Coastal and Northern Tuscany
Coastal and Northern Tuscany

Versilia on the Tuscan coast has some of the widest and most immaculate sandy beaches in Italy which are unique in that they are set against a stunning back drop of the marble clad Apuan alps. Italians have enjoyed spending their summer in these elegant resorts since the turn of the century. Beach lovers can spend long sun filled days lazing on an Italian beach, or if a day of sight seeing and shopping appeals more, the Cities of Lucca, Pisa and Florence are accessible from the Coast. Music lovers will be interested to know that ‘Torre del Lago’ (where the maestro Giacomo Puccini lived and wrote his operas) is only 15 minutes drive from Bridgewater’s villas in Versilia. Today an open-air theatre stand by the lake where you can enjoy Puccini’s operas beneath the stars. Walking in the alps is also popular in this area of Italy and the food is some of the best that Italy has to offer…simple, fresh, rustic cuisine to satisfy the most discerning of pallets.

Versilia is an area of the Tuscan coast which has been the home-base of Bellaglen Villas (our sister company) since 1973, so not many people know the properties or the region better than we do!

Bridgewater offers total flexibility so that our guests are not tied to Saturday – Saturday rentals meaning you can take advantage of the low cost flights mid week flights now widely available. See our ‘holiday extras’ section for links to recommended low cost airlines.

 

GET TO COASTAL TUSCANY:
The most convenient airports for Coastal Tuscany are Pisa (30 minutes), Florence (1 hour). However the area is also accessible from Genoa, Bologna and Rome.

SPECIAL EVENTS:
The Puccini opera season takes place annually at Torre del Lago. The programme varies and details are available on request.

EXCURSIONS:
Excursions available include: A full day excursion to Florence, a cookery day and visit of a wine, honey and oil producing estate, A trip to Siena, A day trip to the island of Elba or the ‘Cinque Terre’, a guided tour of the marble quarries of Carrara.

What the papers say
Photo gallery: Our Special Part of Italy

What the papers say......

The autostrada between Pietrasanta and Lucca provide the key to a long unsolved problem - how to combine a beach holiday and within half an hour be in a different world altogether.
Roger Bray, London Evening Standard.

We tried a different restaurant each evening, going up into the hills behind Pietrasanta to a cheap rustic place one night, then along the coast about fifteen minute drive away to an elaborate restaurant overlooking the harbour with a very thirties atmosphere.
Adrianne Pielou, Mail on Sunday.

Pietrasanta is a region caught in a neat time warp preserving it's heritage with a semi-grateful nod in the direction of the twentieth century
Brian Whittle, Lancashire Life.

Our view of Marina di Pietrasanta.....A tranquil part of Italy with very few foreign tourists but plenty of stylish Italians. That's the impression we came away with, masses of style. It's not a cheap holiday and you do have to be an individual.
Travellers Check, Granada Television.

I first discovered Marina di Pietrasanta last July, a wonderful destination with something for everyone. Superb beaches with a mountain backdrop, tennis, golf, culture, history and art. But most important from my point of view - great Italian cuisine, uncommercialised cooking! Take only the best ingrediants, blend them with a large helping of Italian style and flair, serve in a relaxed, bustling atmosphere and savour the flavours of Italy. Bon Apetito!
Paul Heathcote, Restaurateur.