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Viareggio, a small town in the province of Lucca, is one of the most charming and popular destinations in Tuscany. The town has a long history, dating back to the 8th century when it was founded by refugees from the Byzantine Empire.
Viareggio is now a popular tourist destination and contains many historical landmarks, including the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, the Palazzo Comunale and the Fortezza da Bassano.
Explore everything the charming coastal town of Viareggio has to offer with this guide.
Quick Info for Viareggio
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Daily budget: 100-110 a day
Electricity: The wall socket supports 110V in Italy, so any products that support a higher frequency will need to be used in combination with a power converter. Beyond that, you’ll need a plug adapter if your plugs from home aren’t the same as Italy’s two and three pronged plugs. You’ll want a two pronged plug adapter. This will allow you to use both the two and three holed sockets.
Is Viareggio safe?: The city of Viareggio is considered safe to visit. However, visitors should always take precautions when traveling to any new destination.
How to get to Viareggio: Viareggio can be reached by car, train, or bus.
To get to Viareggio by car, take the A1 Autostrada from Florence or Rome and exit at Lucca. Follow the signs for Viareggio. The drive takes about 1-1/2 hours from Florence and about 3 hours from Rome.
To get to Viareggio by train, take a train from either Florence or Rome to the town of Lucca. From there, take a local train to Viareggio. The trip from Florence takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and the trip from Rome takes about 3 hours, Pisa will take 15 minutes and La Spezia an hour.
To get to Viareggio by bus, take a bus from either Florence, Pisa or Lucca. You can get here from other cities but they may require a change of bus.
About Viareggio
Viareggio is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea about 25 kilometres north of Pisa. The city has a population of around 66,000. Viareggio is known for its carnival, which is one of the largest and most famous in Italy and Europe.
Viareggio, located in the province of Lucca, is a popular tourist destination on the Tuscan coast. The town has a long and rich history that can be traced back to the Etruscan period (Approx 900-27BC). Viareggio passed through the hands of various feudal lords before becoming a part of the Republic of Lucca, soon becoming known as the gateway to the ocean in Lucca around the 16th century. The town grew prosperous thanks to its maritime trade, and by the 18th century it had become one of Italy’s most important ports.
Today, Viareggio is best known for its annual carnival, which is one of Europe’s largest and most popular celebrations.
Best Time to Visit Viareggio
The best time to visit Viareggio, Italy is from late May to early September. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of festivals and events taking place during this time. Viareggio is also a great place to visit in the winter, as the town comes alive with Christmas decorations and festivities.
Best Things to See in Viareggio: Architecture
L’Attesa near the Marina
The sculpture shows a family waiting on a rock for a person whose gone out to sea. It represents the wait many families have for their loved ones to return, whether they be fishermen or sailors.
The bronze statue was placed on the Rock of Titus in 2007. The initial art piece was made by Inaco Biancalana; a smaller version that was made in wood. The adaption that you see in Viareggio is more than three metres high, made by Gionata Francesconi.
Basillica of Sant’Andrea
The Basilica of Sant’Andrea is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Viareggio. The basilica was erected in the late 16th century by the architect Giorgio Vasari on commission by Cosimo I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The exterior is characterized by its simple and austere appearance, while the interior houses a number of notable works of art, including paintings by Michelangelo and Andrea del Sarto.
Villa Paolina Civic Museum
The Villa Paolina Civic Museum is a museum in the town of Lucca, Tuscany, central Italy. It is housed in the Villa Paolina, a neoclassical-style palace built for the Bourbon royal family of Naples by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli.
The museum was founded in 1871 and initially exhibited works of art from the suppressed Church of San Romano. It now contains a large collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts from the 16th to the 20th centuries, including works by Correggio, Parmigianino, Tintoretto, Titian, El Greco, Bernini and Canova.
Villa Argentina
Villa Argentina is a wonderful place to visit if you’re interested in art and history. The villla is modernist style, built in 1868 by architect Alfredo Belluomini. The property is 1650 square metres and houses beautiful pottery, paintings and other art. Pottery in the house is made by Galileo Chini, the famed decorative artist who was part of the Italian art noveau.
The most prominant canvas in the villa is the ‘Persian Wedding’ (Matrimonio Persiano), created in 1930. Apart from that the villa also hosts exhibitions from time to time.
And, as of time of writing, the villa can be hired out for weddings too.
Matilde Tower
Matilde Tower is a fortress located in the city of Viareggio, in the province of Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. The tower was built in the 12th century by the Republic of Pisa as part of a coastal defense system.
