Discover the glamorous Tuscan Riviera | Viareggio
By Giuseppe Mancino | Two Michelin Star Chef | Il Piccolo Principe
“I work at Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte in Viareggio since 2005, so it now feels like home to me. I’d love to show you all my favourite places in the area.”
Teresita | Viareggio
With golden sandy beaches and delicious food, Viareggio in the region of Versilia is the perfect spot for a taste of the Italian ‘dolce vita’ and a top destination for lovers of culture and food. Famous for its Viareggio Carnival festival, it is also a culturally significant town, in close proximity to many beautiful cities of art and culture.
Ideally located only 25 minutes from Pisa, 35 minutes from Lucca and the UNESCO heritage site Cinque Terre, and only an hour from Florence, it is both easy to be reached by plane as well as an ideal home base for a tour through the region.
Right around the corner, you’ll find Forte Dei Marmi, the legendary beach resort town, as well as Pietrasanta, a fascinating medieval city recently turned into an open-air museum of top-tier contemporary artworks and sculptures. Not much further is Lucca, famous for the intact circuit of walls built in 1500 and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Be guided by Two Michelin star chef Giuseppe Mancino of Restaurant ‘Il Piccolo Principe’, an insider of Viareggio.
Where to eat
IL PICCOLO PRINCIPE
This two Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisitely refined cuisine, enriched and enhanced by a well-stocked wine list. Chef Giuseppe Mancino’s dishes, which blend Tuscan heritage with modern innovation, are matched in their beauty by the amazing views from the exclusive dining hall overlooking the sea promenade. Chef Mancino loves to visit this biodynamic field nearby, called ‘Biodinamica Mediterranea’, where they grow the highest quality vegetables for his cuisine.
AMARO
In the heart of Viareggio, this restaurant offers amazing traditional meat dishes, but you can also find seafood dishes and hand-made pasta.
IL PORTO
With its unique view over the harbour and its many yachts, this restaurant offers seafood dishes curated in every detail like culinary art. Fine dining in a sincere and familiar atmosphere.
MAITÒ VIAREGGIO
This is the sister restaurant of the Forte Dei Marmi classic Dolce Vita serving seafood and gourmet pizza on the Tuscan coastline since the 1960s. Located on the rooftop of the hotel with wonderful views of the city and coastline, this is perhaps the best scenic panoramic bar and restaurant in Tuscany.
BEACH CLUB RISTORANTE TERESITA
Enjoy lunch here while you’re being pampered at this wonderful beach club.
instagram | maps Highly recommended by Two Michelin Star Chef Mancino
Travel planning
Feel free to ask Bearleaders to assist you with your travel plans
MAITÒ FORTE DEI MARMI
A seaside icon born in the 60s, well renowned in Forte Dei Marmi, and part of the MyMaitò group. Being a symbol for years of this iconic Italian resort town, it has maintained the relaxed charm of a Tuscan seafood restaurant. Simple and genuine cuisine but cooked to perfection, inside its stylish interior or right on the beach. It has a beautiful atmosphere and it reminds you of the ‘Dolce Vita’.
instagram | maps Highly recommended by Two Michelin Star Chef Mancino
VASAME
This pizzeria is located on the famous promenade of Viareggio. It serves Neapolitan pizzas with a twist. Classic, artisanal dough combined with clever modern techniques to bring you authentic flavours in a new way.
LA PIA
Located right on the beach, this is the place to go for fresh seafood with minimalist preparation. Watch the sun set into the sea while you taste the finest fish and crustaceans.
DA MIRO
Absolutely beautiful fresh seafood and pasta in an unpretentious yet stylish trattoria. Great for lunch.
instagram | maps | Highly recommended by Two Michelin Star Chef Mancino
Where to go for a drink
LA TERRAZA ROOFTOP BAR
This elegant rooftop bar is a must-visit. On clear days, you can admire the islands of the Tuscan archipelago and the Ligurian coast. It’s not just the view that makes it unforgettable though: the cocktails served to you are just as great as the view. The refined ‘Champagnerie’ corner offers guests a fully sensorial experience.
GALLIANO 1923
Right across the hotel, you’ll find Galliano, a café with a long history and a tradition of homemade ice cream and high-quality rice pastries. Ran by the Vannozzi family for four generations, this is a real local gem. Despite its rich history, it always stayed up to date, with a hint of modernity both in design and flavour.
instagram | maps | Highly recommended by Two Michelin Star Chef Mancino
BAR DEL PICCOLO
Located on the hotel's ground floor, this elegant cocktail bar welcomes guests to a Liberty-style lounge, lavishly but tastefully decorated in traditional style.
ENOTECA SERGIO
A real insider tip. This wine bar in the old town has an amazing collection of the best wines.
instagram | maps | Highly recommended by Two Michelin Star Chef Mancino
CAFFÈ IRENE
This cozy terrace with atmospheric live music. He says this is the place to go if you want to experience living like a local.
maps | Highly recommended by Two Michelin Star Chef Mancino
What to do
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL
Every year in February, parades and costumes turn Viareggio into a vibrant city. Floats parade through the masked masses along the seaside promenade, featuring caricatured depictions of various politicians and celebrities. A rich local tradition, it is as much a celebration as a satirical way to discuss and examine the most controversial and difficult contemporary issues.
PUCCINI OPERA FESTIVAL / TORRE DEL LAGO
Every July and August opera lovers flock to the shores of Torre Del Lago for a celebration of Puccini, one of the most famous composers in the history of music. Visit his old house or listen to opera at the beautiful open-air theatre right on lake Massaciuccoli. Even when the festival isn’t there, it is worth a visit, simply for the beautiful views
CITTADELLA DEL CARNEVALE
Are you visiting outside the season for the Carnival? Visit Cittadella del Carnevale, where visitors can learn about the history of Viareggio Carnival, and witness the methods and techniques of the master craftsmen who work year-round to give life to the spectacular paper-mâché creations showcased during the festival.
GALLERY OF MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART
Boasting the extraordinary works of Lorenzo Viani, among others, this is a must-visit for lovers of modern and contemporary art.
LA PASSEGIATA DI VIAREGGIO
Actually called the Viale Giosué Carducci, this luxurious boardwalk is home to numerous boutiques and prestigious brand-name shops - boasting the best in Italian, European and international fashion. A wonderful place to shop, but also just to stroll and watch the most fashionable and hip locals.
APUAN ALPS PARK
A protected natural reserve that showcases some of Italy’s wild and unspoiled nature. Climb the majestic Monte Forato, or take a tour into one of its many caves and caverns, displaying both the karst phenomena, primitive sculpting, and painting by prehistoric humanity.
VERSILIA GOLF CLUB
An exclusive golf resort in the heart of Versilia. Set between the mountains and the sea, this challenging and varied golf course is as beautiful to see as it is to play. It is considered an absolute benchmark for national and international luxury golf clubs.
Travel planning
Feel free to ask Bearleaders to assist you with your travel plans
Gallery Principe di Piemonte
