Pistoia Beaches

Overview

While not a coastal town itself, Pistoia serves as an excellent and authentic base for exploring the best of Tuscany, from its rolling hills to its famous shoreline. This makes it easy to combine cultural city tours with relaxing seaside day trips, giving you a holiday that blends historic charm with classic Italian beach life.

The Tuscan coast offers a beach for every type of traveler, and our editor's picks reflect this wonderful variety. For a perfect family outing, Lido di Camaiore provides calm waters and a welcoming atmosphere. Those seeking glamour and a taste of the high life will feel at home at Forte dei Marmi Beach, known for its exclusive clubs. If stunning scenery is what you're after, the dramatic cliffs of Quercetano Bay create a breathtaking backdrop. For a more natural escape, the protected, undeveloped dunes of Spiaggia della Lecciona offer a peaceful retreat from the crowds.

Beyond our top selections, the vibrant resort town of Viareggio is another popular choice, famed for its lively promenade and elegant architecture. The coastline is dotted with both private beach clubs and public areas, giving visitors plenty of options. Whether you prefer a fully-serviced luxury experience or a simple spot to lay your towel, you can find it here. For a complete look at all the top spots, from hidden coves to bustling resorts, be sure to explore our longer list of the best beaches in the region.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Pistoia a good base for a beach holiday?

Pistoia is an excellent base if you want to combine a cultural Tuscan holiday with beach day trips. It is not a coastal town, so you won't be staying on the beach itself. However, its location is strategic, allowing you to explore historic cities like Florence and Lucca, and also reach the Versilia coast by car or train in about an hour. This setup is ideal for travelers who appreciate a quieter, more authentic city experience away from the crowded seaside resorts.

What are the closest beaches to Pistoia and how long does it take to get there?

The closest beaches to Pistoia are on the Versilia coast. The popular resort town of Viareggio is approximately 65 km away and can be reached in about 50-60 minutes by car or around 1 hour and 10 minutes by a direct train. Other nearby beaches include Lido di Camaiore and Forte dei Marmi, all within a similar travel time.

Lido di Camaiore

Is it better to travel to the beach from Pistoia by train or car?

Traveling by train is often the most convenient option, especially when going to Viareggio. The train station in Viareggio is a manageable walk from the main promenade and beaches, and it allows you to avoid the stress of summer traffic and the high cost of parking near the coast. A car offers more flexibility to explore more secluded beaches or different towns along the coast in a single day, but be prepared for traffic and parking challenges, particularly in July and August.

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

The beaches along the Versilia coast, the closest to Pistoia, are known for their long, wide stretches of fine, golden sand. The water is generally shallow, making it suitable for families. The coastline is famous for its rows of private beach clubs ('stabilimenti balneari') with their iconic colorful umbrellas, but there are also public 'free beach' sections available.

What's the difference between a private and a free beach in Tuscany?

Most of the Tuscan coast is organized into private beach clubs called 'stabilimenti balneari' or 'bagni'. At these clubs, you pay a fee (from €20 to over €70 per day) to rent an umbrella and sun loungers. This fee also gives you access to facilities like changing cabins, showers, toilets, and often a bar or restaurant. Free beaches, or 'spiaggia libera', are sections where you can lay your own towel and put up your own umbrella at no cost. They have fewer amenities and can get very crowded.

Which is better for a day trip from Pistoia: Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi?

The choice depends on your style and budget. Viareggio is known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful Liberty-style architecture along its promenade, and has more extensive public beach areas. Forte dei Marmi is more upscale and exclusive, famous for luxury shopping, high-end beach clubs, and a more tranquil vibe. For a classic, bustling Italian beach day with more public access, choose Viareggio. For a quieter, more luxurious experience, Forte dei Marmi is the better option.

Are the beaches near Pistoia good for families with children?

Yes, the beaches of the Versilia coast, such as Viareggio and Lido di Camaiore, are very family-friendly. They feature wide, sandy shores and shallow, calm waters protected by rock barriers, which are safe for children. Many of the private beach clubs also offer playgrounds and other amenities specifically for families.

Lido di Camaiore

When is the best time to visit the beaches near Pistoia?

The best time for a beach trip is from June to early September when the weather is warm and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming. July and August are the peak months, meaning beaches are at their most crowded and prices for beach clubs are highest. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather, consider visiting in June or early September.

Is it better to stay in an agriturismo near Pistoia or a hotel on the coast?

This depends on the type of holiday you want. Staying in an agriturismo (farm stay) in the hills around Pistoia offers a peaceful, authentic Tuscan countryside experience, often with a pool, home-cooked meals, and easy access to cultural sites, with the beach being a day trip. Staying in a hotel on the coast provides immediate beach access and a classic seaside resort atmosphere but can be more crowded and expensive, with less focus on inland cultural exploration.

Are there any good free beaches ('spiaggia libera') near Pistoia?

Yes, there are free beaches, known as 'spiaggia libera'. One of the most well-known is Spiaggia della Lecciona, located between Viareggio and Torre del Lago. It is a large, natural beach with sand dunes, part of a nature park. Viareggio also has public sections, often at the northern and southern ends of the main promenade. Be aware that free beaches have minimal facilities and can be very popular.

Spiaggia della Lecciona

Are there any swimming options near Pistoia besides the sea?

While the sea is the main attraction, the Pistoia mountains offer some opportunities for cooling off in nature. There are streams and small rivers where locals go for a refreshing dip, although these are not organized swimming areas. For a more structured experience, the thermal baths at Montecatini Terme, a short drive from Pistoia, offer spa pools and relaxation.