Viareggio?

[sandinmyshoes]

We are planning on taking a day trip to Viareggio from Florence at the end of our vacation. Has anyone been there? How are the beaches? Sand or pebbles or large rocks? I understand we will need to "rent" space at one of the beaches to get loungers and umbrellas. Any suggestions for the best location with really good food? Thanks in advance!

[littlelulu01]

We are planning on taking a day trip to Viareggio from Florence at the end of our vacation. Has anyone been there? How are the beaches? Sand or pebbles or large rocks? I understand we will need to "rent" space at one of the beaches to get loungers and umbrellas. Any suggestions for the best location with really good food? Thanks in advance!

 

I know everyone has their own opinions but I was not crazy about Viareggio. It has newer buildings and felt like some place usa to me. It was busy when I was there in June 2012. We drove from Lucca. Can't remember drive time but it was not a difficult drive. There was a large, newly built pier and restaurant at the end of the pier. Water was pretty crowded, so much so that we opted not to swim. If I remember correctly the access to the beach in much of the area is via the hotels and places where you change into a swimsuit and rent your chairs so I don't think we even walked on the beach.

 

Perhaps we were there on a very busy day but it just did not have the charm of other areas in Italy. I know it is a popular vacation spot. Perhaps you could google pics of the beach and area to get an idea of what it looks like. I think we just walked around and eventually found a place that looked good to eat and it was. Can't think of any place in Italy were the food was bad though. The worst thing I ate in Italy was better than the best I have eaten in the US.

[asda]

We have just returned from a p&o cruise. We booked an excursion to viagreggio beach. It's a massive long beach divided into private areas .each area has sun loungers. Bar, resteraunt. Toilets changing rooms.and some have a swimming pool. The day we were here the weather wasnt good so didnt go in sea . But should imagine that it gets very busy. You pay at the entrance from the promenade and hey will explain everything to you.