Christmas markets, unique events and museums to visit

Versilia is a splendid region in Tuscany, renowned for its beautiful cities and a wide variety of natural landscapes waiting to be explored. 

Although best known for summer tourism and renowned seaside resorts, in winter Versilia reveals its most intimate and captivating side.

Where to go in Versilia in winter? If you are curious to know what surprises this area holds in the coldest months of the year, read on.

What to do in Versilia in winter

Versilia in winter offers many opportunities for a special stay even as the temperatures drop. Apart from beautiful winter sea views, this region is abundant in architectural beauties, events, and tourist spots that emanate a unique charm throughout the year. 

Discover the charming Christmas markets

In winter, you can visit the many Christmas markets in Versilia. Among the most famous, we recommend the one in Pietrasanta, hosted at Villa La Versiliana, featuring traditional wooden stalls and a Santa’s village. 

Moreover, in the Cathedral Square of Pietrasanta, on Christmas Eve, the famous Camel Ponce Festival takes place. This event originated in the ‘80s among groups of friends who used to meet in bars to exchange greetings and enjoy the classic mandarin drink while waiting for Midnight Mass.

Today, after many years, it has become a trendy event that attracts thousands of people, even from other regions, filling the streets of Pietrasanta in anticipation of Christmas, enjoying the traditional drink together. 

Visit the museums in Viareggio

 Viareggio, a city known primarily for its Carnival, has a cultural side not to be missed. There are several museums to visit, including the GAMC Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art “Lorenzo Viani,” located in the historic Palazzo delle Muse. A stone’s throw from the sea, it houses both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions: in total there are about 3,000 works on display, created by over 750 artists in the twentieth century.

In addition to the Matteucci Centre of Modern Art, the city is home to many museums dedicated to some of the most representative aspects of Viareggio. This includes the Carnival Museum, where you can discover all the peculiarities of this celebration, including historic floats, and the Maritime Museum, which traces the entire history of the Tuscan town.

Equally famous is Villa Argentina, the historic Liberty-style residence where exhibitions, cultural events and other gatherings come to life. 

In Torre Del Lago, a hamlet of Viareggio, you’ll find the Puccini Villa Museum - the Versilia residence where the famous composer loved to create his works. Here, every year, the Puccini Festival is held, which in 2024 will celebrate the centenary of the opera composer’s death.

Shopping in Forte dei Marmi

For shopping enthusiasts, a visit to Forte dei Marmi is a must. This elegant tourist destination hosts boutiques, major international fashion brands, and historic shops, not to mention numerous stores selling high-quality artisanal products. 

In Forte dei Marmi you will also find the market that goes by the same name, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Italy: a well-established appointment for tourists and residents for over fifty years. Every Wednesday of the year in Piazza Marconi, from 8 am to 2 pm, you can stroll among stalls of all kinds, browsing and buying clothing, accessories, footwear, ceramics, and much more. 

Hotels for winter in Versilia

There are several hotels in Versilia ready to accommodate you and offer you a prestigious winter stay: for example, the Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze is open all year round and is located in Lido di Camaiore, right in front of the sea.

Here you will find refined gastronomy, with modern reinterpretations of the typical dishes of the Versilia tradition.

One of the hotel’s strengths is the Wellness Centre, which includes a heated pool with a wellness path, a Turkish bath, saunas, and emotional showers, along with a wide selection of beauty treatments for face and body. The best way to get back in shape and recharge your batteries.

Luxury Villa Manin | UNA Esperienze, located in beautiful Viareggio, combines the typical intimacy of a villa with the convenience offered by a prestigious location.

The luxurious residence is located inside an early twentieth century property, restored to its former splendour, enhancing its details and architecture. Refined spaces and a classic style embellished with Carrara marble complete the setting. 

The villa’s strategic location allows for quick access to the famous Viareggio Promenade, where you’ll find numerous boutiques, shops, and restaurants. 

Versilia is the ideal destination to organise a holiday at any time of the year. Treat yourself to a pleasurable stay, immersed in a calm and tranquil atmosphere, where you can indulge in natural and architectural beauties.