hotel 3 star at Viareggio - The Hotel Lukas is in the centre of Viareggio, in the main and more important plaza in town, at 50 mt from the beach. You may park your car in front of the hotel or in the street near by.
When you hear the word Versilia, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the sea.
Viareggio, the seafront promenade, the beaches, Carnival, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta. These are well-known places, loved by visitors and an integral part of the identity of this area.
But there is another Versilia, one that reveals itself only when you decide to slow down.
It is the Versilia of roads climbing from the coast into the hills, of small villages gathered around a church, ancient parish churches, chestnut woods, historic villas and landscapes where, on clear days, you can see the mountains and the sea at the same time.
It is a lesser-known Versilia, quieter and perhaps precisely for this reason, capable of surprising you.
Just a few kilometres from Viareggio, the landscape can change completely.
The blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea gives way to hills, then woods and finally the Apuan Alps. In between are villages and small communities that preserve an authentic part of Versilia’s history. This area is not only about the coast: its inland territory is characterised by small towns, natural areas, Romanesque parish churches, medieval villages, fortresses and archaeological remains.
And this is precisely the Versilia we would like to tell you about.
Not a ranking of the most beautiful destinations, but an itinerary through seven places to discover, chosen because they represent different aspects of this territory: medieval history, nature, rural landscapes, marble, the Apuan Alps and those small villages where time seems to move at a different pace.
And there is one particularly natural starting point for us.
Viareggio.
Our Hotel Lukas Vegetarian & Vegan is located right in Piazza G. Puccini, just a few steps from the sea. From here, you can enjoy the city while also setting off to discover an inland area that many visitors have yet to experience.
All you need to do is leave the coast behind to begin a completely different journey.
The Versilia You Might Not Expect
One of the great attractions of Versilia is its variety.
In a single day, you can walk along the seafront in the morning, cross the hills in the afternoon and find yourself looking at the mountains shortly afterwards.
This is a landscape that constantly changes.
To the south and along the coast lies the seaside landscape; inland, cultivated hills, olive groves and small towns begin to appear; further north, the territory rises towards Seravezza and Stazzema, reaching the mountains of the Apuan Alps. Lake Massaciuccoli adds yet another environment: a landscape of water and wetlands.
This is why we have chosen to tell you about a lesser-known Versilia, the one that does not always appear in the first itineraries suggested to first-time visitors.
A Versilia to be explored without rushing.
Let us begin with Camaiore, because it perfectly represents the character of this part of Tuscany.
The town lies in a wide valley at the foot of the Apuan Alps and preserves a historic centre where it is still possible to read the traces of the different periods that have shaped the area. Its origins date back to Roman times, while its medieval centre later developed in connection with the history of Lucca and the Via Francigena.
Walking through the historic centre, you can discover the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Abbey of San Pietro, the Church of San Lazzaro and several interesting museums.
The Abbey of San Pietro deserves particular attention. Founded during the Lombard period, it still preserves important Romanesque elements and is connected to the route of the Via Francigena.
Camaiore is also fascinating because, within just a few minutes, you can move from the historical atmosphere of the town centre into the hills.
The surrounding area includes other places worth discovering, such as Montemagno, Grotta all’Onda and Casoli, also known as the village of graffiti.
It is here that our idea of a “lesser-known Versilia” really begins to take shape.
Leaving Camaiore and climbing towards the Freddana Valley, you reach Montemagno, a small village dominated by the remains of its ancient castle.
The village is gathered around the church and lies along a road leading towards Lucca. Its location was not accidental: during the Middle Ages, the castle allowed the area to control an important route connected to the Via Francigena. The first documentary evidence of the castle dates back to 1099.
Today, sections of the walls and parts of the Church of San Bartolomeo remain.
But even more than its architectural remains, it is the landscape that makes a visit worthwhile.
The road to Montemagno passes through the valley and offers views completely different from those of the coast.
This is one of those places worth visiting without following an overly rigid schedule.
Leave the car behind, walk for a few minutes and simply look around.
