Viareggio beach

I've been by it. You really don't go all the way to Italy to go to a mid-par beach. Just don't.

The best free beach in Viareggio, IMO, is on the south side of the Darsena, in front of the pine forest, all over along the beach there are also many beach clubs (Bagno) as well, if you care to rent umbrellas and a couple of chez, as well the use of their facilities. The cost of a day rental of one umbrella and two chez at a “bagno” (beach club) should be around 25€ or so. There is a plethora of hotel accommodations in Viareggio, however none are exactly on the beach, they are all across the boulevard that runs along the beach (which is known as the lungomare). You can see what you like in any of the hotel search websites like booking.com etc. hopefully you don’t plan to go between mid July and the end of August because it is hard to find accommodations during that period. Teenagers will love the place, because it’s very vibrant and full of youths enjoying the place in summer. I used to spend several weeks a year in Versilia in summer in my late teens and early 20s and only South Beach in Miami has a similar atmosphere in the US.

Our beach trip in that area was our one regret from our trip. If you can make it to cinque terre or one of the more unique/beautiful spots, worth it. For those nearest to Pisa, I would skip.

If you share your itinerary, we can make alternative suggestions, but if it's just a day or so, why not?--the kids will probably enjoy it. I think I would enjoy a walk enjoying the architecture while the kids roam. https://www.mykindofitaly.com/post/viareggio-liberty-style-and-more

Why do many posters always criticize travelers for wanting to spend some time on a beach in summertime?

Some of us who like to swim and possibly meet beachgoers from other countries. Why is this so terrible?

We spent about a week near the beach in Marina di Ragusa last August-September and had a great time.
Should I feel guilty that I "wasted" days when I "should" have been touring museums and churches?

Should we also criticize Italian tourists who's spend time in Miami Beach? Or British who holiday in the Caribbean?
Or the French visitors to the Seychelles?

Please explain this to me. It's not only the comment from Emily, but there have been comments from at least one active poster who always negate people asking about beach times in italy or Spain?

I agree. I’ve been in Puglia for over 10 days and although I’ve visited some historic sights and towns, including Lecce, the majority of my time has been inside the beautiful waters of Gargano and Salento (given the high temperatures one would be crazy not to). Apparently we are not the only North Americans. There are plenty of Americans and Canadians doing exactly the same (I guess Puglia is no longer off the beaten path for Americans). There is really nothing equivalent in North America to the beach life on the Mediterranean. Obviously Viareggio’s beaches can’t be compared to many other places in Italy, but it will be a great cultural experience for your kids. I’m sure they will enjoy the days in Viareggio a thousand times more than walking through the Uffizi.

I have been to the Viareggio beach many times. I love that it is sand beach and enjoy going to a bagno for all the amenities (bathroom, changing room, showers) Not expensive to rent the umbrella/chairs as it is usually for the entire day. My favorite is Bagno Irene...an easy walk from train station. and It as a fabulous restaurant as well. Went several times to Bagno Gabriella but far for me to walk and would take a cab from the station. Restaurant was not great so we would go to a nicer one next door. When I was staying in Chiavari the public beach there was all rocks. I think there was a sandy part which had rentable chairs etc. Lots of nice beaches....Viareggio was very convenient for me when I was either staying in Florence or Pistoia. There are also really nice shops along the promenade and sometimes a market which is fun. Enjoy!

Here to defend my statement. Of course there are great beaches in Europe and tourists/visitors should enjoy them. Heck, I recommend routinely on here for people to visit Naxos and spend the week on the beach.

But the beach in question here is just meh. It is not a destination. There are great coastal areas very near, as pointed out in another post above. I think that many tourists tend to assume that European beaches are like American beaches. They are not, especially (again) not the one mentioned in this post. This is a wasted day or two in an otherwise lovely area. If we were talking about Greece, Sardinia or Croatia, I'd say something else. The good beaches are otherwise in the US - you don't come all the way to Europe to spend a few days at a meh beach.

Ok....now I understand your comment! I'm glad you came back to clarify because I was about to ask you if you had any friends that go to Grado!! (I'm joking with you ,here, don't be offended)

It's not just that one comment from you, but there are a few people who routinely bash anyone who asks about a beach. (This may be on the Spain forum, more than Italy..I can't remember..)

For a traveler with teens, you can't beat Viareggio - it's a wonderful place - we stop by every visit. It's always active and the diversity of sights , sounds, and activities are endless.

In the center, there's a long pier that extends into the sea and makes for good vistas. Alongside is a canal along which several fry boats dock toward noon and make for a nice seafood lunch, and there's usually several boats offering an impromptu fish market. Across from the canal are extensive docks where you can inspect any kind of boat, including gigantic new ones awaiting the next billionaire.

Parallel to the sea is the famous Versilia promenade which extends something like 20 miles. In town, it's lined on the sea side with clothing shops, restaurants, bars, etc., and behind them is the beach. On the far side are numerous large hotels from the 1920's or so. From late morning, the street is full of strolling people of every type and is constantly entertaining. The buildings are often unique and reflect the unique 'Liberty Style' which is the Italian evolution of Art Nouveau.

Intown there's a semi-open air market with food, seafood, and specialty stores that makes for good snooping. There are also famous pinewood parks to the north and south of the center that are full of paths, amusements, and restaurants. There are bicycles to rent to explore and several significant free beach areas.

Outside the center is the Museo del Carnevale di Viareggio where many fantastic floats are displayed from Viareggio's world famous parade.

Personally I don't go to Viareggio as it is too hot for me, but a lot of Florentines spend their summer months - or at least their summer weekends - in Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi (posher) or other places along the Versilia coast. My late parents had a small holiday home in Viareggio that they enjoyed immensely, but let me be clear: they had a season subscrition to a "bagno" - a beach establishment - but they always had their baths in the establishment pool, not in the sea. While not overly polluted, beaches and sea in Versilia are just blah, the entertainment value of the place is about what is not in the beach area.

[A note to opera lovers: the Puccini home and burial site in Torre del Lago, few miles from Viareggio, has been refurbished and is a worthy sight. But just having a coffee at Gran Caffè Margherita in Viareggio, you can imagine the maestro sitting at a nearby table and reading a newspaper.]

Many thanks for the positive feedback about Viareggio. We are from a midwestern farming community so ANY beach will be a great beach for us. Even if we’re only there for half a day, the teens will be eternally grateful.