The tower is named for Matilde of Canossa, who was married to Bonifacio del Vasto, marquis of Tuscany and lord of Lucca. The tower has been used as a prison, and more recently has been used as a museum.
Palace of Muses
If you walk around Viareggio, you will see a lot of different sculptures. In the center of the city, you will find the Palace of Muses. It is a beautiful sculpture garden with works from artists such as Michelangelo and Bernini. The garden is open to the public, and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
Viareggio Monumental Cemetry
The Monumental Cemetery of Viareggio is one of the largest and most beautiful cemeteries in Italy. It’s located on a hill overlooking the city, and offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The cemetery was designed by Luigi Cagnola in 1832, and features many beautiful sculptures and monuments. It’s a popular tourist attraction, and is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
San Paolino Church
The San Paolino Church in Viareggio is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. It was built in the 12th century and has been well-preserved over the years. The church is located in the center of town and is a popular tourist attraction.
Things to do in Viareggio: Outdoors
Margherita Promenade (La Passeggiata Margherita)
The Passeggiata Margherita is a popular promenade in Viareggio, Italy. The walkway stretches for more than two kilometers and offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the Margherita, take in the fresh air, and relax while listening to the waves crashing against the shore. The walkway is also a great place to people watch, as it is always busy with locals and tourists alike.
Viareggio Beaches
There are plenty of beaches in Viareggio to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to let your kids run wild. The main beach in town (the Bagno Comunale) is well-maintained and has showers, toilets, and lockers available. It’s also a great spot for people-watching. You’ll pay a fee for an umbrellla and chair here.
If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, there are several smaller beaches located at the end of Viale Europa. Many of which are free.
Nearby Beaches
The beaches near Viareggio are a chance to explore nearby cities. Marina di Pietrasanta is a lovely beach with relatively calm water and soft sand. Lido di Camaiore is also a great choice, with plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy. Marina di Massa is a great spot for wave lovers, whether you like to be in them, or watch them crash over the rocks.
Viareggio Carnival
The Viareggio Carnival is a yearly event that takes place in the city of Viareggio, Italy. The carnival is a celebration of life and features elaborate costumes, parades, and floats. The first Viareggio Carnival took place in 1873 and has been held every year since then with the exception of World War II. Today, the carnival is a major tourist attraction and draws visitors from all over the world.
The carnival lasts for about two weeks and features a parade of floats that are made out of papier-mâché.
What Else to do in Viareggio
Bath at Bagno Balena
Bagno Balena is a bath house in Viareggio, Italy that is open year-round. The bath house offers a range of services, including baths, massages, and beauty treatments. There are also men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers, and a relaxation area. Bagno Balena is the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing or shopping in Viareggio.
Tours to Viareggio
Cooking Class + Market Tour
Have a guide take you around a nearby market to pick ingredients before going off for your Italian cooking class. You’ll have a tasting of 3 recipes and gain some new ideas of what to cook after your travels.
Find more details here.
Dine at a Local’s House
Have a private dining experience in a Viareggio local house with 4 courses of delicious Italian food. The experience includes a cooking demo, starter, wine, pasta, side and a dessert.
You can see prices and more information by clicking here.
How Long Should You Stay?
If you’re on a short trip, a day in Viareggio will be enjoyable, however its recommended to stay atleast two if you can.
One Day Must Sees: Bagno Comunale for a quick and easy beach, stroll along the Margherita Promenade are must sees. For the rest of your day, you should pick a few sights that seem interesting and prioritise seeing them first incase you run out of time.
Accommodation in Viareggio
- Budget – Hotels in Europe can be expensive, but if you’re trying to save, check out Stella del Mare or Ely Hotel.
- Mid range – For a budget of 150-250 a night, the Hotel Pardini and Hotel Sauro are both well rated
- Luxury- If you have a bigger budget have a look at the Grand Hotel Royal or the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, both have great views of the ocean.
What to pack for Viareggio
Clothing will depend on the season. Viareggio has moderately cold winters (average 11C / 52F) , so you’ll want warm pants or jeans, matched with a coat or jacket.
Summers in Viareggio can be hot and humid (29C/85F). You’ll want to bring sundresses, and lightweight tops. Sunglasses and a hat are also important if you plan to spend a decent amount of time outside.
For the beach, pack your reef safe sunscreen and a fast drying towel. On the paid beaches you’ll have an umbrella, but on the free beaches you’ll only have your hat to protect you from sunburn. Either a cute bikini or one piece will serve you well here.