This year, we booked a hotel in Forte dei Marmi for the fifth year in a row, staying at the Hotel President for the last four times.

Why always the same town, you might wonder. But those who know this place will agree with me: Forte has a certain magic.

Nestled at the foothills of the Apennines, directly by the sea (with beautiful bagni), it offers stunning views of the mountains and easy access to all the treasures of Tuscany. 

In previous years, especially when the weather was cooler or we were less tired, we alternated beach days with sightseeing days. By now, we’ve seen almost all the villages and cities in Tuscany, with our favorites being Florence, Lucca, and Siena. This year, during our two-week stay, we only managed a tourist visit to Lucca. The rest of the days were spent relaxing on the beach, with Socks comfortably in the shade under the beach chair. Walking around Siena in nearly 40-degree heat is no fun for anyone, especially not for Finn and Socks.

 

 

The town offers enough entertainment to stay for days without feeling the need to move around, at least that’s what we think. There are plenty of coffee places to drink delicious cappuccinos and cakes. Forte offers some amazing shops (mostly unaffordable, but window shopping is also fun during an evening stroll), plenty of restaurants to explore the delightful Italian cuisine, a fantastic market in the center every Wednesday, and a mini-market on Saturdays at the same spot. Every third Saturday of the month, there’s also an antique market in the center, which we will unfortunately miss this year. This is the only thing I regret because in past years I’ve bought beautiful vintage lamps for our home, and I wanted to continue that tradition.

 

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We spend our days on the beach, going to bed late and getting up late but just in time for breakfast until 10:30, having pre-booked a bagno through our hotel.

NOTE: IN FORTE DEI MARMI, THE ENTIRE BEACH IS DIVIDED INTO PRIVATE BAGNI WHERE YOU CAN’T JUST LAY DOWN. SOME HOTELS HAVE THEIR OWN BAGNO, BUT EVEN THEN, BOOKING IN ADVANCE IS A MUST.

Our bagno provides an umbrella, two sunbeds, and two deck chairs where our small but happy family, including our dog, can enjoy the shade as dogs are allowed on the beach. We have lunch at the bagno’s restaurant, which offers light dishes. Here, I enjoy the view of the sea and the wonderful atmosphere, despite the extra pounds I might gain (I can handle it, I know…).

 

 

Another aspect we greatly appreciate is the cycling culture. As “true Dutch people,” cycling is our second nature (although I don’t bike at home – too much wind, rain, and cold), but here I find it incredibly fun. Most hotels have their own bikes that you can reserve at the hotel in advance. This year, I rented a bike with a child seat around the corner from the hotel because there are many bike rental shops in Forte. Finn can bike but isn’t experienced in traffic yet.

 

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Location of Forte dei Marmi

Forte dei Marmi is located on the Tuscan coast, at the foothills of the Apennines. It is an ideal location for both beach and Tuscany lovers. Here are the distances from Forte dei Marmi to eight of my favorite places in Tuscany:

1. Lucca: Approximately 36 km (22 miles)
2. Pisa: Approximately 45 km (28 miles)
3. Florence (Firenze): Approximately 106 km (66 miles)
4. Siena: Approximately 147 km (91 miles)
5. San Gimignano: Approximately 117 km (73 miles)
6. Volterra: Approximately 98 km (61 miles)
7. Montepulciano: Approximately 184 km (114 miles)
8. Cortona: Approximately 191 km (119 miles)

 

 

Hotels in Forte dei Marmi

Luxurious Options

1. Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi
   • Description: A five-star hotel offering luxurious rooms, a private beach, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views.
   • Amenities: Spa, gourmet restaurant, private beach, pool, rooftop bar.
2. Augustus Hotel & Resort
   • Description: This elegant resort offers a private beach, lush gardens, and a variety of rooms and suites, some with private pools.
   • Amenities: Spa, multiple restaurants, private beach, pool, fitness center.
3. Hotel Byron
   • Description: An upscale hotel with classic Tuscan decor, offering beautiful sea views and a tranquil atmosphere.
   • Amenities: Pool, gourmet restaurant, garden, bar.

