| Destination of the week: |
| | Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany |
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View property in Forte dei Marmi and nearby
In recent years it has become a favourite haunt of Russian tycoons and Italian footballers. The beach resort of Forte dei Marmi, on Tuscany’s Versilia coast, may be a magnet for the nouveau riche, but it still oozes a timeless charm and elegance that has served it well down the decades.
And while this genteel retreat has more than its fair share of expensive, pine-screened villas – fashion icon Giorgio Armani; singers Andrea Bocelli and Zucchero Fornaciari; and soccer boss Marcello Lippi all have homes here – it is possible to find a dream home here with a much more modest budget.
Forte dei Marmi, which first began to expand at the start of 16th century, takes its name from the marble fortress built here in 1788 (its name being Italian for marble fortress).
The imposing structure and nearby marketplace form the centrepiece of this scenic town. In keeping with its well-heeled air, on Wednesdays people flock to the market from miles around as it is the place to pick up top-class designer clothes at a bargain. The town centre is also full of swanky designer boutiques and is ideal for late-evening shopping.
Forte dei Marmi has been an exclusive, upmarket retreat for more than 100 years, with famous visitors in years gone by including the 19th century writer Gabriele D'Annunzio, his one-time lover, actress Eleonora Duse and the Nobel prize-winning literary icon Eugenio Montale.
Today, holidaymakers are still drawn here by its clean, sandy beaches, mild climate and stunning backdrop formed by the snowy peaks of the Apuan Alps. (By the way, Santa Maria Beach on Via Arenile No9 was a few years ago voted one of the world’s top 10 topless beaches by the influential Forbes magazine).
Most of Forte dei Marmi’s hotels are on or very close to the seafront and some have private beaches. Its blue seas offer great opportunities for lovers of water sports while skiers can head to the nearby mountains.
In addition to the beauty of its sands and its town centre, a number of popular events are held here. Forte dei Marmi’s International Political Satire Festival, staged around October, draws more than 35,000 visitors and some 200 cartoonists and from the US, UK and as far afield as Argentina, Poland, Russia and Turkey.
The Versilia Jazz Festival (formerly the Jazz ’n Forte Festival) takes place in July and August while late August also sees colourful celebrations to honour the town’s patron Saint, St Ermete. The days leading up to August 28 feature folk singers, a market fair and medieval costumed parades while on August 28 the festivities conclude with a giant fireworks display.
Forte dei Marmi is also handily placed to visit nearby attractions such as Torre del Lago Puccini, where composer Giacomo Puccini lived. Here, there is also an open-air theatre by nearby Lake Massaciuccoli where one can enjoy his operas. In addition, the art cities of Lucca, Pisa and Florence all lie within 45 minutesÂ’ distance.
View property in Forte dei Marmi and nearby
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