A town known for its Renaissance heritage and contemporary art, cobbled medieval streets and beautiful Mediterranean beaches, Pietrasanta Italy is a must-visit destination along the Tuscan coast.
Just 30 kilometres north of Pisa, this destination has the authentic character of a historic Tuscan hill town combined with the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Join us in this guide as we explore Pietrasanta and how to plan your next great Tuscan holiday!
The history of Pietrasanta
Founded in 1255 by Guiscardo da Pietrasanta, this town has been a centre for sculptures for over 600 years. The town’s name means “holy stone“, which is a reference to the marble quarries just 8 kilometres away in Carrara. This is the same source Michelangelo used for his masterpieces.
Today, Pietrasanta is home to over 60 bronze foundries and 300 marble workshops, attracting artists from all over the world.
The town is made up of two distinct areas, the historic centre and the Marina. The historic centre is about 3 kilometres inland, while Marina di Pietrasanta stretches along 5 kilometres of the coastline.
What are the best galleries and sculptures to visit in Pietrasanta?
Pietrasanta’s nickname is “Little Athens”, and it was awarded this name due to all the monuments within the town. Everywhere you turn in Pietrasanta Italy is an open-air sculpture museum, with over 15 major works displayed throughout public spaces. World-renowned artists, including Fernando Botero, Igor Mitoraj, and Joan Miró, have all created pieces in Pietrasanta’s foundries and workshops.
A must-do itinerary in Pietrasanta
Start your art exploration in Piazza del Duomo, where Botero‘s impressive bronze “Warrior” (1992) is on display. Then, along Via Garibaldi, you’ll find Mitoraj‘s classical figures. From there, visit the Museo dei Bozzetti to explore over 700 sculptural sketches along with insights into each one.
If you prefer a more hands-on experience, there are several artisan workshops that welcome visitors. Studio d’Arte Cave Michelangelo allows you to watch sculptors transform raw marble into art, while Fonderia Mariani offers bronze casting demonstrations by appointment.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the Thursday evening gallery openings during summer, when the art community gathers for wine and conversation.
What to see in Marina di Pietrasanta and the coast
Marina di Pietrasanta is different from the centre of Pietrasanta. It has elegant Art Nouveau villas that line the promenade, dating from the 1920s and 1930s, when this area became the summer retreat for Italian VIPs. Today, it’s known as “Versilia’s Living Room,” providing sophisticated seaside charm without the higher price tag of nearby Forte dei Marmi.
The 5-kilometre coastline has over 200 stabilimenti (private beach clubs). The northern section is better suited for families, as the coastline here has wider beaches and shallower waters.
Alternatively, the central and southern areas have more upscale experiences. Beach club prices range from €15-25 daily in quieter zones to €30-50 in premium locations. These prices typically include two sun loungers and an umbrella.
Beyond the beach, we recommended exploring the Pontile di Tonfano. This is a charming wooden pier that extends 100 metres into the sea. It’s perfect for sunset strolls and taking a memorable photograph. Additionally, a visit to Versailles Park is a must. It has over 50 hectares of pinewood with walking paths and summer theatre festivals that run from June through August. Lastly, the Ciclovia Tirrenica coastal cycle path runs 25 kilometres along the entire Versilia coast, with bike rentals available from €12-18 daily.
Water and other outdoor activities in Pietrasanta
Marina di Pietrasanta has earned Blue Flag status for excellent water quality and clean beaches. The golden sand and shallow waters are perfect for families, with lifeguards on duty from 9:00 am -7:00 pm during summer.
Beach season
May-September: Official beach season
June: Sea temperature 19°C
July-August: Peak season, 25-26°C water
September: Best time in our opinion, with warm water (23-24°C) and fewer crowds
Water activities & costs
Windsurfing lessons: €40-60/hour
Paddleboard rental: €15-20/hour
Kayak rental: €10-15/hour
Cinque Terre boat trips: €75-95/person
Sunset sailing: €45-60/person
Hiking in the Apuan Alps
Don’t miss out on exploring the Apuan Alps mountain range.
- Monte Forato walk: 3 hours return, moderate
- Pania della Croce: 5 hours return, challenging
- Guided group tours: €45-65/person
- Private guide (up to 6 people): €150-200
Cycling Options
There are many organised bike tours in Tuscany, or hire a bike and discover the area on your own!
- Flat coastal route to Forte dei Marmi/Viareggio: 15km
- Mountain routes: Up to 800m elevation gain
- Standard bike rental: €12-18/day
- E-bike rental: €25-35/day
Typical Tuscan gastronomy
Pietrasanta offers the best of both worlds: traditional Tuscan cooking and fresh seafood from Marina di Pietrasanta.
Must-try dishes:
- Cacciucco: Tuscan seafood stew
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Massive T-bone steak
- Spaghetti alle arselle: Local clams with garlic and wine
- Pici all’aglione: Thick spaghetti with tomato-garlic sauce
- Tordelli Lucchesi: Meat-filled pasta from Lucca
Tip: Don’t miss the Wednesday market in Piazza del Duomo (8:00 am-1:00 pm), where you can find fresh produce, Pecorino Toscano cheese, and olive oil.
Tips for a great trip to Pietrasanta
The best time to visit is either in the summer or, better yet, in the early spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-November). During these off-season times, you will take advantage of lower crowds, better pricing and more comfortable temperatures.
Getting to Pietrasanta Tuscany is easy from the Pisa airport, which is only 30 kilometres away. You can take the train from the airport to Pisa Centrale and then onwards to Pietrasanta. Alternatively, pre-book a taxi; although this option is more expensive, it is straightforward.
Once you arrive, the historic centre is fully walkable, while bus Line 9 connects to Marina di Pietrasanta every 20-30 minutes.
Plan your Pietrasanta Tuscany experience with Lucca Apartments and Villas
Ready to discover the artistic soul and coastal beauty of Pietrasanta? Lucca Apartments and Villas offers carefully selected accommodation in prime locations.
Our properties provide authentic Italian living spaces with modern comforts.
With over 600 years of artistic history to beautiful beaches, and world-famous gastronomy, Pietrasanta is a must-visit destination within Tuscany.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your Tuscan holiday today.
