La Lecciona is a notable sandy beach situated in the city of Viareggio, within the Lucca province, in the Tuscany region of Italy. The beach is part of the Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, a protected area that spans 23,000 hectares of land and an additional 9,000 hectares of marine protected area. This beach is situated within a natural setting, characterized by its unique seaside vegetation and specific micro-habitat, including a type of delta.
The beach is quite extensive, approximately 7 kilometers long, and wide, providing ample space for visitors. It is divided into sections, including a family-friendly area located near the entrance on Viale dei Tigli. La Lecciona is known for its clean, crystal clear water and tranquil ambiance, especially during weekdays when it tends to be less crowded.
Access to La Lecciona is possible by car and public transportation from Viareggio Station. There are both public and private parking options available. However, it's worth noting that car access is closed to the public on weekends. During weekdays, visitors can park their vehicles near Villa Borbone and walk through the woods and dunes for about 25 minutes to reach the beach. Alternatively, visitors can park their cars in Viale Europa (Torre del Lago Puccini) and walk towards the beach for about 500 meters. There is also free parking available along Viale dei Tigli, from where visitors can follow a trail through the park to the beach.
One unique aspect of La Lecciona is its status as a 'free' beach. This means there are no amenities such as lavatories or restaurants directly on the beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own shade, such as an umbrella or bedsheet. Despite the lack of services, beach sales are common, with items such as cold water bottles being sold. Furthermore, since 2022, the beach has been authorized for naturist practice, making it a popular destination for naturist enthusiasts. Visitors are urged to respect the natural environment, maintain cleanliness, and practice ecological behavior.
