Step back to the glamorous 1920s on a luxury city break in Viareggio. Stroll along the wide, beachfront promenade, lined with Art Nouveau hotels and grand houses. Join in all the fun of the annual Carnevale, with its colourful floats and masquerade parties. Or head to the beach, pull up a sun lounger and relax with a chilled glass of prosecco.
BEACHES
Viareggio’s golden beach has made the resort popular since its 1920s heyday. The soft sand slips gently into the warm waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, making it a wonderful spot for a leisurely swim. Viareggio is also a hotspot for yachts. Watch them bobbing about in the marina, or take a private tour out along the Tuscan coast.
EVENTS
Viareggio is justly famous for the yearly Carnevale – the last big party before Lent, and second only to the celebrations in Venice. Watch a raucous parade of bright floats topped with ambitious papier-mâché sculptures. Marvel as dancers whirl around while wearing huge, ornate masks, and join lively get-togethers throughout the city.
FOOD & DRINK
Savour delicious Tuscan cuisine in Viareggio. Sample fine dining fare at the city’s chic, Michelin starred restaurants. Feast on regional favourites, including crostini with pâté, followed by fresh pastas stuffed with porcini mushrooms or artichokes. Or nibble on schiacciatta alla fiorentina – a sweet treat particularly popular around Carnevale.
Viareggio is also famed as the home of Puccini. If visiting in summer, look out for open-air concerts held as part of the annual Puccini Festival.
