Travel Guide in Forte dei Marmi

Forte dei Marmi, a resort town on the Ligurian shore in northwest Italy, is a quiet destination geared toward the wealthy traveler. This Forte dei Marmi Travel Guide includes information on many aspects of the city, including its pristine Mediterranean beaches. The name, meaning fort of the marbles, comes from the nearby Apli Apuane mountains, where marble was quarried. A small town that nearly triples in population during the summer months, it's no wonder that some of the finest hotels & restaurants in Italy can be found here. A town of sun and shade, it is characterized by beaches and green space.

Accommodations

Forte dei Marmi tends to price out the budget travelers, with three to five star hotels clustered along the shoreline. Most remain open from spring through the fall and close for the winter. Restaurants tend to appear casual, although the quality of the food and service is typically exceptional.

Beaches

The highlights are concentrated on the shoreline, with the vast majority of beaches being owned by hotels. Like all towns in the area, there is a small public beach at the end of town, though it does tend to get crowded and littered. The private beaches are nearly identical to each other, with cabanas and bar service available through the hotel. While not particularly large, these beaches are geared towards the wealthy vacationer seeking a quiet summertime retreat.

Attractions

Local attractions include the Wednesday market. Located at the marble fortress, the market offers replica designer clothing at rock bottom prices. The Museum of Satire & Caricature, considered the worldwide capital of political satire that attracts over 35,000 visitors annually, is free from June through September.

While not particularly known as a base for regional travel, there are some easily reached destinations nearby. Cinque Terre is about an hour by train, offering picturesque hiking along the coastline through five small towns. Viareggio, a larger version of Forte dei Marmi, lies about 5 miles to the south. Pisa, Genoa, & Florence are easy day trips as well.

Outdoor Activities

If you'd prefer to stay along the coastline, biking, rollerblading, & jogging are popular activities. Via Della Republica & Viale Italico have bicycle lanes, making it very safe to stay along the streets. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, the Parco Delle Alpa Apuane offers excellent hiking trails.