Passeggiata di Viareggio provides travellers and locals with typical Italian customs, from the extensive use of hand gestures in lieu of words to charming shops and restaurants. You will have the opportunity to get involved in some of Italy’s finest traditions. Take a “passeggiata” (evening stroll) along the promenade and relish the buzzing atmosphere as day turns to night. Formal dress is preferred if you want to blend in with locals who take this social tradition seriously.
The promenade, along with the Mediterranean Sea, is the main attraction in Viareggio, the largest resort town in Tuscany. Travellers from across the globe have been relaxing on the town’s shores since the early 1900s. Indulge in the sun, seafood and shopping offered by the passeggiata.
Viareggio’s design is typical of the Italian Riviera’s general style in that the promenade is the city’s nucleus, linking the buzzing town to its pristine beaches. Visit the quaint stores and bistros serving up Italian cuisine along the passeggiata.
Note the Liberty-style architecture that spans across the city’s structures. It is a design preferred by Italian architects from the art nouveau era at the turn of the 20th century. See its prominent features, such as airy structures and nature-inspired flair, around the town.
Explore the culinary options on the promenade, such as freshly caught seafood. Relax on the beach on a sunny day before heading to the sea to cool off. Rent a bicycle and ride up and down the 5-kilometre (3-mile) boulevard. Peruse the fascinating items on display in the outdoor markets that occur a few times per week. You can find gifts and memorabilia, including handmade leather sandals and purses, from your Italian trip.
The promenade remains popular year-round due to its pleasant Mediterranean climate. Attend the Carnival of Viareggio in winter for a host of activities and entertainment. Viareggio is a 30-kilometre (18.6-mile) drive west from Lucca.
