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Forte dei Marmi has long been the chic seaside getaway for Florentines (and beyond). The Hamptons of Tuscany...
Just an hour away by car, it offers a variety of beautiful and trendy boutiques, tasty seafood restaurants and many a bar to relax and enjoy a before-dinner "apertivo." Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Apuan Alps, the town is incredibly picturesque. It gets it's name, "Fort of Marble", from the 16th century Fortress which you can still find in the main square, originally used to defend the coast from intruders. Later in the 19th and early 20th century the world renowned Carrara marble which was quarried from the nearby mountains used to be stored in the town before being shipped off. (When I first visited Forte dei Marmi I thought the white of the mountains was snow before finding out it was actually marble!)
Just an hour away by car, it offers a variety of beautiful and trendy boutiques, tasty seafood restaurants and many a bar to relax and enjoy a before-dinner "apertivo." Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Apuan Alps, the town is incredibly picturesque. It gets it's name, "Fort of Marble", from the 16th century Fortress which you can still find in the main square, originally used to defend the coast from intruders. Later in the 19th and early 20th century the world renowned Carrara marble which was quarried from the nearby mountains used to be stored in the town before being shipped off. (When I first visited Forte dei Marmi I thought the white of the mountains was snow before finding out it was actually marble!)
The beaches are lined with private "bagni", or facilities where you can pay to spend the day at the beach. Some are more exclusive than others and offer you a spot on the beach with an umbrella or tent for shade, various chairs, lounge chairs or lawn chairs to relax and sunbathe on, sometimes a swimming pool, your own changing room (for an additional fee) and a restaurant. Many of these places also have their own paddle boats that you can rent by the hour.
| Forte dei Marmi is very child and bicycle friendly. In the center, your kids can do a few rounds in their favorite mini car or go for a pony ride. There is also a nice big park for them to play. Many of the streets are pedestrian only and one of the preferred means of transportation is by bicycle. |  |  |
As for the shopping, the town is famous for the market they host 2 times a week on Wednesday and Sunday morning until 1:00pm. Here you can find some designer name brands for less as well as shoes, bags, belts, cashmere, fur coats, linens and houseware and decor.
For those who need shopping therapy, you've come to the right spot! My favorite store at the moment happens to be Fiachini. There are 3 of them here, but I prefer the one on Via IV Novembre. A couple of months ago I bought a lovely black and white Self-Portrait dress that I just wore to a recent wedding and was pleasantly surprised when they gave me a discount at the cash for no apparent reason. They definitely know how to create customer loyalty! The store is trendy and tasteful, and carries designers such as Chloé, Isabel Marant, Self-Portrait, Givenchy, Saint Laurent and so much more! If anything, it is definitely worth a wander.
For those who need shopping therapy, you've come to the right spot! My favorite store at the moment happens to be Fiachini. There are 3 of them here, but I prefer the one on Via IV Novembre. A couple of months ago I bought a lovely black and white Self-Portrait dress that I just wore to a recent wedding and was pleasantly surprised when they gave me a discount at the cash for no apparent reason. They definitely know how to create customer loyalty! The store is trendy and tasteful, and carries designers such as Chloé, Isabel Marant, Self-Portrait, Givenchy, Saint Laurent and so much more! If anything, it is definitely worth a wander.
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