Here, Versilia has already changed its face.
Continuing from the coast towards the inland area, we reach Capezzano Pianore, a place that tells the story of a different Versilia, far removed from beaches and seafront promenades.
Here, the landscape changes gradually.
Buildings give way to countryside, cultivated land, historic villas and roads surrounded by greenery. It is an area that is often crossed without stopping, but which deserves a closer look.
One of the most interesting places is Villa Borbone delle Pianore, a historic complex connected to the Bourbon family and to the history of Princess Maria Theresa of Savoy. Surrounded by a large park, the villa still preserves the character of a historic residence immersed in the countryside of Versilia.
Its history is particularly fascinating because Maria Theresa of Savoy, daughter of King Victor Emmanuel I, lived here in the 19th century after marrying Charles Louis of Bourbon. The estate thus became one of the places associated with the Bourbon presence in Versilia.
Capezzano Pianore is also interesting for its agricultural landscape.
This is a more everyday Versilia, less built-up and closer to the land.
And this is exactly what we like to share when we talk about lesser-known places: not necessarily spectacular destinations, but places capable of offering an authentic image of the area.
For those who would like to discover more of the inland villages, this itinerary can also be combined with our article dedicated to the villages of Versilia to discover from Viareggio.
Villages near Viareggio: 7 places to discover in Versilia between history, nature and traditions
From Capezzano Pianore, we can continue towards Massarosa, one of the most interesting areas for those who want to experience a Versilia away from the busiest tourist routes.
Massarosa is not simply a town, but a territory made up of numerous small communities spread across the plain, the hills and the area around Lake Massaciuccoli.
This variety is precisely what makes it special.
Here you will find small villages, historic villas, churches, olive groves and scenic roads offering views towards both the sea and the mountains.
It is a landscape to be explored slowly.
Among the places in the area, Pieve a Elici deserves particular attention.
The Parish Church of San Pantaleone stands in a panoramic position and is one of the area's most important Romanesque monuments. From here, the view stretches towards Lake Massaciuccoli and the coast.
It is one of those places where you truly realise how extraordinary the geography of Versilia is.
The sea is close, yet from here it seems to belong to another landscape.
And Lake Massaciuccoli deserves a journey of its own.
If you have time, we recommend dedicating a day to exploring the lake and its surroundings. In our article “Lake Massaciuccoli and its surroundings: what to see near Viareggio”, we have collected many more ideas for discovering this part of the area, between nature, landscapes and places connected to the history of Giacomo Puccini.
Lago di Massaciuccoli e dintorni: cosa vedere vicino a Viareggio tra natura e paesaggi toscani
Lake Massaciuccoli and its surroundings: what to see near Viareggio between nature and Tuscan landscapes
It is an itinerary that is perfect for those who enjoy combining culture and nature.
Continuing northwards, Versilia changes once again.
The hills become higher, the landscape more mountainous and the Apuan Alps appear before us.
We have reached Seravezza.
The town is inseparably linked to the history of marble and to the presence of the Medici family.
The territory of Seravezza has a long tradition of stone quarrying and craftsmanship, activities that helped shape the economic and cultural identity of this part of Versilia.
One of the most important landmarks is the Medici Palace of Seravezza, built at the request of Cosimo I de’ Medici during the second half of the 16th century.
Its location was not accidental.
The Medici family was interested in the area's mineral resources and in the possibility of developing the extraction of marble and other materials.
Today, the Medici Palace is one of the town's cultural symbols and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site comprising the villas and gardens of the Medici family in Tuscany.
But Seravezza is not only about history.
It is also the ideal place to begin understanding the relationship between Versilia and the Apuan Alps.
Here, the mountains become the protagonists of the landscape.
And by continuing inland, you reach increasingly wild areas, where trails, woods and small villages tell the story of a Tuscany very different from that of the coastal resorts.
For those staying in Viareggio and wishing to dedicate a day to exploring the inland area, Seravezza can be a particularly interesting stop.
If you would like to discover more of northern Versilia, you can also connect this itinerary with our article dedicated to Seravezza, Stazzema and the other villages of the inland area.
