Viareggio Attractions
The seaside resort of Viareggio lies at the foot of the Apuan Alps, some 25km/15mi west of Lucca.
With its long beach of fine sand, Viareggio is one of the leading seaside resorts on the west coast of Italy. The town is laid out on a regular plan, with straight streets intersecting at right angles. the main area of tourist and holiday activity is the part of the town close to the seafront. In the northern part of the town is an extensive area of pine woods, the Pineta del Ponente. Farther south the Canale Burlamacca flows into the sea past the yacht harbor. A pleasant walk can be taken along the pier, which extends several hundred yards out to sea. Beyond the canal is the 6km/4 mile long Riviera di Levante, with the stadium.
A flea market is held at the Piazzetta near the dock every Thursday.
With its long beach of fine sand, Viareggio is one of the leading seaside resorts on the west coast of Italy. The town is laid out on a regular plan, with straight streets intersecting at right angles. the main area of tourist and holiday activity is the part of the town close to the seafront. In the northern part of the town is an extensive area of pine woods, the Pineta del Ponente. Farther south the Canale Burlamacca flows into the sea past the yacht harbor. A pleasant walk can be taken along the pier, which extends several hundred yards out to sea. Beyond the canal is the 6km/4 mile long Riviera di Levante, with the stadium.
A flea market is held at the Piazzetta near the dock every Thursday.
Carnival
Viareggio is famous for its Carnival, in which thousands of people, wearing masks, take part in the colorful parades of gaily decorated floats along the wide seafront promenade. During the summer visitors can see the workshops in which the floats are prepared for the Carnival and the papier-mâche figures and animals are made.
Parco Naturale Massaciuccoli
The Parco Naturale di Migliarino-Rossore-Massaciuccoli extends along the coast from Viareggio to Livorno. There is a remarkable variety of flora and fauna to be found in this area of magnificent pine woods (herons, bitterns, birds of prey, deer of various kinds, and wild boar).
Torre del Lago Puccini
The Torre del Lago Puccini, on the Lago di Massaciúccoli, is so called because this is where the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) lived for many years, and where he composed most ot his well-known operas. A chapel, adjoining the villa, is now furnished as a museum. In the composer's honor a Puccini Puccini Festival opera festival is held every year on the lake.
