Best things to do in Viareggio

Walk the tree-lined Le mura di Lucca for a bird's-eye view of the medieval city of Lucca. The high, Renaissance-era walls feature more than 4 km (2.5 mi) of landscaped embankment circling the historic city center. Walk or bike around the circumference, stopping to admire the intricate design of the seven fortified gates. Consider bringing a picnic to one of the many open green spaces with views of the city.

Enjoy the sun and sand at Bagno Maurizio, a family-oriented tourist site that offers showers and changing cabins, as well as an area for beach sports and table tennis. Tables for picnics and family games make this beach a popular family visit. Free Wi-Fi access is also available, as are some adrenaline sports like hang gliding.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Portovenere is a part of a series of villages called Cinque Terre connected by train and a walking path that follows the coastal cliffs. It takes a few hours to get from one end to the other, so break up your walk with stops for wine and antipasto. For the best views, take a ferry between the villages. You can visit a number of historic churches, some built as early as the 12th century, such as St. Peter's Gothic cathedral. Lord Byron spent some time in the area and added to its romantic appeal with his stories.

A pattern of nearly 35,000 black-and-white tiles, much like a chessboard, cover Terrazza Mascagni, one of Livorno's most popular promenades. On this waterside walk with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, you can see balustrades and balconies constructed during the 1920s. The area is dotted with gazebos so you can rest your feet. Bring along a picnic, or stop at a restaurant. The easy-to-walk path is paved and flat.

An easily recognizable regional landmark, Torre Guinigi features a hanging garden on its roof. Built in the late 1300s by a local wealthy family of merchants, the tower is a typical example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The tower was constructed to give a look of refinement to one of the nearby houses, as these structures were once a symbol of the prestige and prosperity of the richest families in the area. The imposing brick tower is decorated with various plaques, cornices, and coats of arms. Don’t skip a climb to the top of this city symbol, as the roof offers 360-degree views of the town and the province, with the rolling Tuscan hills fading into the distant mountains.