Forte dei Marmi, located in Tuscany on the Ligurian Sea, is the summer resort of European personalities looking for an exclusive place away from the crowds
In the eighteenth century, Forte dei Marmi was a commercial port from which ships loaded with marble from the nearby Carrara Mountains departed, protected by a fortress – hence its name. Today, it's a peaceful town that triples its population in the summer to welcome its distinguished guests.
Its wide beaches are filled with umbrellas and colorful deck chairs of the beach clubs to welcome the vacationers who find luxurious places to stay, to eat and to toast, but also to have fun, to go shopping, to attend music and sports festivals. Forte dei Marmi offers the possibility of visiting other cities and even renting a yacht to visit the nearby islands.
The islands of the Cinque Terre natural reserve.
Where to stay
Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi, with its sophisticated architecture and design, offers select rooms and suites, the Egoista Spa, an outdoor swimming pool and dining options. It has the attraction of offering its guests the rental of a 78-feet yacht.
The Grand Hotel Imperiale, located in a quiet area and surrounded by lush gardens, has spacious rooms and elegant suites, an outdoor pool, spa, gourmet restaurants and Remo Beach Club, its exclusive beach club.
More than three decades old, Augustus Hotel & Resort offers eight privileged villas, including the 19-room Villa Agnelli. Visitors have access to the Augustus Beach Club and spa with a full menu of services.
The historic luxury Hotel Byron is housed in an Art Deco building surrounded by lush gardens, elegant rooms and suites with ocean or garden views, a renowned gourmet restaurant, spa and outdoor pool.
Augustus Hotel & Resort.
Bagno Alpemare.
Where to eat
The Ristorante Lorenzo, with half a century of existence, has a Michelin star. Founded by Lorenzo Viani, heir to a family of artists, the restaurant is decorated with contemporary works of art and the dishes are the creations of Chef Gioacchino Pontrelli.
The Ristorante Bistrot is another Michelin-starred gourmet spot where Mediterranean flavors are blended with ingredients from their farm, where they source olive oil, herbs, vegetables and some meats. Their cellar houses a select collection of wines.
Bagno Annetta.
Ristorante La Magnolia at the Hotel Byron.
Il Parco di Villa Grey is a restaurant located in the elegant Villa Grey Hotel, in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hotel's gardens. Chef Giovanni Cerroni prepares creative dishes with influences from Italy and beyond, with a focus on fish and seafood. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Lux Lucis restaurant has one Michelin star. Located on the terrace of the Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi, it features menus by Chef Valentino Cassanelli and wines and cocktails by sommelier Sokol Ndreko and bartender Omar.
Ristorante La Magnolia is located in the Byron Hotel. It is known for chef Marco Bernard's culinary approach based on Tuscan tradition. The wine cellar complements the dining experience.
Los platillos del chef Valentino Cassanelli en Lux Lucis. / Chef Valentino Cassanelli's dishes at Lux Lucis.
El Ristorante Lorenzo, poseedor de una estrella Michelin. / The Michelin-starred Ristorante Lorenzo.
Nightclubs
Twiga Beach Club is an upscale beach club that combines elegance and fun with international DJs, live music and a vibrant party atmosphere. During the day, visitors can enjoy sun loungers, relaxing music and first-class service.
La Capannina di Franceschi, known as Italy's oldest nightclub, is an iconic entertainment venue. Since opening in 1929, it has attracted celebrities from around the world for its décor and live shows.
The impressive lighting and diverse music selection in Bussola attracts music and nightlife lovers. It is known for its themed events, live performances and exceptional service.
Seven Apples is a sophisticated nightclub that combines music and stunning design in the heart of Forte dei Marmi. Its sound system and renowned DJs keep guests dancing all night long.
Restaurant Lux Lucis, located on the terrace of the Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi.
Riviera Lounge Club Bistrot offers an exciting nightlife with cocktails and the opportunity to dance to the music or enjoy a lively evening with friends.
