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Forte dei Marmi
What seems like another one of these interchangeable bathing resorts at the 30 kilometres long, almost ruler edged, stretch of sandy beaches between the mountainous entrance into the bay of La Spezia to the north and Viareggio to the south has some marbles to offer.
Sure, the beach promenade looks the same like at the other 29 kilometres of beach promenade with hotels and holiday houses at one side and an endless stretch of “Bagni” (privately managed parts of the beach with the typical set up of a bar, changing rooms and precisely parcelled spots at the beach equipped with parasols and lounger, you have to pay to enter these Bagnis, here itīs up to several 100 euros per day) along the beach.
You also might not be too impressed by the old fortress from the 18th century and the harbour - it was used to ship the marble blocks from nearby Carrara – that named this little town. Marble boardwalks and a couple of sculptures could be of no special interest either. But you might be attracted by the pier leading out to sea. Itīs not a particularly impressive one, in fact a pretty decent one compared to the others, but it offers easy access to some nice breaks once a little swell from the west is running.
Parking is best along the road following the beach but costs you some money. During summer season it will be almost impossible to find free parking lots. A couple of bars and (in summer) restaurants near the pier will satisfy your hunger and thirst.
Surfing: Some nice peaks over sandbars along the coast, with the ones close to the pier the most consistent. Gets crowded soon, but if you are willing to walk and paddle a bit you will find your private wave.
Windsurfing / Kiteboarding: With southerly or northerly winds there is plenty of space for sailing, as long as you come here in the off-season. In summer season the beach will be packed and access is very restricted due to the parcelled beach areas of the Bagni.
Check the galleries (2013, 2016, Jan. 2019) for more impressions.
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