Being in Italy in summer is new for me. I am usually back in Australia at this time of the year. Because of the virus that is creating havoc all over the world I thought it better to stay here rather than travel half way around the world.
I thought another beach visit was in order so I decided to visit a friend who has a lovely family run hotel in Lido di Camaiore, about an hour from Bagni di Lucca on the Versilia Coast.
The town has 4 kilometres of sandy beach and an excellent promenade lined with shops, gelaterias, restaurants and bars. It would be a fun place to be in the evening at passeggiata time when everyone is out for a stroll.
There were even some waves at the beach.
As well as the long promenade, there is the Pontile Bellavista Vittoria, a long pier jutting out into the water. I took a walk to take in the views of the sea and the stunning mountains that form a dramatic backdrop for the town. It has a 2 level observation deck and a bar where you can relax and enjoy a cool drink on a hot day.
There are free places on the beach where you don’t have to rent and umbrella and a sunbed, but I have to admit that some of the concession beaches looked like mini resorts.
This one had a great garden with the biggest hibiscus I have ever seen.
I stopped at one to have lunch beside the beach. You could come in your swimsuit and sit with your feet in the sand. One of my favourite things to eat in Italy is pasta with vongole (small clams). This one was excellent as was the fritta mista that followed.
Lido di Camaiore would be a good place to base yourself for a beach holiday. As well as the beach and water sports there are lots of options. There is a bike path that will take you south to Viareggio or north to Forte dei Marmi and further on to other resorts. Cinque Terre and Portofino are close by and can be reached by car or boat.
The wonderful Apuan Alps have walking trails to explore, horse riding, mountain biking or the marble excavations around Carrara. The lovely towns Lucca and Pisa are also close by for an easy day trip. I think you would need a week to make the most of it.
The town also has regular art exhibits, concerts and lots of festivals, maybe not this summer, but they will be back as soon as possible.
If you do visit Lido di Camaiore, Hotel Fortunella is a great place to stay. It is family owned, friendly and close to the beach, but far enough back to be quiet and relaxed. As well as regular rooms they have a Villa option where can rent the whole space. It is bright and new and I could happily stay a while.
They were going to turn their garden into a pool and restaurant area, but plans have been put on hold this year…maybe it will be ready for next summer.
Everyone is hoping for a better season next year.
Everything looks so pretty. I also notice the American flag, is that the embassy area or something?
By: Msdedeng on July 21, 2020
at 10:22 pm
No embassy, just flags to welcome guests.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 22, 2020
at 5:15 am
Haha, thank you. In Uganda, your only see a foreign flag at the embassy of that country. I feel naive 😉
By: Msdedeng on July 22, 2020
at 5:32 am
What gorgeous summer photos. Love that whole coastline but maybe when we get to Portofino ( whenever) we will do a day trip as you suggest. Looks fabulous Deb.
By: Dianne Cant on July 21, 2020
at 10:23 pm
I want to go there one night to have dinner and do the passeggiata.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 22, 2020
at 5:16 am
It really is a very pretty coastline. Hope you are enjoying your summer stay in Italy Deb.
By: Kerry & Jim on July 21, 2020
at 11:50 pm
I’m not enjoying the heat, but there are some benefits.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 22, 2020
at 5:16 am
Very nice…looks like a wonderful place to spend some time!
By: Linda K on July 22, 2020
at 12:57 am
It is lovely and close to many great places.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 22, 2020
at 5:17 am
Debra, for a few minutes I could smell, taste and feel Italy this beautiful place. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Ciao.
By: www.corneliaweber-photography.com on July 22, 2020
at 2:25 am
This is a place Italians go to holiday, but I think others would enjoy it too.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 22, 2020
at 5:18 am
Love all your photos of Lido di Camaiore.
You are lucky to have it so close to Bagni di Lucca. The gardens and surroundings would make a lovely break especially at Hotel Fortunella. Also noted the sky and beautiful cloud formations.
By: Camillus Davall on July 22, 2020
at 12:56 pm
Bagni di Lucca is centrally located to lots of great places, which is one of the reasons we chose it to buy our apartment. I particularly like Pietrasanta which is the next town along from this one as well.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 23, 2020
at 7:14 pm
The picture of the giant hibiscus was amazing! Makes mine look wimpy at best!
By: Alisa on July 22, 2020
at 10:33 pm
I have never seen one as big and as perfect as these hibiscus!
By: Debra Kolkka on July 23, 2020
at 7:15 pm