Hugging the Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy's northwest Versilian coast, or Riviera della Versilia, offers wide stretches of sandy beaches, green forests, mountains majestic, and cultured towns and cities -- with gay life as scintillating as a Puccini aria.

From the marble of Versilia's Apuan Alps, Michelangelo crafted his famous "David." In the fourth and fifth centuries (but not just) the nearby Tuscan city of Florence was known as Europe's sodomy capital. Fast-forward to now and Pisa and Empoli were the first two Italian towns to recognize same-sex civil unions. Tuscany, of course, has landscape and architecture to die for, but it's also the face of progressive Italy, with gay life to match.

There are ample bars and clubs, restaurants, and a range of different places to stay from hotels to guesthouses or camping. Wander the picturesque streets of Torre del Lago, Viareggio, or Camaiore and you'll be continually tempted by delicious food, local wine, refreshing gelato, and, of course, Italian men!

Viareggio's name derived from the latin Via Regis or "`Kings' Road," the medieval road linking a beach fortification to the town of Lucca, a rival to Pisa for control of what was then mostly marshlands. Viareggio developed slowly from the 16th century as the Lucchesi drained wetlands, developed the port, and built shops, churches and factories. By 1739 the land was dry, fields were cultivated and the noblemen of Lucca began to build their palaces here. Today, with a long-promenade, small but grand hotels, smart restaurants, and designer shops, this resort does indeed appear regal. One of Europe's most esteemed festivals, the Viareggio Carnival is a huge annual event, with a parade of elaborate giant papier-mache floats, for several weekends over the months of February and March.

Torre del Lago has been built up more recently. This stylish resort just to the south of Viareggio is more casual than the older town, and has more gay flair. The main road is named for composer Giacomo Puccini, who wrote La Bohème and Madame Butterfly here. His house is now a major tourist attraction, and the annual Puccini Festival takes place in his honor, with concerts throughout July and August.

 

Getting here

The occasional work-stoppage aside, Italy has a great train system, so you can get here from wherever you land, but the closest major airport is Pisa Galileo Galilei. Direct rail lines connect to Pisa Centrale station, from where there are trains going to Torre del Lago, Viareggio, and Camaiore -- taking around 30 minutes and costing 1.50 euros. Make sure you validate your train ticket manually after your purchase, which means getting it stamped at the station machine before you board. Trains run until around 8pm. See schedules and fares at Ferrovie dello Stato.

 

Getting around

Italian taxis are expensive (Pisa airport to Torre del Lago runs 60 euros). CLAP (0583-587-897) and VAI Bus provide bus services in and around the area.

 

Beaches

Many area beaches are private, you pay to use them and their deck chairs and umbrellas. But you can walk along the shoreline and take a dip wherever you like, even if not a bathing establishment customer. One busy stretch of beach is free-access.

Balena 2000 (viale Margherita), gay-friendly private beach, fitness club, spa, five pools, restaurant/bar, sandy beach, busy mix of families and couples, gay and straight, special gay nights.

La Lecciona Beach, end of viale Europa, along pathway, then towards the sea. A busy free beach, popular with gay men, but no beach bars or umbrellas, so bring your own. Vendors pass regularly selling water, soda, and ice-cream. The surrounding forest is cruisy day and night, but local police often patrol here.

Mama Beach (viale Europa 5), private beach at Mama Mia, sun-loungers, umbrellas, showers, snack bar. Impromptu entertainment by Lorenzo, star of Mama Mia, perfect English and sharp wit.

 

Media

Handy websites include Friendly Versilia with it's tag-line "night & gay, 24/7," listings, maps, photos and video clips, and the general local website About Versilia. For general Italian tourist information see Italia Discovery.

For map locations and websites of the businesses listed below, and more, see our gay Torre del Lago/ Viareggio listings pages.

 

Going out

Most of the gay bars and clubs are located along the beach on Viale Europa, each with an ambiance of its own. The 2013 season got started April 24th, to continue through the summer months.

Buddy (viale Europa 9), lively drag cabaret bar, big variety of sandwich wraps, pizza, breakfast.

HUB (via giacomo puccini, 6), inPorcari, near Lucca, Saturday night glbt dance parties from MamaMia group, elaborate shows, go-go boys, garden patio.

