Guide To Forte Dei Marmi

Every September two of my closest friends and I like to go somewhere new. This year, we chose Forte Dei Marmi, a seaside resort on the coast of Tuscany, Italy. Tuscany is well know for its beautiful countryside, wine and historic towns- but not so much for its coastline. That might be about to change, with more people visiting the little known town of Forte Di Marmi- I suggest to go now before it get's overcrowded.

With a long stretch of sandy coastline to one side and mountain view's to the other, dozens of beach cubs to choose from, the best restaurants and even better shopping- its a dream destination. Plus, its less than 2 hours from the UK, you can fly into Pisa or Florence to get your culture fix, have a few days in a historic Tuscan town and then head to the seaside. A lot of Italians have their holiday homes here and come for the weekends or the whole of summer. July and August are busy, but June and early September great times to go, it was so peaceful while were were there- but still the restaurants are town are bustling.

The town of Forte Dei Marmi

The town itself doesn't feel like Italy- it feels more like a cross between Santa Barbara and the Hamptons with its wide palm tree lined streets and chic, understated style. Its totally flat and perfect for cycling- which is how everyone gets around. There are cycle lanes everywhere, the town is pedestrianised and most hotels have their own fleet of bikes for hire.

mariana on a bike with a beasket and a rainbow in the sky

We stayed at the California Park Hotel- and as the name suggests- it felt very Californian. With its blue and white stripped pool theme and elevated seaside decor- there were beautiful details everywhere. The tropical gardens were lush and the breakfast was perfect. They have bikes with baskets that you can hire for €10 a day, and the hotel is a 5 min cycle (or 20 min walk) to the town.

marianna sitting o a sun lounger with stripped cushions next to her

By the pool at the California Park Hotel

a white table with glass top with some red flowers or leaves in a arse and a bookshelf

Beautiful details at the hotel

The beach clubs in Forte Dei Marmi are another level. So many to choose from across a long stretch of beach, most with beach huts to get changed in and complete with sun loungers and towels. We spent the day at Alpemare- owned the the Bocelli family. You get your own fully equipped cabana complete with sun loungers, deck chairs, changing hut, a lockable box and as many towels as you need. The restaurant is the best one there, it was amazing.

Turquoise is the colour theme at Alpemare

Discovered Crodino- a traditional Italian bitter aperitif (non alcoholic) made from citrus herbs- it was delicious.

a beach with a birdseve view of some food- muscles and pizza and chips

We also had a chilled lunch on Remo Beach between cycling and shopping

We had dinner at Osteria Del Mare by the beach. This is very popular and you have to book well in advance. There was a lively atmosphere and the food was great. We also went to Casamare in the town centre for amore relaxed dinner and the Hermitage Hotel for a gorgeous candel lit dinner.

We had Aperitifs at Caffe Principe- right in the centre with an outdoor terrance. This was a perfect spot for people watching, and the people watching here is a sport in itself. SO many chic outfits, so inspirational. There was a great selection of cocktails here too that are served with delicious nibbles (so many that actually you don't need a starter at dinner!)

outside of a building with a sign that says cafe sambo

Caffe Sambo- was another good spot for drinks, right on the corner near all the luxury shops

All of the high end luxury Italian brands have stores here, but I love to find the local artisans. I loved Martelli Alessandra - the women were really helpful and they had a great selection from different local designers. Creazioni In Tessitura is a store selling hand woven pieces- mainly scarfs woven by artist Lisa Fontana- the loom is on display in the store and each scarf is original. I loved the pieces in here.

Creazioni in Tessitura - their loom is in the store and you can see all the one of a kind woven pieces they create

lots of wicker baskets on the street outside a shop

A basket shop in the centre of the town

What I wore- I knew that the Regina Del Mare Necklace would be on point for Forte Dei Marmi- it doesn't get better than statement turquoise near the beach. I also wore our Lucina Earrings for dinner and our Oceanus Earrings are the perfect day earrings for a chic lunch.