Massa in Tuscany, Italy has been listed by the New York Times as one of the 52 destinations to visit in 2024. Indeed, beyond iconic destinations like Florence, Siena, and Pisa there lies a lesser-known side of Tuscany that is waiting to be explored. If you’ve already ticked off the major sights and are yearning for a more authentic experience, it’s time to venture off the beaten path and discover the coastal towns of Massa.
Nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Ligurian Sea, Massa provides a glimpse into Tuscan history and offers access to both mountainous landscapes and coastal attractions. In a day, you can hike in the mountains in the morning and then relax in the afternoon by taking a dip in the sea.
Where is Massa in Italy
Massa is located along the Tuscan Coast, next to the border with the Liguria region. It is often mentioned together with neighboring Carrara that many people think Massa Carrara is one big city.
Massa is a mostly a summer destination. The majority of tourists, mainly Italians, come here during the summertime to enjoy the beach.
The city itself is very small. Visiting its historic center takes only a few hours. However, its strength, in our opinion, is its strategic location. It can be used as a base for sleeping and exploring dozens of places of interest that can be easily reached in a short time: from the Tuscan coast, to the nearby Ligurian coast with the famous Cinque Terre, and even the inland areas of Lunigiana and Garfagnana. It is also not too far from cities such as Genoa, Pisa, Lucca, and Florence.
Massa Italy Map
Massa has a downtown where you find the main cultural and historical attractions, and a Marina which is liveliest during the summer season. Most of the accommodations and hotels are in Marina di Massa.
Below is the map of Italy where you can find Massa (the blue pin) and other destinations (orange pins) you may visit while based in Massa.
How to get to Massa, Tuscany, Italy
The closest airport is in Pisa. Even the airports of Florence, Genoa, and Bologna are also convenient. Read more here about how to fly to Tuscany.
You can easily reach Massa by car or train. Massa has one of the main train stations on the coastal line. And many Regionale slow trains and Frecce fast trains stop here.
Traveling by car, it has a speedway exit along the A12 autostrada. It is about 1,30 hours away from Genoa, 45 minutes from Pisa, 1,50 hours from Florence, and 3 hours from Milan.
However, the best way to enjoy Massa and its surroundings is by car. Having a car allows you to get from place to place freely.
The Best Things to Do in Massa, Italy
Despite most people coming to rest in the sun and going to the beach, the town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and local flavor. Here are some of the things you can do in Massa that will make your second Tuscan adventure truly unforgettable.
Potter around the Massa Historical Center
Downtown Massa is small and you can visit it in a couple of hours. Wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, admiring the colorful buildings and soaking up the atmosphere. Although the city is in Tuscany, architectural influences from the nearby region of Liguria are strong. Many buildings in the center are painted in bright color,s as is common in Liguria.
Don’t miss the Duomo, a beautiful cathedral with a distinctive facade in marble with six arches. Piazza Aranci (Square of the orange trees) might be viewed as the heart of the city. The square is surrounded by orange trees on three of the four sides. Along the fourth you find the beautiful Palazzo Ducale in red color.
To get a coffee or lunch, walk to Piazza Mercurio where most of the nicest bars and restaurants are. From Piazza Mercurio, furthermore, starts the staircase leading to the top of the hill where the Malaspina castle stands out.
Palazzo Ducale and Uffizi Diffusi
The entire eastern side of Piazza Aranci is taken up by the grand Palazzo Ducale, commissioned by Alberico I Cybo-Malaspina. The current forms and characteristic red color are 18th-century works by Alessandro Bergamini. The whole building is full of windows adorned with stucco and marble portals that give greater emphasis to the complex, which is about 20 meters high.
Once you go through the main gate you come to a large courtyard surrounded by columns, stairways, loggias and marble portals. At its end is the entrance to Neptune’s Grotto, a rocky, rococo-style room over which towers the statue of Neptune riding the waves.
In recent years, the palace also houses masterpieces from the Uffizi Museum in Florence, thanks to an initiative called Uffizi Diffusi. Part of the Florentine museum’s great artistic heritage, instead of lying in warehouses, is displayed inside museums or historic palaces in major Tuscan cities.
Discover the Malaspina Castle
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, the Malaspina Castle is a must-visit for history buffs. Explore the castle’s ramparts and towers and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Unfortunately, at the moment, the venue is closed for maintenance.
Relax at the beach in Marina di Massa
Massa boasts a lovely coastline, with several beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea.
In Marina di Massa, as is the case practically all over Italy, almost the entire coastline is organized into bathing establishments. Only small portions of the beach are free. So it is perfect for everyone who likes beach facilities such as sun umbrellas or cabanas, sun beds and chairs, bars and restaurants.
One of the symbols of the town is the pier. Locals are very proud of it and they go walking along it all year long. The view of the mountains is priceless. Unfortunately, the jetty is also currently closed to the public due to an accident. During the winter, on a bad weather evening, a merchant ship in high winds hit the pier and ran aground near it. Work is now underway to unseal and move it.
Visit the Carrara Marble Quarries
Just a short drive from Massa, the Carrara Marble Quarries are a fascinating sight. Take a tour to learn about the history of marble extraction and see the impressive machinery used to carve the stone.
