Sunday in Forte dei Marmi

Forte dei Marmi

My latest trip to Italy was a short one.  I usually go for a few months as it is a fair way from Australia and the travelling to and from can be a bit of a drag.

Because I was only there for a couple of weeks I spent my time doing just my favourite things.  One of these is to go to Forte dei Marmi on the Versilia coast.  Once a month there is an antique market held in a tiny park near the centre.  Unlike many markets in Italy this one is very compact and seems to have gathered only the best.

 

Forte dei Marmi antique market

My favourite stand

It is possible to buy exquisite antique jewels, quirky bijoux and all manner of interesting things from times past.  I bought a fabulous bakelite Josehpine Baker here a few years ago and I always head for this stand first.

Josephine Baker and friend

Forte dei Marmi is a beautifully kept town full of top end shops, including Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Ermano Schervino and many more.  There is a gorgeous homeware shop at the end of the main street with constantly changing displays of heavenly things for our apartment.  This time 4 starfish shaped plates have made the trip home to Australia with me.

Homewares and garden centre

I know this is boring, but  we almost always have lunch at the same restaurant, Il Fortino.  We have tried others and they have been OK,  but nothing compares to the spaghetti ai frutti di mare at Il Fortino.  In winter we sit inside the tiny restaurant where is it cosy and warm.  In spring and summer we eat al fresco under the shade of huge umbrellas.

Ristorante Il Fortino

The restaurant is run by a handsome family, consisting of Mum and Dad and 2 very looking boys. I admit, half the fun of going to Il Fortino is watching this attratcive family at work.

the attractive Mum

After lunch we walk out on to the pier which extends out over the blue water of the Mediterranean.  In winter we look back to the jagged mountains softened by snow.  In summer the large patches of marble exposed in the mountains can be mistaken for winter snow.  On a clear day this has to be one of the best views in the world.  If you look seaward, La Spezia and Porto Venere can be seen in the distance.

from the pier at Forte dei Marmi

People dress up  in forte dei Marmi and the passegiata here is the best in Italy in my opinion.  At around 5 every evening gorgeous people dressed head to toe in delicious designer creations stroll up and down the car free streets.  Children know better than to drip gelato on their Cavalli jnr shirt and matching trousers – in training for Italian adulthood.

I love Forte dei Marmi!