This elegant beach town on Italy's Tuscan coast has high-end boutiques, long stretches of sandy beaches, and a weekly antiques market at its 16th-century fortress.
In northern Tuscany, Forte dei Marmi draws visitors to its Mediterranean beaches and upscale atmosphere. You can spend mornings at private beach clubs, browse Prada and Gucci boutiques, or dine at one of five Michelin-starred restaurants. The town's marble pier stretches into the sea, while its 18th-century fortress watches over streets where Italian celebrities and international visitors cycle between cafes and designer shops during summer months.
Getting to Forte dei Marmi
You can reach Forte dei Marmi through Pisa International Airport, 45 km away, with a 40-minute drive. From Florence Airport, 100 km away, the journey takes about an hour. The town's train station, Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta, connects to major Italian cities. By car, you'll drive 75 minutes from Florence, or about 3 hours from Milan via the A12/E80 highway.
Beaches and Beach Clubs
The sandy beach slopes gently into the Mediterranean, making it safe for children. While a public beach exists, most visitors go to private beach clubs (bagni) along the coast. Each club includes changing cabanas, showers, restaurants, and rows of umbrellas with lounge chairs. Many clubs have swimming pools and children's play areas, maintaining a calm atmosphere throughout the day.
Shopping in Town
Walk through the pedestrian center to find boutiques from Italian fashion houses like Prada, Versace, Armani, and Gucci. The Wednesday morning market in Piazza Marconi attracts shoppers looking for discounted designer clothing and leather goods. This year-round market runs from 8 AM to 1:30 PM.
Moving Around Forte dei Marmi
You'll see bicycles everywhere in town. Most hotels give bikes to guests, and you can find rental shops in the center. The flat terrain and dedicated bike paths, including one along the beach, make cycling practical for families.
Local Landmarks
The 1788 fortress, which gave the town its name, now contains a museum of satirical art. A 300-meter marble pier extends into the Mediterranean, where you can see both the sea and the Apuan Alps. These mountains supplied the marble that built the town's early economy.
Dining and Evening Activities
The town's five Michelin-starred restaurants serve alongside casual eateries where you'll find fresh seafood and Tuscan specialties like cacciucco (fish stew) and tordelli (meat-filled pasta). For evening entertainment, try La Capannina di Franceschi, a venue running since 1929 that hosted performers from Édith Piaf to Gloria Gaynor.
Day Trips from Forte
From Forte dei Marmi, you can explore northern Tuscany easily. Pisa and Lucca lie within an hour's drive. In summer, take ferries from Marina di Massa or Viareggio to Cinque Terre and Portovenere for coastal day trips.
Best Time to Visit
Visit in June for long, sunny days with smaller crowds than peak season. September stays warm but sees fewer visitors and some rain. July and August bring triple the usual population and peak social activities.
