Extended Weekend in Viareggio
I chose this trip because I was working in Italy at a summer camp in a nearby region, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore more of the area. Since I absolutely love the beach, spending my free time by the sea made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Trip Recap
- Day 1: Day 1: Midday arrival → Beachfront walk → Promenade stroll → Dinner by the sea
- Day 2: Day 2: Full beach day → Liberty-style architecture exploration → Gelato and cafés
- Day 3: Day 3: Morning in Lucca → Afternoon beach time → Sunset aperitivo
- Day 4: Day 4: Torre del Lago Puccini visit → Final promenade walk → Departure
Highlights
· Viareggio Beach & Promenade
Warm water, soft sand, and the classic Italian summer energy.· Beach Clubs vs. Local Free Beaches
Most of the beachfront is accessed through paid private beach clubs that offer umbrellas, loungers, bars, and changing rooms. But locals know where to find the few free beach stretches, where you can roll down a towel and enjoy the sea without paying a fee.· Lucca
Medieval walls, quiet piazzas, shaded streets, and a calm, elegant charm—perfect for a half-day escape.· Gelaterias & Seaside Dining
Fresh seafood, rich espresso, and gelato that tastes even better under the Tuscan sun.· Torre del Lago Puccini
A peaceful lakeside retreat with culture, history, and picture-perfect views.
Day 1
Arriving around midday, the heat was intense but energizing. After checking into my hotel, I headed straight for the promenade, which was buzzing with colourful umbrellas, cafés, beach clubs, and families soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
I dipped my feet into the water, walked along the beach, and enjoyed the golden afternoon light. Dinner was fresh seafood pasta at a beachfront trattoria—simple, delicious, and the perfect start to the trip.
Day 2
I began the day with a long swim in the warm Mediterranean, then spent the morning relaxing under an umbrella, reading, and cooling off between dips.
In the afternoon, I explored Viareggio's Liberty-style district, filled with pastel villas and ornate façades. An espresso at a shaded café and pistachio gelato were mandatory stops. The evening arrived with a breezy promenade walk and dinner outdoor.
Day 3
I took a short train ride inland for a half-day visit to Lucca, one of Tuscany's most beautiful and peaceful towns. Walking along its Renaissance walls was the highlight—panoramic views, shady trees, and a calm atmosphere far from the coastal heat.
I wandered through quiet piazzas, visited the Duomo di San Martino, and stopped for a cappuccino in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a perfectly oval square shaped by ancient Roman foundations. After lunch, I returned to Viareggio just in time for an afternoon swim.
The day ended with a sunset aperitivo along the promenade—a spritz, a few snacks, and that warm golden light that makes summer in Italy feel unforgettable.
Day 4
For my last morning, I headed to Torre del Lago Puccini, just minutes away. The lake was peaceful and reflective, and the Puccini Museum added a touch of history and culture to the day.
After a relaxed lakeside lunch, I returned to Viareggio for one final slow walk along the beach, letting the sun, heat, and Mediterranean breeze sink in before packing up to leave.
Viareggio had given me sunshine, sea, and a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration!
Anything you would add or do differently?
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I would have added an extra day to the trip, or maybe just spent the entire day in Lucca instead of only half a day. This way, I could fully enjoy its charming streets, historic walls, and relaxed atmosphere without feeling rushed.
