Forte dei Marmi, Italy has been attracting wealthy Italians and foreigners to its prime seaside location for more than a century. What began as the ‘it’ beach town for the Italian aristocracy is now the place to be seen for Italian and foreign soccer players, movie stars, wealthy businessmen (and women!) and more.
You can spend your day lounging at the beach, followed by some shopping at Gucci and Prada. Round out your day with aperitivo and a Michelin-starred dinner.
That doesn’t mean you have to be rich or famous to visit! There is something for everyone in Forte dei Marmi, from swimming in the Mediterranean to shopping at its famous market, from cycling the boardwalk to sampling the region’s delicious seafood.
While it’s not a budget destination, there are hotels and restaurants at varying price points.
Read on for more info on the best things to do in Forte dei Marmi and how to plan your visit.
Where Is Forte Dei Marmi, Italy?
Forte dei Marmi is a coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea, in an area called Versilia.
It’s nestled between Pisa and the Cinque Terre, and it’s an easy day-trip from many places (although it’s worth and overnight stay if you have the time).
Forte dei Marmi’s province is Lucca and its region in Italy is Tuscany.
Things To Do In Forte Dei Marmi, Italy
Go To The Beach
While there is a public (free) beach in Forte dei Marmi, this is the place to spend the day at one of the private bagni that line the beach. A bagno is a little beach club – complete with umbrellas, beach lounge chairs, changing cabanas, showers and more (restaurants, bars, swimming pools, kids play areas). Choose your bagno, pay for your chair and umbrella, and soak up the sun and sea with your bagno companions.
Recommended Bagno – Bagno Giuliana (via Arenile, 74 – 55042 Forte dei Marmi). +39 0584.881261. This bagno has everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach – umbrellas, lounge chairs, tende (tents), showers, changing cabins, restaurant in the sand, bar/café, kids toys, small soccer pitch, parking lot. It’s family-owned and run and was renovated in 2020, but still retains its original feel).
Shop At The Forte Dei Marmi Open-Air Market
Browse (and buy!) high-quality, fashionable clothing and goods at the well-known Wednesday open-air market. It’s open year-round, in the center of town, at the Piazza Marconi. In the fall, you’ll find excellent deals on cashmere, in the summer you’ll find the latest beach coverups and beautiful summer dresses. Pick up some of the locally made ceramics or bed linens. The market runs from 8:00 to 13:30. It’s popular, so expect crowds and know that parking can be tricky if you don’t get there early. There are also other markets in town during the week, including an antiques market and a mini version of the Wednesday market each Sunday.
Ride A Bike On Forte Dei Marmi’s Bike Paths
If you have smaller kids, you can also rent a bicycle with an enclosed platform in front so you can transport multiple little ones. Coppa Bike has a great selection of bikes for all ages.
Little kids can also bring their bicycles to the piazza and ride around while mom and dad have an aperitivo at a café overlooking the square.
You can also join groups of locals cycling longer distances in the area. For more info on routes in the area, stop by a local bicycle shop. Cicli Maggi is a well-known cycling shop with bicycle rentals and the staff can help you find routes or group rides in the area.
Don’t forget to wear a helmet!
Not a cyclist but want to be active? Other Forte dei Marmi activities include surfing, swimming, kite surfing, walking (on the 10 kilometers of sandy beaches in the area) scuba diving, hiking (in the nearby mountains).