Beach Club Versilia, with its modern and elegant design and large dance floor, attracts a glamorous crowd. In the mornings, it offers deck chairs and private cabanas with a variety of amenities and services.
JustMe is an exclusive nightclub for guests looking for an unforgettable night out. With a sophisticated décor, it offers an intimate and special atmosphere.
Maki Maki is located in the center of Forte dei Marmi, it is a select nightclub that combines the elegance of Asian culture with a touch of luxury. With its contemporary décor and ambient lighting, it promises a vibrant environment.
Beach Clubs
Nikki Beach. By day you can enjoy private cabanas, surrounded by a modern design. With international music, cocktails and events, it offers an experience on the sand.
Bagno Alpemare. It is a beach club with a sophisticated design and a relaxed atmosphere, with sun loungers and private cabanas, as well as first class services.
Bagno Dalmazia. A charming beach with a relaxed atmosphere and first class service, it is the perfect place to enjoy a day of sun and sea.
Maitó Beach Club. It combines elegance and relaxation in a paradisiacal setting. Its decoration is unique, panoramic sea views, comfortable sun beds, beach services and haute cuisine restaurant.
Bagno La Gilda. In its deck chairs and private cabanas, visitors can enjoy an oasis of relaxation. It has a restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes and a wide selection of wines.
Bagno Cesare. It is a fascinating beach that combines comfort and charm in an idyllic setting. With its sunbeds, umbrellas and beach services, it promises guests a perfect place to relax.
Bagno Annetta. It is an attractive and welcoming beach that promises a relaxing and intimate experience. With its fine sand, crystal clear waters and quality services, it is ideal for enjoying a day of sun and sea on the Tuscan coast.
The Italian sculptor Michelangelo Bounarroti was a regular visitor to Forte dei Marmi
The beach of Forte dei Marmi
Where to shop
Via Roma is the main shopping street in Forte dei Marmi, with a variety of exclusive boutiques and designer stores. Here you will find renowned international brands and Italian fashion houses.
Via Carducci offers a mix of fashion and accessories boutiques. It is a popular destination for those looking for luxury shopping.
Piazza Marconi, in the heart of Forte dei Marmi, is a lively square lined with high-end fashion boutiques.
Piazza Dante is known for its select stores and designer boutiques that offer a sophisticated shopping experience with a variety of fashion styles.
Las casas de moda están afincadas en Forte dei Marmi. / Fashion houses are located in Forte dei Marmi.
Piazza Garibaldi is a bustling square with unique shops and boutiques. It is a shopping center where you can find high quality fashion, jewelry and home goods.
Forte dei Marmi Market is the weekly market famous for its unique merchandise. It offers a mix of clothing, accessories and handcrafted products, providing a unique shopping experience.
Showrooms. Forte dei Marmi is known for its concept stores that offer a unique variety of fashion and accessories with selected collections.
Designer showrooms. Famous designers have their own showrooms where you can see their latest collections and buy exclusive pieces.
Forte dei Marmi Outlet is ideal for those looking for luxury deals on designer brands, where you can find high quality fashion at affordable prices.
Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi.
Festivals
Forte dei Marmi Yacht Festival. Thanks to its position by the sea, Forte dei Marmi hosts a yachting event that attracts yachting enthusiasts and offers the opportunity to discover the latest models.
Forte dei Marmi Polo Cup, where polo fans can witness exciting polo matches with teams from all over the world.
Forte dei Marmi International Sand Sculpture Festival is an annual spectacle of sand sculptures created by artists from all over the world.
Forte dei Marmi Fashion Weekend. As a fashion destination, Fashion Weekend brings together top designers, models and fashion enthusiasts to celebrate style.
At the Forte dei Marmi Classic Car Show, enthusiasts can appreciate the collection of iconic vintage and classic models.
At Forte dei Marmi Wine Festival, enjoy the best Tuscan wines with tastings, pairings and workshops led by experts.
