Versilia is the Rivera of northern Tuscany. It is a synonym of sun, sea, and long beaches with endless rows of colorful umbrellas where families, friends, and couples enjoy their summer vacations.

Versilia is a coffee break in the elegant bars of the promenade of Viareggio, a day of shopping among the luxury boutiques of Forte dei Marmi, and an evening of fun in the coolest clubs. 

Few people know, however, that Versilia is also about wild nature, art, and culture. Here, we'd like to inspire you with a series of relaxing excursions around the Grand Hotel & Riviera to alternate the sea and the nightlife with cultural and natural experiences.

Cycling from Viareggio to Bocca di Serchio

Those who love bike excursions will surely appreciate this magnificent itinerary that connects the city of Viareggio to the nearby Torre del Lago, crossing the beautiful pine forest of Levante.

It is a route in the wildest nature, among marshy and wooded areas and dunes. However, it is not hard to cross and is suitable for everyone, young and old.

It is a stunning trail that develops along the crystal-clear sea of Versilia, skirting the most charming destinations of the area. During the whole route, you will be caressed by a pleasant sea breeze that will make your excursion even more enjoyable.

The natural reserve of Massaciuccoli

Lake Massaciuccoli is another destination near the Grand Hotel & Riviera suitable for naturalistic excursions. In fact, it is possible to visit the wonderful Lipu Oasis, one of the most beautiful places in Italy for birdwatching. You can admire more than 5,000 animal and plant species, including many migratory birds.

To explore the whole reserve on foot, you can easily follow a path on a wooden piling, followed by a flat trail in a small strip of wood.

Those who wish to include some cultural moments in the mix can visit the archaeological area of Roman times. Here you'll see the remains of the villa of the Venulei family, built at the beginning of the first century AD.

The picturesque town of Pietrasanta

Pietrasanta is also worth a visit. Since the Renaissance, this town has been the destination of many internationally renowned artists: from Michelangelo to Vasari, from Mirò to Botero. It's gained so much notoriety that it's been mentioned in significant foreign publications such as the New York Times.

Since these creators were eager to leave their mark, Pietrasanta can now count on a unique artistic heritage.

The unmissable attraction is surely Piazza Duomo, the heart of the city. It is a real open-air museum because it hosts the town's significant and characteristic points of interest. Here, in fact, you will find the Cathedral named after Saint Martin, the Baptistery, the Clock Tower, the Church of Sant'Agostino, and the Archeological and Sketches Museums. Don't miss the opportunity to get a closer look at the precious details that characterize all the square's monuments, as they testify to the passage of the artist who made them.

Book a stay at the Grand Hotel & Riviera in Lido di Camaiore. You will be just a few steps away from all these breathtaking itineraries, and you'll be able to enjoy a cultural and naturalistic exploration of Versilia and the rest of Tuscany.