Tuscany is famous for its historic cities and vineyards, but its coastline also hides some surprisingly wild and unspoilt stretches of sand.
Lecciona Beach, also known as Spiaggia della Lecciona, is one of the most natural beaches in the region and a refreshing alternative to the organised beach clubs typical of the Versilia coast.
Located just outside Viareggio, Lecciona Beach offers wide open spaces, dunes, pine forests and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s great for nature lovers, families and dog owners alike. This guide explores everything you need to know before visiting.
About La Lecciona Beach
Lecciona Beach is a long, free-access stretch of coastline situated between Viareggio and Torre del Lago Puccini, within the protected Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli Regional Park. Unlike the nearby private lidos, this beach has remained mostly untouched by commercial development.
The beach extends for several kilometres and is known for its wide sandy shore, natural dunes and surrounding pine forest. This makes it one of the last truly wild beaches along the northern Tuscan coast.
Lecciona Beach is especially popular with:
- Visitors looking for a quieter alternative to Viareggio’s beach clubs
- Nature lovers and walkers
- Dog owners seeking pet-friendly coastal areas
- Travellers who prefer a relaxed, informal beach experience
How to get to Lecciona Beach
Despite its secluded feel, Lecciona Beach Viareggio is easy to access.
By car
The most convenient way to reach the beach is by car. Parking areas are located along Viale Europa, on the outskirts of Viareggio. From there, follow wooden walkways through the pine forest and dunes to reach the sand.
Parking tips:
- Paid parking is common during the summer season
- Arrive early in July and August, as spaces fill quickly
- Expect a short walk (10–15 minutes) from the parking to the beach
By public transport
Viareggio is well connected by train to cities such as Lucca, Pisa and Florence. From Viareggio railway station, local buses run towards the Torre del Lago area, stopping near the main access points to Lecciona Beach.
Walking from the station is also possible, but takes around 45 minutes.
On foot or by bike
If you’re staying nearby, cycling or walking through the coastal paths and pine forest is a scenic way to arrive. The surrounding area is mostly flat and suitable for casual cycling.
What to Expect
Lecciona Beach offers a very different experience from the organised beaches of Versilia.
Facilities at the beach are deliberately minimal and are mainly concentrated around the main access points.
You can find a small seasonal beach bar offering drinks and light snacks, as well as basic toilets and outdoor showers. These are usually only available in the summer months and for a small fee. However, there are no sunbeds or umbrellas for hire anywhere along the beach, so it is advisable to come fully prepared with everything needed for the day.
In terms of atmosphere, Lecciona Beach Viareggio feels wide, open and refreshingly spacious, even during the peak summer months. Although the areas closest to the entrances can become busier at popular times, walking just a little further along the shoreline quickly leads to much quieter sections, where the sense of space and tranquillity becomes more noticeable.
As this is a more relaxed beach area, we suggest taking advantage of it and enjoying a stroll along the shoreline, while swimming and paddling are enjoyable when sea conditions are calm. You can also choose to picnic, relax in the sun, or spend time photographing the natural landscape, especially in the late afternoon when the beach is known for its impressive sunsets.
Nature and dunes
One of the defining features of Lecciona Beach is its protected natural landscape. The beach forms part of a wider ecosystem that includes dunes, wetlands and pine forests.
The dunes act as a natural barrier against erosion and provide habitat for specialised plant species. To protect this fragile environment, wooden walkways guide visitors from parking areas to the shore.
Walking on the dunes themselves is not allowed, as this can damage vegetation and destabilise the sand.
The area supports a range of Mediterranean vegetation and birdlife. With a bit of luck, you may spot coastal birds and other wildlife, particularly in quieter sections of the beach.
Nature etiquette checklist:
- Stay on marked paths
- Do not remove plants or sand
- Take all litter home
- Respect wildlife and nesting areas
Dog-friendly areas
One of the biggest advantages of Lecciona Beach dogs is its reputation for being welcoming to pets.
Dogs are allowed along the free sections of the beach, making it one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in northern Tuscany. Unlike many Italian beaches, there are no strict seasonal bans for dogs here, although general courtesy and local rules apply.
Tips for visiting
Although Lecciona Beach Viareggio has a relaxed and natural feel, taking a few simple precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
To begin with, not all areas are supervised by lifeguards, and sea conditions can change quickly, with occasional strong currents, so it is best to avoid swimming on rough or windy days. In addition, natural shade is limited, so please remember to bring sunscreen, hats and umbrellas, and make a conscious effort to stay well hydrated, especially during the summer months.
When moving around the area, it is important to follow the marked walkways through the dunes, wear suitable footwear for forest paths, and remain aware of sudden weather changes.
Finally, timing your visit makes a difference: June and September generally offer warm weather with fewer crowds, while July and August are busier, particularly near access points. For a quieter experience, early mornings and late afternoons are ideal.
Plan your next holiday with Lucca Apartments and Villas
Lecciona Beach stands out as one of Tuscany’s most authentic coastal destinations. Its combination of wide sandy shores, protected dunes, dog-friendly access and relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for a relaxed holiday.
To make the most of your stay, choose comfortable accommodation close to the coast and within easy reach of Tuscany’s cultural highlights.
Lucca Apartments and Villas provides carefully selected apartments and villas, allowing you to enjoy both the natural beauty of Lecciona Beach and the charm of Lucca and its surroundings.
