I’ve written about Forte dei Marmi before. It is one of our favourite places to visit on the Versilia coast, about 1 hour from Bagni di Lucca. It has been popular with wealthy northern Italians since the late 19th century. Milan is only about 2 hours away, which makes it a very appealing destination by the sea for well-to-do fashion and finance types.
Forte dei Marmi is often referred to as the Hamptons of Tuscany as it has always attracted celebreties, intellectuals and rich business owners (and us). Napoleon’s sister Elise, who was duchess of Lucca for a time, had a house here (she got around) and it is now on the market if you have a bit more than 40 million euro to throw about.
I am usually in Italy in winter, spring and late autumn, so I don’t often see people on the beach or in the water. Last year I arrived in very late summer, so I was able to see Italians frolicking on the sunny beach at Forte dei Marmi. The white patches you can see in the mountains are not snow, but marble. (marmo/i – marble)
a great day for the beach
the beautiful beach with the marble mountains behind
you could rent a sailboard
just look at that water
Usually I go to Forte dei Marmi in the off season. My favourite time to visit is when the monthly antique market is on (second Sunday and the preceding Saturday), but regular visits are needed to our favourite restaurant, Il Fortino. On a clear day, the view from the beach is spectacular. In winter there is snow on top of the rugged mountains behind the coast, offering an incredible view.
from the beach at Forte dei Marmi in winter
the scupture at the pier
Jim and Annabel at the pier
There were several new sculptures on display for summer. There is always something going on at FdM, which is why we keep going back.
David resting
worth another look
a little forest
very pretty
from Alice in Wonderland
Last time we were in Forte dei Marmi we caught the end of a cycle race. These races are taken very seriously in Italy.
cycle race through the streets of FdM
after race discussion
a very big dog out walking at FdM
It always comes back to food at Forte dei Marmi. This time we had the delicious seafood soup at Il Fortino.
seafood soup
yum!
There will be a few more visits to FdM before we return to Australia. Click here more on Forte dei Marmi.
Those leggings in the after race discussion photo are like my sass & bide ones – without the embellishments.!
My family used to holiday here and Portofino.
By: mary D on April 2, 2011
at 4:59 am
I have to say I’m not a fan of leggings worn as pants.
By: bagnidilucca on April 2, 2011
at 7:34 am
Not bad but not quite Surfers Paradise ??
Russ
By: Russell on April 2, 2011
at 7:31 am
The sand is brown and there is no surf, but it has other charms.
By: bagnidilucca on April 2, 2011
at 7:34 am
I just cannot wear leggings, I know Mary can, she has a model figure. I still think this Italian is so overdressed for a sporty event, those high heels are better for dressy formal events, but then Italians see every outing as a dressy event. Roz
By: Roz on April 2, 2011
at 8:06 am
I don’t think Italian women ever take their high heels off. I don’t know how they walk on cobble stones in them.
By: bagnidilucca on April 3, 2011
at 5:07 pm
I don’t know what I like more. David’s head or that plate of yumminess. I feel another beach trip coming on…
By: The Daily Cure on April 2, 2011
at 4:22 pm
It’s a great spot.
By: bagnidilucca on April 3, 2011
at 5:03 pm
Oh bugger! Another place I have to visit.
By: colin on April 3, 2011
at 8:22 am
You will love FdM.
By: bagnidilucca on April 3, 2011
at 5:04 pm
Beach and snow capped mountains so close, how lovely.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on April 3, 2011
at 9:40 am
It’s just about perfect.
By: bagnidilucca on April 3, 2011
at 5:04 pm
You seriously know how to tempt a girl Deb 🙂 How pretty are those mountains huh.
By: Anna Johnston on April 3, 2011
at 12:56 pm
The mountains are gorgeous – always.
By: bagnidilucca on April 3, 2011
at 5:05 pm
[…] here, here, and here to see more about Il Fortino and Forte dei […]
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at 7:02 pm
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at 6:57 am
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By: Sunday in Forte dei Marmi | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on September 20, 2013
at 1:00 am
It’s one of our favourite places too although we feel a little poor there!
By: Francis on June 28, 2015
at 9:11 am