From Seravezza, the road continues upwards.
The landscape changes completely.
We are now in the territory of Stazzema, the most mountainous municipality of historic Versilia, characterised by numerous small communities scattered along the slopes of the Apuan Alps.
Here, Versilia takes on a completely different character.
There is no longer just the sea and the hills.
There are woods, chestnut groves, rocks, trails and mountains.
Stazzema is particularly interesting for those who enjoy slow tourism and outdoor experiences.
The area offers numerous trails allowing visitors to explore the Apuan Alps and reach panoramic viewpoints of great beauty.
Among the best-known places is Sant’Anna di Stazzema, a site that preserves a deeply important historical memory for Tuscany and for Italy as a whole.
Anyone visiting this area should approach this place with respect, remembering its history and significance.
But Stazzema is also a territory to be explored for its small villages and landscapes.
And it is here that the idea of a “lesser-known Versilia” becomes particularly clear.
Just a few kilometres from the beaches of Viareggio, there is a world of mountains, small villages and hiking trails.
This is a side of Versilia that many visitors do not expect to find.
To conclude our itinerary, we have chosen an even smaller and more intimate place.
Farnocchia.
The village lies within the municipality of Stazzema, at an altitude of around 650 metres, surrounded by woods and chestnut groves.
It is one of those small villages where you do not necessarily arrive to see a single attraction.
You come for the landscape.
For the houses gathered close together.
For the silence.
For the paths through the woods.
And for the views.
From Farnocchia and the surrounding hills, you can admire the Apuan Alps and, in good weather conditions, even the coastline.
It is a perspective that truly allows you to understand how close two apparently distant worlds are in Versilia: the sea and the mountains.
Here, tourism takes on a different dimension.
You do not come simply to “see”.
You come to walk, breathe and observe.
To stop.
And perhaps this is the most authentic meaning of a holiday in the lesser-known Versilia.
An itinerary through lesser-known Versilia starting from Viareggio
At this point, we can bring the seven stages of our journey together.
There is no need to visit them all in a single day.
In fact, that would be a shame.
The Versilia we have chosen to tell you about requires time.
One possible itinerary could be organised over several days:
Day 1: Camaiore and Montemagno
Day 2: Capezzano Pianore and Massarosa
Day 3: Lake Massaciuccoli and its surroundings
Day 4: Seravezza
Day 5: Stazzema and Farnocchia
This allows you to alternate cultural experiences, walks in nature and relaxing moments by the sea.
And at the end of each day, you can return to Viareggio.
This is one of the advantages of choosing the city as your base.
Viareggio: the starting point for discovering a different side of Versilia
When people think of Viareggio, they often think exclusively of the sea.
But the city's location allows you to do much more.
From Viareggio, you can reach art cities, villages, seaside resorts and mountain areas on day trips.
You can dedicate a day to Lucca, walking along its historic walls and through its old town.
What to see in Lucca in one day from Viareggio: a complete itinerary Cosa vedere a Lucca in un giorno da Viareggio: itinerario completo
Or you can visit Pisa and explore Piazza dei Miracoli.
What to see in Pisa in one day from Viareggio: a complete itinerary between the Leaning Tower, the Lungarni and hidden treasures
You can choose Pietrasanta, with its galleries, workshops and artistic traditions.
What to see in Pietrasanta in one day from Viareggio: a complete itinerary between art, history and Tuscan flavours
Or spend a day in Forte dei Marmi.
What to see in Forte dei Marmi in one day from Viareggio: a complete itinerary between the sea, shopping and historic villas
And then return to our lesser-known Versilia, the one of Camaiore, Massarosa, Seravezza and Stazzema.
For those wishing to organise several excursions during the same stay, we also recommend our guide “Holidays in Tuscany: a complete guide to the sea, villages, nature and relaxation”, which offers plenty of ideas for creating a tailor-made journey.
Vacanze in Toscana: la guida completa tra mare, borghi, natura, relax e sapori autentic
Hotel Lukas: staying in Viareggio and discovering Versilia
There is one final reason why we have chosen to tell you about this part of the area.
Our Hotel Lukas Vegetarian & Vegan is located right in Piazza G. Puccini, in Viareggio.
From here, every day, we can see just how varied Versilia is.
On one side, the sea.
On the other, just a few kilometres away, the hills and mountains.
That is why we like to encourage our guests not to stop at the coast alone.
A holiday can begin with a walk along the seafront and continue along the streets of a medieval village.
It can alternate a day at the beach with a hike in the Apuan Alps.
It can take you to a historic villa, inside a small Romanesque church or along a trail surrounded by chestnut trees.
And in the evening, you return to Viareggio.
To the sea.
To the city.
To the tranquillity of your room.
And to the warm welcome of our hotel.
For guests who choose a vegetarian or vegan diet, their stay can also begin with our breakfast offering a wide choice of vegan options, designed to give you the energy you need before setting out to discover Tuscany.
If you are planning a holiday focused on wellbeing, nature and a more conscious way of travelling, you can also discover our in-depth guide to vegan holidays in Tuscany.
The Versilia that stays with you
Perhaps the best way to truly discover a place is not simply to look for its most famous destinations.
It is to leave room for curiosity.
Take a different road.
Stop in a village you had not planned to visit.
Discover a small church.
Sit down and admire a view.
Talk to the people who live there.
This is the lesser-known Versilia.
A land that does not end where the beach ends.
It continues into the hills, the woods, the small villages and the mountains.
And the wonderful thing is that all of this can be discovered from a single starting point.
Viareggio.
From Piazza G. Puccini, where our Hotel Lukas is located, your journey towards a different Versilia can begin.
Slower.
More authentic.
And perhaps precisely for this reason, harder to forget.
FAQ: Lesser-Known Versilia
What are some of the lesser-known places in Versilia?
Among the lesser-known places to discover in Versilia are Camaiore and its surrounding communities, Montemagno, Capezzano Pianore, Massarosa, Seravezza, Stazzema and Farnocchia. These destinations offer the opportunity to experience a side of the area that goes beyond the coastline, combining villages, hills, nature, history and the Apuan Alps.
What can you see in the inland area of Versilia?
The inland area of Versilia offers many possibilities: historic villages, Romanesque parish churches, historic villas, hiking trails, chestnut woods and panoramic views of the Apuan Alps. Camaiore, Massarosa, Seravezza and Stazzema are among the most interesting places to include in an itinerary.
Which villages can you visit near Viareggio?
From Viareggio, you can easily reach several villages and inland destinations, including Camaiore, Montemagno, Massarosa, Seravezza and Stazzema. Their proximity makes it possible to organise even short excursions of just a few hours.
What can you see near Viareggio besides the sea?
Beyond the sea, the area around Viareggio offers Lake Massaciuccoli, Torre del Lago Puccini, Camaiore, Massarosa, Seravezza, Stazzema and numerous small villages in the Versilia hills.
Can you explore Versilia without changing hotels?
Yes. Viareggio can be used as a base for numerous day trips towards the coast, hills, villages and mountains of Versilia. This allows you to experience different kinds of days while keeping the same accommodation throughout your stay.
What is the best time to discover inland Versilia?
Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for walking through villages and enjoying nature, while summer allows you to combine inland excursions with days at the beach. Winter can also be interesting for those looking for a quieter atmosphere, although it is advisable to check the opening hours of individual attractions.
Where should you stay to explore Versilia?
Viareggio is a convenient base for discovering both the coast and the inland area. Hotel Lukas Vegetarian & Vegan is located in Piazza G. Puccini, close to the sea, and provides an ideal starting point for exploring the main destinations of Versilia and Tuscany.
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Hotel Lukas ***
Piazza G. Puccini, 5 - 55049 Viareggio (LU)
P.Iva 02687230462 - CIN: IT046033A18EXUSSYQ
Tel +39 0584 564691 - WhatsApp +39 0584 564691 - Fax +39 0584 409340
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