not just sandwiches, but a deli experience. Tuscan crispy “ciabatta” bread, fresh cold cuts, season vegetables in unpredictable mixes. Enter, order and leave your name. When you are called out, roll is ready! Furthermore, in Viareggio, the Tuscany most famous Carnival takes place every year!

Forte dei Marmi

In Forte dei Marmi, the first months of the year are the best to walk around its shopping mall without the crowd and make some winter sales shopping, maybe chewing up the  evergreen “focaccine”, little round salty slim buns, from Manè.

Camaiore

For those fond of nature, Camaiore and its surroundings are worth to be toured around from Monte Magno, on the way to Lucca, to contemplate the panoramic view of Versilia and taste the best winter recipes with game, mushrooms and polenta, to Candalla where you will find Osteria Candalla, born within the walls of an old mill still lapped by pathways and waterfalls. Nestled in wilderness, the restaurant and its old millstones are lulled by the clear water flow of the Rio Lombricese, in a unique natural oasis. Here you cannot miss the typical “tordelli”: small dumplings stuffed with a small amount of meat, herbs, parmesan and other “secret ingredients”, boiled in water and dressed with ragù sauce. This recipe has many different variations in the area, but here you’ll find one of the best.

Lido di Camaiore

Winter offers the most beautiful sunsets of the year in Versilia. The sun melts in the cobalt blue sea. Indulge in the 360° scenery from the pier in Lido di Camaiore embracing the long stretched horizon from the sea to the Apuan Alps.

Pietrasanta

Last but not least stop in Pietrasanta to relax surrounded by artistic masterpieces and enchanted by one the last mosaic artists in the world, Pietro Giannoni, who will be happy to introduce you to his colourful world.

Serena Giovannoni was born in Viareggio and she loves Versilia so much that she works every single day for the touristic promotion of her territory. Thanks for your contribution!