HERE THE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE PRECIOUS MARBLE OF CARRARA
Hiking the Apuan Alps
Nature lovers will be in their element in the Apuan Alps, a mountain range known for its dramatic landscapes and marble quarries. Choose from various hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
Michelangelo’s David Mural
Among the dozens of beautiful walks throughout the Apuan Alps, one of the most recent and iconic is surely the one that leads to Michelangelo’s David mural. Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra has painted a colorful David over a giant marble wall at the top of the mountain. The easiest way to get there is along the path CAI n. 195 departing from Colonnata, a lovely village only 25 minutes by car from Massa.
The Botanical Garden of the Apuan Alps
Another good way to discover and enjoy the Apuan Alps is to reach the Botanical Garden “Pietro Pellegrini“. The nature reserve is something different from the botanical gardens we used to visit in any big city. Indeed, it is located in the Pian della Fioba site, about 900 meters above sea level. I highly recommend a visit and a guided tour of the reserve. Andrea, Marta, and the other guides form a fantastic group of well-trained, nature-loving people. Here is their Facebook page where you can get more information about opening times and tour schedules.
On the way to the gardens, you may also stop for a little walk in the village of Antona.
Day Trips from Massa Carrara, Italy
Deciding to base in Massa is great for exploring northern Tuscany and the Cinque Terre. Accommodation rates are cheaper than nearby and more popular locations such as Viareggio, Pietrasanta, or the luxurious Forte dei Marmi, but they can be easily reached within minutes. Here are some ideas for day trips from Massa (or even half-day trips):
Carrara and Colonnata
Carrara, the European capital of marble, is only twenty minutes away from Massa. Potter around the narrow streets of the center. Do not miss admiring the Duomo from outside and inside, as well as the colorful Piazza Alberica. Being an arty town, enter one of the many workshops or the Academy of Art (on Saturday mornings, there is a free entrance for visitors). Try one of the dishes of the local tradition like Lasagne stordellate, meat ragout tordelli, stuffed mussels, rice cake, or a slice of Calda (a kind of chickpea flour pancake).
Colonnata is a tiny village at the foot of the mountain surrounded by the marble quarries. Colonnata is world famous for a product of excellence in the Italian culinary tradition, the white lard. Visit one of the small larderies where you can taste and buy this delicacy. Once home, prepare a delicious bruschetta with warm bread and a very fine slice of lard.
DISCOVER SOMETHING MORE ABOUT THE TOWN OF CARRARA HERE
Street Market in Forte dei Marmi
Every Wednesday of the year, and Sundays from Easter to the end of October, Piazza Marconi hosts the street market, one of the most famous in Italy. Excellent bargains can be had on clothing, especially cashmere.
Make sure to take a wander around the boutiques of major Italian and international fashion brands, and head to the pier to catch a glimpse of the locals fishing or the sunset over the sea.
READ MORE ABOUT FORTE DEI MARMI HERE
Arty Town of Pietrasanta
Pietrasanta is only twenty minutes away from Massa. This little town has been a crossroads of artists for years. Names such as Fernando Botero and Igor Mitoraj decided to settle here to create some of their masterpieces and to live. All around the center, you find artworks on the street and in art galleries. Before leaving, sit at a bar in the Piazza del Duomo to enjoy an aperitivo and dine in one of the many lovely restaurants along the narrow alleys.
DISCOVER THE BEAUTIFUL ART IN THE LITTLE ATHENS OF TUSCANY. THE TOWN OF PIETRASANTA
Medici Villa Seravezza
At the feet of the Apuan Alps that surround the city of Massa, you find a lovely little town called Seravezza. Here, there is a UNESCO World Heritage site: one of the beautiful villas of the Medici Family. During the Renaissance, the Medici Family was the most powerful family of Tuscany, and they controlled most of the region. In Seravezza, they built a summer residence where they used to spend a few days away from Florence. Today, the villa hosts a museum. During summertime, it is nice to get an aperitivo at the end of the day in the little garden bar.
Take the train to Cinque Terre
Massa is also a good base to explore the famous Cinque Terre. The best way to get to Cinque Terre from Massa is by train. From Central Rail Station, catch a train to La Spezia, and from there a Regionale train to one of the five villages.
Discover the Lunigiana and Garfagnana
Not far from Massa, you find two of the most beautiful and wild areas of Tuscany and all of Italy. Lunigiana has lovely villages such as Fosdinovo, Pontremoli, Fivizzano, and Bagnone. And a unique cuisine different from the classical Tuscany with dishes like testaroli and panigacci, excellent chestnuts, and honey.
HERE IS A LITTLE GUIDE OF THE LUNIGIANA
Where to sleep in Massa, Tuscany, Italy
The northern coast of Tuscany has a wide range of accommodations, both hotels and rental apartments. Here is a personal selection of four hotels you might consider.
- Hotel Excelsior. The 4-star hotel is right in the center of Marina di Massa, a few steps from the beach and the pier. It also has a pool, rooms with a sea view, and an excellent restaurant on the terrace, which combines dishes of the Tuscan tradition and sushi thanks to the Japanese chef.
- Hotel Luna. Hotel Luna is a family-run hotel located only 250 meters from the sea. It has a pool and a garden where you can relax on a hot summer day.
- Villa Maremonti. This charming art deco villa is located on the seafront of the Ronchi. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this hotel surrounded by a lovely garden. A large swimming pool and an elegant restaurant complete the facilities at this exclusive hotel.
- Villa Elsa: This hotel is immersed in a huge park of 14000 sqm that guarantees relaxation and privacy. All rooms, decorated in modern style, have a balcony or a private patio. You can enjoy a swimming pool, and the restaurant is open from June to October. