Viareggio Area Information

Viareggio lies on the Tuscany coast which is often refered to as the Tuscan Riviera. It has one of the most famous and sandy beaches in Italy and is a traditional seaside resort incorporating the stretches of umbrellas and sun lonugers. It is a great place to rent a Tuscany villa or Tuscany holiday apartment and enjoy both the seaside and the Chic town of Viareggio with its nightlife and boutique shops.

The town of Viareggio was actually founded in the twelfth century by Lucchesi and Genovesi who built a tower to defend the coast. In the sixtenth century, after Lucca was forced to move its port to the mouth of the Burtamacca canal, the Torre di Matilde (Mathilda Tower) was built in the place of the old castrum. Later, in 1820, a decree elevated Viareggio to city status. Today the population is about 64 thousand and the city is the main centre of the northern Tuscan Riviera known as the Versilia. It is also the second largest city within the Province of Lucca.

There is a famous carnival in Viareggio which dates abck to 1873 and comprises papier-mâché floats which parade along the promenade known as "Passeggiata a mare", in the weeks preceding Easter. The symbol of the carnival of Viareggio and its official mask is Burlamacco, designed and invented by Uberto Bonetti in 1930. If you like the idea of visiting Tuscany and, at the same time, having a beach holiday by the sea near a vibrant city then we recommend renting a Tuscany holiday villa or a Tuscany apartment here.

Viareggio Apartments & Villas