Mid-Range Options

1. Hotel President (where we stayed the past 4 years)
   • Description: A comfortable and stylish hotel located near the beach, known for its excellent service and amenities.
   • Amenities: Restaurant, bar, garden, close to the beach.
2. Hotel Viscardo
   • Description: A charming hotel with a cozy atmosphere, offering comfortable rooms and a convenient location near the beach and town center.
   • Amenities: Bar, garden, terrace, free bicycle rental.
3. Hotel Goya
   • Description: A well-regarded hotel with modern amenities, located a short walk from the beach and central attractions.
   • Amenities: Restaurant, bar, garden, terrace, meeting rooms.

 

 

Restaurant Tips

• Bocconcino (our absolute favorite)
• Ristorante Lorenzo
• La Barca

Markets

• Weekly Market: Every Wednesday in the center
• Mini-Market: Every Saturday in the center
• Antique Market: Every third Saturday of the month

Shops

Forte dei Marmi offers a range of shops, from luxury boutiques to cozy souvenir stores.

 

 

Bike Rentals

Rental store	Prices city bike	Prices electric bike	Adress
Cicli Maggi	approximately €10 per day	approximately €25 per day	Via Padre Ignazio da Carrara, 38, 55042 Forte dei Marmi LU
Forte Bike	approximately €12 per day	approximately €30 per day	Via Duca d’Aosta, 31, 55042 Forte dei Marmi LU
Noleggio Cicli Mazzoni	approximately €10-€15 per day	approximately €25-€35 per day	Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 107, 55042 Forte dei Marmi LU

 

Forte dei Marmi remains a magical place for us, where we return time and again to enjoy the unique blend of beach, culture, and Italian hospitality.

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The Tale of Forte dei Marmi

Once upon a time, along the beautiful coast of Tuscany, there lay a small, unassuming village known to the Romans for its strategic location. This area, nestled between the sea and the majestic Apuan Alps, was a quiet place where marble was quarried and farmers tended their fields.

Centuries passed, and the land remained tranquil until the 18th century when a grand duke named Leopold I decided to build a fort to protect the coast from pirate attacks. This fort, known as Fortino, stood proudly by the sea, watching over the villagers and the precious marble that was shipped from its port. The village began to grow around this fort, and thus, Forte dei Marmi—”Fort of the Marbles”—was born.

As the years went by, the fame of Forte dei Marmi’s marble spread far and wide. The stone, prized for its beauty, was transported to distant lands, bringing prosperity to the town. In the 19th century, something magical happened. Wealthy families from Florence and beyond discovered the serene beaches and stunning views of Forte dei Marmi. They built elegant vacation homes along the coast, transforming the sleepy village into a fashionable seaside resort.

By the early 20th century, Forte dei Marmi had become the playground of the rich and famous. Luxury villas, grand hotels, and charming boutiques sprang up, catering to visitors who sought the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication. The town’s reputation as a haven for the elite only grew, attracting celebrities, artists, and intellectuals who strolled its sandy shores and dined in its exquisite restaurants.

After the turmoil of World War II, Forte dei Marmi emerged as a symbol of resilience and luxury. It continued to enchant those who visited, offering a refuge where the cares of the world seemed to melt away under the Tuscan sun.

Today, Forte dei Marmi stands as a vibrant testament to its storied past. The fort still watches over the town, which has transformed into a bustling resort filled with life and laughter. Its beaches are adorned with elegant bagni, and its streets are lined with high-end boutiques and lively markets. Despite its modern allure, the spirit of the old marble village endures, whispering tales of history and heritage to all who visit.

And so, the tale of Forte dei Marmi continues—a magical blend of past and present, welcoming travelers to its shores with the promise of beauty, luxury, and a touch of timeless Tuscan charm.