Viareggio is a popular coastal town on the Tuscan Riviera, renowned for its endless sandy beaches and elegant Art Nouveau architecture. The annual Carnival, one of the largest and most spectacular in Italy, draws countless visitors from far and wide. In summer, the city becomes a paradise for beach lovers, with its vibrant beach bars, thrilling water sports, and lively nightlife.
Away from the beach, you can savor a coffee at the historic Caffè Margherita and take a leisurely stroll along the bustling "Passeggiata a Mare" promenade. For those who love culture, the Carnival Museum and Villa Paolina are must-visit attractions.
Viareggio also serves as an ideal base for day trips to nearby cities like Pisa and Lucca or the luxurious seaside resort of Forte dei Marmi and the Carrara marble quarry.
Top Highlights of Viareggio
Activities
Beaches
Viareggio is known for its long, wide sandy beaches, some of the longest and most popular in all of Tuscany. Most sections of the beach are divided into so-called Stabilimenti or Bagni, private beach clubs that rent out sunbeds and umbrellas. Access to the beach is usually available for a fee, but this is often easily covered by purchasing a drink or a light snack.
Some of these Bagni, like Bagno Balena, also offer swimming pools, water sports facilities, wellness areas, and children’s zones. Near the , you’ll find two of the oldest bagni in all of Italy: Bagno Amedeo and Bagno Balena, which have been in operation since 1874! For families, Bagno Balena and Bagno Maurizio are particularly child-friendly.
Strolling along the Passeggiata di Viareggio
The heart of the city is the legendary , a kilometer-long promenade along the sea, lined with palm trees, historic Art Nouveau buildings, bars, and boutiques. A walk along the promenade feels like stepping back into the 1920s when Viareggio was adorned with Art Nouveau elegance and the influences of the Belle Époque.
A particular highlight is the magnificent , now a cultural center hosting exhibitions and concerts. If you're interested in Art Nouveau, be sure to pick up a brochure about the "Liberty Style" at the tourist information center. It offers a suggested route to explore the city. Art lovers can also visit the , a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
Carnival City
Viareggio is famous for its spectacular carnival, which has been celebrated since 1874 between February and March. The carnival is one of the largest and most creative in Italy, known for its giant papier-mâché figures and colorful parades. A striking feature is the sharp political satire, which pokes fun at both Italian and international politicians. The intricately designed floats illustrate the chosen theme and are often infused with humorous critiques of current leaders.
The entire city takes part in the festivities, with variety shows, masquerade balls, fireworks, and street parties. In addition, the promenade and streets are lined with kiosks and food stalls.
Even if you're not visiting in February, you can still experience the city's pride. On the Viale Regina Margherita, the statue of Burlamacco, the carnival mascot, welcomes every newcomer. The floats and papier-mâché workshops can be visited at the with the Carnival Museum, a place that also serves as a museum and cultural center.
Dolphin Watching
An unforgettable experience in the Versilia region is dolphin watching. From Viareggio, you can take a boat trip out to the open sea, where the chances of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat are very high. Especially from May to mid-September, when the sea is pleasantly warm, dolphins can often be seen in groups, happily gliding through the water. Experienced guides from the CE.TU.S. NGO lead the tours and share fascinating insights about the dolphins and other marine life.
On weekends, you can join special boat trips heading toward La Spezia. These tours take place in the Italian part of the Pelagos Sanctuary, a marine protected area jointly managed by Italy, France, and Monaco. The area is known for its high biodiversity and is regularly visited by researchers and conservationists. Those interested in learning more about marine life can visit the Maritime Museum, where a permanent exhibition offers an in-depth look at the world of whales and dolphins.
Travel Information
When is the best time to visit?
Since Viareggio is a seaside resort, the best time to visit is from June to September. If you want to experience the famous Carnival of Viareggio, February is the ideal time. During this period, daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C.
Summer (June to August)
Perfect for beach lovers, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C and the sea at a pleasant warmth. However, this is also the peak season, meaning more tourists.
Spring (April - May) & Autumn (September - October)
These seasons offer mild temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, fewer tourists, and still pleasant conditions for sightseeing.
Easy Access
With good train connections and Pisa Airport just 30 km away, Viareggio is easy to reach.
By Air
- Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei) is only about 30 kilometers from Viareggio. From the airport, you can comfortably reach Viareggio by train in around 20 minutes.
- Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci): Alternatively, you can fly into Florence; it’s about 90 km from Viareggio, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by train.
By Train
- From Pisa: Direct trains will take you to Viareggio in about 20 minutes.
- From Florence: The train ride takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Car
Viareggio is easily accessible via the A11 and A12 highways. Take the "Viareggio" or "Viareggio Nord" exit.
