Discovering the enchanting treasures of the Versilia region    

Versilia is a region that knows how to surprise tourists and locals in every season: this tongue of land, located in north-west Tuscany, offers many different landscapes and places to discover. 

They range from the renowned seaside resorts, with their beautiful beaches, to the hinterland bordered by the Apuan Alps: a vast and fascinating territory where there are several villages that will enchant you like few others.

Discover the most charming villages in Versilia, from the natural beauty of Massarosa to the architectural peculiarities of Seravezza.

Massarosa, between villas and natural oases

The charm of Massarosa, one of the oldest settlements in the area, inhabited since Roman times, is mainly due to two elements: the large number of ancient villas present and Lake Massaciuccoli.

Among the various noble villas present, almost all built between the 16th and 19th centuries, the most famous is undoubtedly Villa Baldini in Campignano: endowed with a charming Italian garden and surrounded by scenic olive trees, it is renowned for having hosted Paolina Bonaparte, sister of the more famous Napoleon.

Equally fascinating is Lake Massaciuccoli, a biodiversity reserve where numerous bird species dwell and rich vegetation can be admired. The Lipu Oasis of Massaciuccoli is also located here, with its walkways and huts set up to admire the migration of birds and discover the lake up close. The perfect destination for birdwatchers!

Pietrasanta, the Little Athens of Versilia

Pietrasanta is one of the most famous villages in Versilia, of which it is considered the historic capital. Deeply linked to marble and the art of its working, it offers several monuments to visit and a soul devoted to art, beauty and gastronomy.  

Among the things to see in Pietrasanta, we recommend Piazza Duomo, the starting point for discovering the town: the Cathedral of San Martino, totally clad in marble, and other historical buildings such as Palazzo Moroni, the Bruno Antonucci Versiliese Archaeological Museum and the Church of Sant'Agostino with the Museum of Sketches, all face this square.

Exhibitions and open-air events are often organised in the square, and a famous antiques market is held every first Sunday of the month. 

Lovers of shops and boutiques should not miss Via Mazzini, which is accessed via Piazza del Duomo, while those who wish to enjoy a view of the entire town can climb up to the Rocca di Sala, a Ghibelline fortification dating back to the Longobard era.

Pruno, for nature lovers

The village of Pruno is the ideal destination for nature lovers: situated between Monte Forato, Monte Procinto and Monte Altissimo, it offers numerous CAI paths to discover all the peaks and the various refuges located in the area.

A real jewel of the Apuan Alps with a unique mix of history and nature: if you are looking for a place where time seems to stand still and where tranquillity reigns supreme, then this is where you must come.

The local church is a precious jewel of Romanesque architecture, with a small square in front that has characterised the small village since 1600.

Another well-known tourist attraction is Pruno’s Leaning Waterfall. Twenty metres high, it can be reached via a well-marked path with a walk of about one hour.

Seravezza, in the heart of historic Versilia

Seravezza is located in the heart of historic Versilia and is especially famous for its connection to marble quarrying and processing. Just think that even Michelangelo, attracted by its fame, stayed here for a while. The reason? The choice of materials for some works commissioned by Pope Leo X.

But that's not all: here you will also find the Palazzo Mediceo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Cosimo I: among the most peculiar aspects of this building is the well in the centre of the enchanting courtyard, where a trophy depicting a trout stands out.

Today, the Palazzo Mediceo houses several contemporary exhibitions on the first floor, as well as the Museum of Work and Popular Traditions of Historical Versilia on the second. 

In Seravezza, you will also find several splendid Medici villas and historical buildings such as the Cathedral of the Santissimi Lorenzo and Barbara and the Pieve di San Martino.

There is no shortage of hotels in Versilia where you can stay to enjoy a holiday discovering the picturesque villages we’ve told you about. Our choice would be the Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze. 

Open all year round, the hotel is located in Lido di Camaiore, on one of the most exclusive coastlines in Italy, and boasts among its services a high-level SPA and wellness centre to guarantee guests a relaxing stay.

Once the winter season is over and the first rays of spring sunshine arrive, you can relax by indulging in an aperitif or a delicious dinner at the Versilia Roof Bar & Restaurant by "UNA cucina" on the hotel's panoramic terrace. A marvellous view of Viareggio and the Golfo dei Poeti awaits you.

Versilia is an area full of surprising views. Exploring the villages in this region is the best way to immerse yourself in its artistic, natural and cultural heritage.