It extends from the sea to the mountains, is blessed with sunshine most days of the year, has a pleasant climate all year round and has lots to offer for all tastes: this is Versilia where outdoor activities allow you to spend time on the open road.
Sea and lake
For lovers of the sea, of the many outdoor activities that Versilia has to offer, surfing is a must. You can try this sport all year round and people here long for rough seas like children waiting for Christmas morning! You can book surfing lessons for all levels, rent equipment and then plunge into the waves in one of the most suitable spots like the pier at Lido di Camaiore. For kite surfing, on the other hand, the best places are Torre del Lago, the port of Viareggio and the tract in front of the Principe di Piemonte hotel. In recent years SUP (stand-up paddle) has also become very popular and some bathing establishments and schools rent boards. Of course if you just want to swim there is no shortage of sea and swimming pools!
Another water sport to try is kayaking on Lake Massaciuccoli, an unforgettable experience where you glide silently along the canals surrounded by reeds, sedge, water lilies, coots, herons and old fishing huts.
Mountain
The Regional Park of the Apuan Alps never ceases to amaze with its beautiful trails for walking. Hiking is, in fact, a spectacular way to discover Versilia slowly, along ancient paths, mule tracks, forests, streams and views stretching from the mountains to the sea. Then there are the ancient marble quarries, some prehistoric caves and the Via Francigena from Pietrasanta to Camaiore and then to Montemagno. The trails are numerous and there are various levels of difficulty for a trail network of over 100 hiking routes from the easy paths to the “via ferratas”.
For climbing enthusiasts, Versilia offers over 800 routes and dozens of walls that are easily accessible. Climbing in Versilia means unforgettable days on the rock in a breath-taking landscape.
For adrenaline junkies there is a very enjoyable outdoor activity to do in Versilia: canyoning, which consists in following the course of a stream along the waterways carved into the rock. The Apennines and the Apuan Alps, in fact, contain real jewels of rivers and streams with pools, waterfalls and natural water slides.
Finally, an activity that will please many, mountain biking through Versilia, with routes both by the sea and in the mountains. The beautiful panorama of the Apuan Alps is ideal with dozens of itineraries and excursions for all levels, from pleasure rides to steep descents for experienced bikers!
Plains and hills
Versilia is a paradise for cyclists, who can choose from several trails of varying difficulty. For those who want a simple ride with the wind and the salt in your hair, there is a bike path that runs along the entire coast for over 20 km from Forte dei Marmi to Viareggio. There are many places to rent a bike, which is also ideal for visiting in the various towns in Versilia. If you think this sounds like too much hard work, you can always choose a mountain bike with pedal assistance, which are becoming ever more widespread.
For a different experience, we recommend touring Versilia on horseback. There are several ranches that offer guided tours, some of which lead on the beaches of Versilia, with the sea on one side and the silhouette of the Apuan Alps in the background … an adventure that is, to say the least, impressive!
Other sports to enjoy outdoors in Versilia are golf, with various courses in Forte dei Marmi and Pietrasanta, and tennis, with many courts open throughout the year.
