Lucca Beaches

Overview

While the charming walled city of Lucca is not directly on the coast, it serves as a fantastic base for a Tuscan holiday that combines culture with seaside relaxation. A short and easy train ride transports you to the renowned Versilia coast, famous for its long, wide stretches of golden sand. This proximity allows visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds: exploring historic Lucca and spending sun-filled days on the beautiful beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Tuscan coast offers a beach experience for every style, from lively private clubs to serene natural shores. For a classic family day out, Lido di Camaiore provides calm waters and excellent facilities. Those seeking glamour can indulge at the exclusive clubs on Forte dei Marmi Beach. In contrast, Spiaggia della Lecciona offers a protected, wild coastline for a complete escape. Most of the coast is lined with these private 'bagni', but free public beaches are also available.

For a truly dramatic coastal scene, the iconic cliffside village and pebble beach of Monterosso is a worthwhile day trip, offering a stunning contrast to the sandy shores of Versilia. Many visitors start their coastal journey in Viareggio, the area's largest and most vibrant resort town. Whether you seek luxury, nature, or family fun, our complete guide features a longer list of beaches to help you find your perfect spot in the sun.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Lucca a good base for a beach holiday?

Lucca is an excellent base for a holiday that combines city exploration with beach days, but it is not a beach town itself. The city is located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) inland from the Versilia coast. The nearest major beach resort, Viareggio, is easily reachable in about 20-30 minutes by a direct train, making it very convenient for day trips to the sea without needing a car.

How do you get to the beach from Lucca?

The easiest and most popular way to get to the nearest beaches from Lucca is by train. A direct train runs frequently to Viareggio, taking only 20-30 minutes. From the Viareggio station, it's a straightforward walk to the promenade and beaches. Buses are also an option and are very affordable, though the journey takes slightly longer at around 50 minutes. Driving is also possible, taking about 30 minutes, but be prepared for potential traffic and parking challenges, especially on weekends in summer.

What are the beaches near Lucca like? Are they sandy?

The beaches along the Versilia coast near Lucca are famous for being long, wide, and sandy. The golden sand stretches for kilometers, and the seabed generally slopes gently, making the water shallow and suitable for families and casual swimmers. The coastline is highly developed with rows of beach clubs, but there are also some wilder, more natural stretches like La Lecciona.

La Lecciona

What's the difference between public and private beaches in Tuscany?

Most of the coastline, especially in popular towns like Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, is occupied by private beach clubs called 'bagni' or 'stabilimenti balneari'. To use these, you must pay a daily fee which gets you an umbrella, sun loungers, and access to facilities like changing rooms, showers, toilets, and often a bar or restaurant. Free public beaches, or 'spiaggia libera', do exist but are smaller, more crowded, and have fewer or no facilities. They are often located at the ends of the main promenade or in more natural park areas.

How much does it cost to go to a beach club for a day?

The cost for a day at a private beach club ('bagno') varies by location and season. In Viareggio or Lido di Camaiore, expect to pay approximately €20 to €40 for a day's rental of an umbrella and two sun loungers. In the more exclusive resort of Forte dei Marmi, prices can be significantly higher, sometimes exceeding €60-€75 for a basic setup. Prices are highest in July and August.

Lido di Camaiore

Which is better, Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi?

The choice between Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi depends on your travel style and budget. Viareggio is larger, livelier, and generally more affordable, known for its long public promenade, Art Nouveau architecture, and accessible beach clubs. Forte dei Marmi is a more exclusive and luxurious destination, famous for its high-end designer shopping, upscale restaurants, and chic, expensive beach clubs frequented by a wealthy clientele.

Are the beaches near Lucca good for families with children?

Yes, the beaches of the Versilia coast are very family-friendly. Towns like Viareggio and Lido di Camaiore are particularly recommended for families. The beaches are wide and sandy with shallow, calm waters, which is ideal for children. Many of the private beach clubs ('bagni') cater specifically to families, offering amenities like playgrounds, pools, and kid-friendly restaurants.

Lido di Camaiore

Can you swim in the sea near Lucca?

Yes, you can swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Versilia coast. The water is generally calm and safe for swimming, especially during the summer months from June to September. While it may not always have the crystal-clear turquoise appearance of southern Italy, many beaches are awarded the 'Bandiera Blu' (Blue Flag) for their cleanliness and water quality.

People Also Ask

Are there free beaches (spiaggia libera) near Lucca?

Yes, there are free public beaches, known as 'spiaggia libera'. However, they are less common than the private beach clubs in the main resort areas. In Viareggio, there are small free sections, but for a larger, more natural free beach, many people go to 'La Lecciona', located south of Viareggio in the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Natural Park. Marina di Pietrasanta also has a well-regarded free beach called Spiaggia Libera di Motrone.

La Lecciona

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches near Lucca?

The main beach season runs from June to early September, when the weather is warmest and all the beach clubs and facilities are open. July and August are the peak months and can be very crowded and more expensive. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather, consider visiting in June or September.

Is it better to stay in Lucca or a beach town like Viareggio?

This depends on your holiday priorities. Stay in Lucca if you want to be immersed in the history and charm of a classic Tuscan walled city, with easy access to other inland destinations like Pisa and Florence, while still being able to take day trips to the beach. Stay in Viareggio or another coastal town if your main goal is a beach-focused holiday, with daily swimming and relaxing by the sea.

What is the 'passeggiata' in Viareggio?

The 'passeggiata' is the traditional Italian evening stroll, and in Viareggio, it refers to the magnificent seaside promenade, officially named Viale Regina Margherita. This long, wide boulevard is lined with elegant Art Nouveau buildings, shops, cafes, and gelaterias. In the early evening, it becomes the social heart of the town, as locals and tourists alike stroll along, enjoying the sea air before dinner.

Are the beaches near Lucca different from the Cinque Terre beaches?

Yes, they are very different. The beaches near Lucca, on the Versilia coast, are long, wide, and sandy, dominated by organized beach clubs. The beaches in the Cinque Terre are much smaller, often consisting of pebbles or rocks, set in dramatic, cliff-lined coves. While beautiful, the Cinque Terre offers a more rugged, natural beach experience compared to the classic, serviced resort feel of Versilia.