At Forte dei Marmi Food Festival, taste the culinary delights of the region, with demonstrations of Tuscan cuisine.
You can live an unforgettable musical experience with renowned jazz musicians from Italy and abroad at Forte dei Marmi Jazz Festival.
Forte dei Marmi Film Festival is a showcase of independent films that attracts filmmakers, actors and film lovers.
During the summer, the Forte dei Marmi Summer Music Festival offers open-air concerts and musical performances of various genres.
The Santa Ermeta Fair is held in the streets and squares of the center in honor of the patron saint of Forte dei Marmi.
The Fair of San Francesco is the annual fair of Vittoria Apuana in honor of Saint Francis.
Twiga Beach Club.
What to visit
Forte dei Marmi takes its name from the historic Forte dei Marmi, built in the eighteenth century to protect the coast from attack. Today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
The 984-feet-long loading dock, once used to ship marble, was destroyed during the Second World War.
The Ugo Guidi Museum, dedicated to the Italian sculptor, houses a permanent collection of his works, including marble and bronze sculptures.
Forte dei Marmi Polo Cup.
Twiga Beach Club.
The Forte dei Marmi Golf Club is an 18-hole course designed by the Spaniards Jose Maria Olazabal and Marco Croze.
The beautiful Villa Bertelli is an important cultural center. It includes a theater that offers music, theater and dance performances throughout the year.
The Church of San Francesco, built in the 18th century, is a point of historical and architectural interest. Its marble façade and baroque interior are well worth seeing.
Nearby places
Pietrasanta is a medieval cultural jewel and the capital of marble art, 5 miles from Forte dei Marmi. Known as Little Athens, it hosts cultural festivals, the majestic Cathedral of St. Martin, art galleries, artists' studios and public sculptures.
In addition to being a summer resort since 1828, Viareggio is home to major shipyards such as Benetti, Perini, Sanlorenzo, Azimut and Codecasa. It is famous for the Viareggio Carnival, started in 1873, in addition to its museums and cultural festivals.
Island of Elba is one of the largest islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, known for its natural beauty, beaches, hiking trails and history linked to Napoleon Bonaparte.
The islands of the Cinque Terre natural reserve are five coastal villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) with colorful houses perched on the cliffs, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
De los Alpes Alpuanos (al fondo) se extrae el mármol de Carrara. / Carrara marble is quarried in the Alps (in the background).
Pisa is 25 miles away from Forte dei Marmi.
Yacht Rentals and Tours
TWW Yachts, with a fleet of high quality boats, offers unforgettable experiences in the Mediterranean.
Forte dei Marmi is located in the heart of the marble region, so a tour of the marble quarries is a must.
Visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and explore the charming streets of Lucca, a city known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls and historic center.
Learn about the winemaking process at renowned wineries and enjoy tastings of the region's famous wines, such as Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino.
Forte dei Marmi and environmental management
- FEE Blue Flag for the quality of its coastal waters and the sustainability of its territorial management.
- UNI EN ISO 14001 certification, international standard for environmental quality management.
- EMAS registration, European regulation on environmental management.
Miguel Ángel Bounarroti
The Italian sculptor Michelangelo Bounarroti (1475-1564) was a regular visitor to Forte dei Marmi; he used to travel to the quarries of the Apuan Alps in Carrara, to select the stone with which he made his sculptures, including his famous 'David'.
Viareggio.
Text: Sandra Maldonado ± Photo: Wirestock, Gilbert Sopakuwa, Augustus Hotel & Resort, Bagno Alpemare, Bagno Annetta/ Hotel Principe, Hotel Byron, Ristorante Lorenzo, Bagno La Gilda, Louis Vuitton, Twiga Beach Club, Studio Fotográfico Righi, Pelleteria e Articoli da Viaggio, Shuterstock, Polo Cup Audi, Expedia