Escape to the beautiful seaside resort of Forte dei Marmi, traditionally a Tuscan holiday favourite of well-heeled tourists. Shop in designer boutiques, stroll past luxury villas and stretch out on the sands.
Forte dei Marmi takes its name “marble fort” from the fortress that stands in the centre of town. It is a reference to the nearby quarries where Michelangelo used to get his large slabs of marble from. Many other famous names have been drawn to the town over the years, including the novelists Aldous Huxley and Thomas Mann.
Wind your way through the pretty streets, browsing the luxury boutiques featuring top designer names such as Armani and Gucci. Many of the stores are open late into the evening. Stop for a bite to eat at a café or restaurant in the town centre, some of which are housed in historical buildings.
Visit the Forte dei Marmi Fortress on the main square. During its history, the 18th-century structure has been a military base, a customs house and a post office. Today, it houses the Museum of Satire. View hundreds of satirical drawings and caricatures and learn about the history of satire.
Then for sheer unadulterated relaxation it has to be the beach. Unwind on a public section or in one of the many private beachside bathing establishments known as bagnos.
During your stay, consider a daytrip to nearby cities. Pisa with its famous leaning tower and the medieval walled city of Lucca are within easy reach.
For outdoor adventure, go to the Apuan Alps Natural Park. There is an extensive network of walking trails through the park, some of which are suitable for mountain bikes. Go to the southern part of the park for the Antro del Corchia cave system. Explore underground grottos and corridors and marvel at huge columns of stalactites and stalagmites.
To get to Forte dei Marmi, fly to Pisa Airport and rent a car for the 25-mile (40-kilometre) drive to the town. Enjoy a delightful mix of seaside relaxation, luxury shopping and outdoor pursuits.
