A perfect day in Forte dei Marmi: among sea, restaurants and iconic boutiques

Find out where to eat, where to shop and which beach resorts to choose in Versilia's most glamorous pearl

Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by the scents of summer in Forte dei Marmi: spaghetti with baby clams, crispy mixed fried seafood, focaccia with a taste of the sea, gentle shampoo for sun-kissed children, and hair golden from salt air. These aren't extraordinary scents in themselves, but they become unforgettable through memories: afternoons under the beach umbrella, bike rides through the pine forest, beach parties.

Forte dei Marmi has always been a destination. Those who grew up here carry in their hearts images and sensations of a place nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea, where time seems to stand still. Even first-time visitors discover something familiar: discreet elegance, understated luxury, and traditions renewed with style.

Want to discover Forte dei Marmi in literature? Click here!

Beach clubs and nightlife: stylish sunsets

In recent years, Forte dei Marmi’s historic beach establishments have transformed into real beach clubs. At sunset, they come alive with refined dinners and barefoot aperitivos by the sea, in an atmosphere reminiscent of the iconic 80s film Sapore di mare, a symbol of bourgeois holidays in Italy.

Active or slow mornings: what to do in Forte dei Marmi

The day starts early, especially for sports lovers. Run or walk through the Versiliana pine forest, play tennis at Tennis Italia or Roma Imperiale, or enjoy yoga by the sea. For those who prefer a gentler start, breakfast is a ritual.
Some suggestions? Pasticceria Soldi: breakfast in the center with vegan croissants, yogurt with fresh berries, and irresistible shortcrust cakes. Il Giardino: perfect for brunch with wholegrain focaccias and prosciutto-stuffed brioche. Sanamente: a healthy spot offering avocado toast, plant-based bowls, and fresh juices — ideal for light lunches after a long night. Il Principe: a historic and refined icon, recently renovated by renowned architect Michele Bönan, retaining all its timeless charm.

Luxury shopping and fashion trends

Forte dei Marmi is one of the capitals of luxury shopping. All the major names of Italian fashion and international brands have boutiques here: Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce&Gabbana, Tod’s, Brunello Cucinelli, Ermanno Scervino. For younger shoppers: Off-White, Golden Goose, Faliero Sarti, and curated multibrand stores like Fiacchini.

On Wednesdays and Sundays, the famous Forte market draws visitors from across Versilia. Don’t expect bargain prices, but do expect high-quality finds — from fur coats to swimwear, home linens to cashmere knits. Not to be missed: on August 28, the market takes over the entire town, becoming a key event to preview the latest autumn trends.

Lunch by the sea, relaxing afternoons and chic aperitivos

Around noon, it's time to head to the beach — strictly by bike. (Click here for our guide to the best beach clubs in Forte dei Marmi!) Lunch is another ritual: long tables in the shade, with risottos, fried seafood, and sparkling wines — or something simpler, like gelato or fresh watermelon.

You can also pick up something delicious from Forte’s most exclusive delis – click here to discover our top picks!

In the afternoon: books, conversations, barefoot strolls by the shore, kids playing. At sunset, wherever you are, aperitivo is a must, the ultimate summer tradition. On the beach, it’s pure magic — with sandy feet and wet hair — perhaps at Bagno Santa Maria, with great music, or at the elegant Bambaissa, the fine dining spot of the Augustus Beach Club.

Love vintage Versilia vibes? Sip a Negroni at La Capannina or the timeless Almarosa. (Here’s our selection of the best aperitivo spots in Versilia!)

Dinner and after-dinner: where to eat in Forte dei Marmi

After aperitivo — but always on the late side — it’s time for dinner. For gourmet lovers, La Magnolia at Hotel Byron is a must, with its exclusive poolside setting. Also top-tier: Lux Lucis at Hotel Principe, or Bistrot, with an open kitchen, chic colonial-inspired interiors, a lovely summer garden, and live jazz. On via Carducci 61, the iconic Lorenzo has been a reference point for haute cuisine for over 30 years.

Also worth trying: Filippo on the beach in Marina di Pietrasanta. After his renowned restaurants in Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi, chef Filippo Di Bartola brings his elegant and locally rooted cuisine to the sea at Bagno Roma Fiumetto.

Another hotspot for Forte regulars is Maitò, offering a refined Mediterranean-style indoor setting and a magical outdoor space. Tables nestled among wooden cabins and soft lights on the beach create unforgettable dining experiences in a chic, romantic atmosphere.

(Click here for our guide to the best restaurants in Forte dei Marmi, and if you're looking to dine directly on the beach, here’s where to book your table now!)

If you love nightlife, every evening the jeunesse dorée of Versilia gathers along this stretch of coast. After dinner, the party usually ends in legendary clubs like La Capannina or Twiga. And if you're not sure where to spend the night, check out our selection of the most iconic hotel rooms in Versilia!