MamaMia (viale Europa 5), two floors, happy vibe, house and pop music, cute staff, large video screens, dancing and socializing, events and shows, drag, sensual samurai performances, Latino dance extravaganzas, world-famous guest DJs. Also with parties at Frau and Buddy, at Hub in Pocari, and at MyKeta and Colors in Pisa.

Nana Banana (viale Europa 23), gay-friendly beachside restaurant/pizzeria, cocktail terrace bar.

Priscilla Caffe (viale Europa 19), Regina's be who you wan to be bar, open early for coffee, tea, drinks, snacks, cigarettes, gifts -- plus pastas, ice creams, and t-shirts. Free Wi-Fi, lively nights of shows and karaoke - may or may not be open for 2013 season.

Stupid!A / Frau (viale Europa 1), disco dance club nights, drag shows, party bar, restaurant - part of MamaMia group (Frau moved from viale Europa 44, April 2013).

Colors Disco Pub (via Ottaviano Mossotti, 10), is another club in the MamaMia group, to the south, Wednesdays through Sundays.

 

Accommodations Viareggio

Hotel Principe di Piemonte (Piazza Puccini, 1; 39-0584-4011), small prestigious luxury hotel, beachfront, pool.

Hotel Residence Esplanade (Piazza Puccini 18; 39-0584-54321) near Viareggio beach and promenade, elegant, stylish rooms and apartments facing sea or woods. Clean, bright rooms, TV, mini-bar, AC. Also self-catered apartments with kitchenettes and balconies. English-speaking staff can arrange side-trips and tours.

Hotel San Francisco (viale Carducci 68; 39-5845-2666), 31 elegant rooms, en suite baths, air-conditioning, roof garden, central location at beachfront promenade.

Hotel Spinelli (via Trento 27; 39-05843-89838), quiet Pineta di Levante park location near the marina, five minutes walk from promenade and beach, internet, air conditioning, small pets welcome.

Hotel Tirrenia (via San Martino 23; 39-0584-49641), B&B rooms, air conditioning, fridge, satellite TV, WiFi, gardens.

Luana Hotel (viale Ugo Foscolo 36; 39-0584-44238), modern guesthouse close to beach, TV, shower, phone, internet. Singles from 50 euros, breakfast included.

Palace Hotel (Flavio Gioia 2; 39 0584-46134), four-star elegance on beachfront prominade at the center, elegant rooms, all amenities, terrace, fine dining.

 

Accommodations Torre del Lago

Caffeletti B&B (via Pardini 34c; 39 347 196-4685) nearest to beach B&B, open all year. Modern, bright rooms, DVD and CD players, landscaped garden, owners speak good English.

Casa Simonetti (viale G. Puccini 238; 39 584 340-597), Art Nouveau villa nea rthe lake, four large rooms, en-suite baths, fresh-baked bread and pastries.

Christian & David's GuestHouse (Via Colombo 35; 39 347 547-8190), quiet accommodations at natural reservation not far from gay nightspots.

La Boheme B&B (viale Puccini 209h; 39 348 415-4748), gay-friendly guesthouse near lake and Puccini house. Classic, comfortable rooms, breakfast served outside weather permitting. Discount rates in September and October.

Le Villi B&B (viale Puccini 178; 39 0584-340355), home-cooked breakfast and dinner, air-conditioning, mini-bars, one self-contained room at the back. Landscaped garden with wooden tables.

Libano B&B (via Tabarro 23; 39 335-595-5290), guesthouse trail-blazer for local gay scene. Double rooms, private baths, or barracks-style dorms with lockers. Breakfast, small gym, bikes. International crowd, Pisa Airport transfers. High-season daily drinks, Saturday dinner, lively entertainment, local wine.

 

Restaurants

Viareggio's promenade is busy day and night and lined with designer shops, market stalls, and many cafes and restaurants.

Gelateria Anisare (viale Carducci 42, Viareggio), opposite beach, gay-owned and proudly bear-friendly. Smell the sweet aromas as you approach. Also drinks parties and free sangria some days.

Nana Banana (viale Europa 23,  Torre del Lago), gay-friendly beachside cocktails, terrace bar, restaurant and pizzeria.

Ristorante La Bufalina (via Aurelia 1, Torre del Lago), homemade pasta, pizza, local fish, full range of wine and drinks. Garden dining amidst foliage and lavender. Open all year, lunch, dinner -busy, so reserve in high-season.