staceyloren

We rented a villa in Forte dei Marmi for 5 nights in August. We will definitely be using a beach club, but wondering what other great activities/excursions would should do with our kids (ages 6 and 10).

bvlenci

Pisa is only about 40 minutes by direct train from Forte dei Marmi. Florence is about two hours away, either by direct train, or by changing trains in Pisa. You might be able to see the Leaning Tower and also a bit of Florence in the same day.

You might want to spend a day in Lucca, a delightful small city with a medieval center. The massive city walls are so wide that there's a park on top of the walls, where you can rent bikes or stroll from one gelato stand to another. Lucca is about an hour by train from Forte dei Marmi.

Genova is a bit further, about two hours by train. There is a great aquarium there, that the kids would probably enjoy.

If you'll have a car, you could visit a marble quarry and marble workshop. (Where do you think the "Marmi" in the name comes from? Michelangelo got much of his marble from this area.) You could also take a drive through the Alpi Apuane. If you won't have a car, there are tours from Forte dei Marmi of the marble quarries and workshops.

massimop

It is too far to go to Genova from Forte dei Marmi. Too long on the train.

nochblad

For many years my family spent 2 to 3 weeks in Forte at the end of June and beginning of July. I, along with many from Milan, arrived Friday evening leaving again late Sunday or very early Monday morning. My xperience suggests the following:

1. In August it will be hot so plan accordingly.
2. Everyone travels by bike as the lay of the land is absolutely flat. It is probable that your villa has its selection of bikes. If not there are plenty of places to rent them.
3. Whilst the beach is wonderful and the various beach structures are superb, the sea conditions are not that great. Consider a beach structure that has its own pool.
4. If your days coincide, stay in Forte for the weekly market (mercato) which takes place in Piazza Marconi every Wednesday. The travelling Forte market is well known across the north of Italy.
5. A Forte tradition is to go to Da Valé, or more simply Valé, after returning from the beach. You buy their schiacciatine by the number straight out of the oven. An absolute classic.
6. Trips depend whether you have a car or not. I disagree with bvlenci. Pisa and Lucca are a day trip, especially if you have a car. Florence is worthy of a full day trip.

More suggestions are available if you can provide more info of your particular interests as well as those of your kids.

Tulips

Hi Nochblad - we are looking at Forte dei Marmi for early July.
A villa if we can find a nice one, or hotel.
Any recommendations?

Stacey - which company did you rent with?

nochblad

Tulips - it is many years since I stayed in Forte in a hotel although I have been since to eat when staying in Florence so any input on hotels would be out of date.

As far as villas and hotels are concerned the rule of thumb is the further back from the beach you are the cheaper rates are and the futher nort you are the same rule applies. But this is not necessaily a problem as everyone uses bikes and if you rent a beach/changing cabin and spot on the beach there is parking included.

To the south you drift into Marina di Pietrasanta which almost approaches te rates at Forte.

Tulips

Thanks Nochblad. I'm looking at Airbnb now.
Haven't entirely decided where to stay, actually. Forte dei Marmi, Amalfi coast - or perhaps near Trieste. All these places will probably be very busy early July - but this is when everyone in the family has time off so cannot change dates.

nochblad

Tulips - your selection of locations is hugely different.

Any advice/suggestions depends upon your travelling companions/family and interests.

Can you share more to help with suggestions?

Tulips

I know! We want somewhere near the sea, with plenty to do and see in the area. Sightseeing in the morning, beach/relaxing/nice restaurants in the afternoon and evening.

Which pretty much covers the entire Italian coast.. We have 3 kids - young 20s - who can come along for a week.

frencharmoire

Tulips,

Are you going to have a car?

Have you considered Rimini? It's Fellini-like crazy, but for some young people in their 20s, it could be a lot of fun. And there is enough nearby for sightseeing to make it interesting, even if you don't have a car.

Salerno or Vietri sul Mare might also suit your group.

Or consider going to the French/Italian border on the northwest coast. It will be busy as heck, but you can visit Nice and well as many smaller towns by train or bus. Consider Bordighera for a villa location.

If you are looking in Trieste, also look specifically in Muggia and Grado (but I think you want a car.)

If your group is enthusiastic sightseers, maybe a villa in Fregene, where you can so easily bus into Rome?

Tulips

We've been going to the French Riviera for years, so will stay clear of that. We may drive from Antwerp, where we live, so the north is an easier drive. I've looked at Grado too but didn't see many villa's or great hotels.
Thanks for the tips frencharmoire, I'll look into these. Rimini might be fun for the kids.


Sorry Staceyloren, didn't mean to hijack your post!

staceyloren

Just finding this again after a few months hiatus!!! Tulips - no worries at all!!!

We are looking for a good beach club to go to for the week. Does anyone have any experience with a specific beach club? how much does it usually cost to go for the week? we are looking at bagno piero since it's close to the house we are renting. We rented a house through Airbnb!