Forte dei Marmi is where you want to be in Italy
hotspots, beach clubs & Louis Vuitton ice cream
Last week I spent a few days with friends in Forte dei Marmi – and *oh my bella Italia*, if you ever go to Italy, make sure to spend at least one night (but preferably three) here. It’s wonderfully over the top, chic and high-end, but at the same time cozy and inviting. Everyone bikes here, which is the most charming detail of all. No wonder Forte dei Marmi is also called the cycling village of Italy. And of course, I’ve gathered the best tips for you.
About Forte dei Marmi: the Saint-Tropez of Tuscany
Forte dei Marmi is a beautiful coastal town in the province of Lucca, in the Tuscany region. Since the 1960s, it has been known as a true fashion icon: the place where Italian jet-setters and international celebrities came to experience their *La Bella Vita* (the good life). During the day at the beach, in the evening dining out and going out – you truly live the Italian summer life here.
Cycling in Forte dei Marmi
This is actually a must. Everywhere you see people cycling. It really gives Forte dei Marmi a different vibe than anywhere else. All the bikes are amazing – in pastel colors, with wicker baskets, sometimes even a Gucci bow on the handlebars. Most hotels offer bikes, but if not: no stress, you can easily rent one in the village.
fortebike.eu
The market of Forte dei Marmi
Every Wednesday until about 13:30 there is a super fun market in the center (Piazza Marconi). You can score all sorts of things here: dresses, leather belts, tablecloths, bowls – everything with that Italian flair.
Every second Sunday of the month there is an antique market at Piazza Dante. Think: unique finds with a story – perfect for your interior.
High-end shopping
Forte dei Marmi is a paradise for fashion lovers. In the streets Via Roma, Via Spinetti, and Via Mazzini, you will find boutiques from Loro Piana, Loewe, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Missoni, and Moncler. But also smaller unique shops where you find that one item that no one else has.
Dior is located in a beautiful historic building right in the center – worth a visit just for that.
Read here what you can learn from Italian women.
Note: the shops are closed between 13:00 and 16:00. Opening hours are from 10:00–13:00 and from 16:00–23:00.
Louis Vuitton Ice Cream – haute couture in a cone
Since June 2025, Forte dei Marmi has its own Louis Vuitton Ice Cream Shop. Think: couture ice cream in a designer cone, complete with LV monogram flower. Open from June to September.
Special flavors:
– Vivienne – Portuguese milk ice cream with mandarin swirls
– Gaston – Tuscan zuccotto with biscuit, crunchy bits, and dark chocolate flakes
Even the napkins are chic. And yes, you want a selfie with your LV ice cream.
Prices are very reasonable:
– 2 flavors: € 4.50 – 3 flavors: € 6.00
Opening hours: from 16:00 to 22:00
The most beautiful beach clubs of Forte dei Marmi
There are so many beautiful and fun beach clubs, but we chose Bagno Gilda – beautiful, stylish, and delicious food. You pay here for a day, under an elegant beautiful tent, with two sunbeds, two chairs, and two beach chairs (including towel) 300 euros. Not cheap, but it is for 6 people.
Free beach in Forte dei Marmi?
Yes, but it is limited. At Le Dune, on the north side of Forte dei Marmi, you will find a well-maintained piece of free beach. You can also roll out your towel at the waterline in other places, but most beach clubs take up most of the beach.
Popular beach clubs in Forte dei Marmi
Alpemare: Bocelli’s luxury hotspot, top service, culinary experience
Bagno Piero: Classic atmosphere, loved by generations
Twiga: Nice hip and trendy, beach-to-night concept
Bagno Gilda: Historic, charming, and stylish
Bagno Alcione: Modern, quiet, with a swimming pool
Augustus Beach: Wellness vibe, hydromassage & restaurant by the sea
Bagno Silvio: Delightfully authentic and family-oriented, for five generations
Bagno Dalmazia: Over the top luxury, stylish and connected to Hotel Principe
Where to sleep in Forte dei Marmi – the most beautiful hotels
Super much choice. Plenty of nice boutique hotels, villas, or five-star hotels. I’ve picked a few for you.
Hotel Byron: Super deluxe five-star hotel directly by the sea, with a Michelin restaurant and infinity pool.
Principe Forte dei Marmi: Uber cool, modern and sleek design hotel with a lovely spa, rooftop bar and beach access at Bagno Dalmazia.
Villa Grey: May-Britt’s favorite boutique hotel with a lovely private beach. Super tasteful.
Hotel Bellonda: Affordable, authentic and quietly located hotel with a beautiful garden.
Hotel Goya: Perfect for a slightly friendlier budget, within walking distance of the center and beach.
UNA HOTELS Forte dei Marmi: Nice resort just outside the center, with tennis courts and a swimming pool – convenient by car.
Book on time! In July and August, almost everything is full or the prices become very very high-end…
Go well prepared to Italy: read here the 7 things you are probably doing wrong.
If you are also going to Forte dei Marmi, I am very curious what you thought of it. Will you let me know?
Image: Louis Vuitton ice cream parlor
