WHEN THE MOON HITS YOUR EYE, LIKE A BIG PIZZA A PIE

FORTE DEI MARMI // PIETRASANTA // LUCCA

That’s amore! Italy in the summertime – nothing better. When it comes to Italy, we’re what you might describe as aficionados (if you’re a real Italian who speaks Italian, that’s Italian, right?). Whilst we love and are sartorially obsessed with the Cinque Terres, Positanos and Amalfi Coasts of this world, there is one very special spot in Tuscany that has captured our heart and will never leave it. It’s a trio of little towns: Forte dei Marmi (for all that glitters), Lucca (for tree-lined streets) and Pietrasanta (for beautiful views and fantastic pasta). These lesser known spots have it all: the beach, the mountains and the best tagliatelle bolognese you will ever taste. We hear that those in the know make this their destination of choice for the summer: Cavalli, Naomi Campbell and Giorgio Armani have been known to frolic on a yacht in these very waters of a late summer. Herewith, our guide to the quieter side of Italy’s famous beach destinations.

EAT

You could spend your entire holiday in Tuscany eating pasta, fish and drinking delicious wine – and you should! Here are some of the best on offer in Forte, Lucca and PIetrasanta. And don’t forget to eat gelato morning, noon and night. There are so many flavors to choose from, you could basically eat a scoop every hour on the hour.

Pizzeria Orlando

Via Colombo, 80, 55042 Forte dei Marmi

Delicious pizza for any time of the day, night or after-hours. Run there, and roll out.

L’enoteca Marcucci

40 Via Garibaldi, Pietrasanta, 55045, Italy

This place has all the ambience you could ever want, steaks to die for and a tagliatelle bolognese that will knock your socks off.

Villa Bongi

Via di Cocombola, 640, 55100 Lucca, Italy

Set in a beautiful villa about 3km from the centre of Lucca, this restaurant does exquisite Tuscan food with an inventive touch.

La Nina

Via San Martino 54, Montecarlo

Delicious, no-nonsense Tuscan classics: melon and prosciutto, lots of delicious meats and pastas. There is a very good wine list too!

DRINK

HANG OUT

The Italians love both their boats and their bagni, and the coast along Forte dei Marmi up to Viareggio is replete with cool Bagni to see and be seen. Below are two options that have consistently entertaining people watching and excellent gelato.

Bagno Annetta

Viale della Repubblica, 23, Forte dei Marmi, 55042  Italy

Gilda Forte Dei Marmi

Via Arenile 85, Forte Dei Marmi, 55042, Italy

If you’re looking for a little more culture, head to PIetrasanta’s galleries, it’s been a retreat for artists and art-lovers alike for centuries. Showcasing works by Surrealist artist Christo and sculptor Botero.

Galleria La Subbia

11 Via Padre Eugenio Barsanti , Pietrasanta, 55045, Italy

Museo Dei Bozzetti

Via S. Agostino 1,  Pietrasanta,, 55045, Italy

SLEEP

Honestly, if you can find a villa and fill your friends with it for a week – this is the way to go. Rent a car and blend in the locals who have been coming here for years, settle into the way of life here and enjoy. Have at it on AirBnB and go wild!

Hotel Franceschi

Via G. Galilei, 11 • Forte dei Marmi, Lucca, Italy

Palazzo Dipinto  

Piazza del Palazzo Dipinto, 27, Lucca, 55100, Italy

Hotel Albergo Villa Marta

Via Del Ponte Guasperini 873, Lucca, 55100 Italy

Villa Corte Lotti B&B

Via Oberdan, 55, Pietrasanta, 55045 Italy