5 things to see in Marina di Pietrasanta

The tourist vocation of Marina di Pietrasanta dates back to the 1930s and was very renowned in the 1960s for its nightlife, just think of the legendary Bussola, where internationally renowned singers or artists performed. It’s an area that deserves to be experienced to truly appreciate it and, not surprisingly, it enjoys a loyal tourism that returns year after year to these parts.

In line with its tradition, Marina di Pietrasanta offers everything a tourist could desire: wide, well-equipped beaches, elegant shops, and excellent bars and restaurants. In addition to the many events organized by the municipal administration and internationally renowned nightlife venues like Twiga, it also offers the opportunity to visit the hills and villages of the hinterland, which are well-maintained and characteristic. Marina di Pietrasanta has a gastronomic tradition in line with the rest of Tuscany and offers the opportunity to practice many sports activities such as golf, surfing, windsurfing, mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, mountain biking.

The center is very well-kept and characterized by luxurious villas and villas, gardens, and small parks.

The variety of the landscape offers a coast framed by hills and the Alps, making the landscape unmistakable and unique. Pine forests are a characteristic feature of this stretch of the Tuscan coast.

We have identified the 5 main things to see in Marina di Pietrasanta, which in our opinion characterize it:

1. The center of Tonfano and the pier
2. Villa La Versiliana and the park
3. La Versiliana Theater
4. The beach
5. International Sculpture Park

• The heart of the center extends from the pier and the waterfront to Via Versilia, which is partly a pedestrian area.

Here you can find shops and a wide selection of pizzerias and restaurants, ice cream parlors, clothing and sports stores, perfumeries. On Saturday mornings, the weekly market takes place in the square in front of the pier and in the surrounding streets, which is well known among its visitors, particularly for clothing.

• The name most associated with Villa La Versiliana is that of Gabriele D’Annunzio. The poet loved spending the summer and part of the autumn in the villa owned by the Digerini Nuti family. The villa was built in the 1800s, and to this day, art exhibitions are organized inside. The Versiliana Park is what remains of the coastal forest, the so-called “Macchia di Marina,” which existed as far back as the 1300s and extends for about 800,000 square meters.

  It’s a forest rich in alders and pines, with dense undergrowth, and it can be visited following three different routes: ‘A Forest for Us’, ‘Policrosalus Life Path’, and ‘Versiliana Bike’. It’s common to find people jogging and horseback riding.

• The Versiliana Festival has become renowned over the years for the importance of the performances featured in its schedule. The international festival enlivens the afternoons and evenings of the Versilia area, particularly in July and August, for many decades now. Nestled in the greenery of the pine forest, the Versiliana Theater offers theatrical performances, ballet, and concerts of both light and classical music with nationally and internationally renowned artists. The Versiliana Café is famous, where in the afternoons, figures from the entertainment industry, journalism, and politics are interviewed, as well as local personalities, by authoritative journalists on current affairs, politics, and entertainment. Participation in the Café for the public is free of charge.
• Our area boasts fine sandy beaches, and the beach resorts offer high-level services, well-maintained beaches, and beach umbrellas spaced apart to ensure the privacy and tranquility of guests. It’s often possible to practice various water sports such as surfing, sailing, windsurfing, and beach volleyball, and the ample space ensures everyone’s peace of mind. In general, the activities are not intrusive, and tourists are satisfied both with the tranquility and the opportunities for activities.

• In 2017, the municipal administration formalized the establishment of the International Sculpture Park, which is an Artistic Traffic Zone involving the entire municipal area, including Marina. Sixty-six works have been installed in squares, roundabouts, gardens, and public spaces throughout the municipal territory with the aim of enhancing them.

In Marina di Pietrasanta, we find:

• In the public gardens of Tonfano, “Il Flamenco” by Giovanna Battaino, a work in white Carrara marble.
• Along the waterfront, the memorial monument to September 11th by Beatrice Fineschi.
• In Piazza XXIV Maggio, “Donna Tartaruga” by Novello Finotti, who also created “Sant’Antonio” on the pier emerging from the sea.
• At the entrance of the pier, “La Potenza al Cubo” by Stefano Pierotti.
• In Piazza D’Annunzio, in Fiumetto, “La Bagnante” by Franco Miozzo.