Discovering the places of Puccini on bike

The itinerary starts at any point on the Fausto Coppi cycle path that runs along the seaside in Viareggio. Go south toward the port, where the cycle path ends at the Burlamacca canal. Turn left on Via R. Pilo until you reach Piazza Manzoni, where you will turn right. Cross the bridge to reach Via Oberdan. At this point, you are entering the Macchia Lucchese, known as the Pineta di Levante, which is part of the Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli regional park.

Continue on the right of the Viale on the cycle path toward Torre del Lago Piccini. Pass the numerous camping sites on the left. Always on the left at the middle of the Viale, you will see a fence and park of Villa Borbone. Once you reach the end of Viale dei Tigli, follow the cycle path to the right and enter the pine tree grove that runs parallel to Viale Kennedy, in the direction of the Marina di Torre del Lago Puccini. At the end of the cycle path, some 300m you’ll reach the roundabout at the Marina, cross Viale Kennedy and take the road on the left toward Marina di Vecchiano.

A small roundabout in wood marks the center of the Marina. From here, you will see a splendid view of the surrounding greenery and the Apuan Alps in the distance. At the Marina di Vecchiano, take the same path back toward Torre del Lago Piccini. Once you reach Viale Kennedy, cross it and stay on the right side. Go straight till the end of the Viale, until you reach a dirt road that leads to the Marina di Levante. Along the Viale, there are many quaint restaurants. On the right side, you can see the beautiful dunes that continue to the shore.

Go back toward Viale Tigli at the first traffic light. Take the road that leads to Viale Marconi so you can cycle through the town of Torre del Lago Puccini. You will arrive at Viale Piccini al Belverde on the lake of Massaciuccoli. You can visit the villa, mausoleum of the famous composer all year long.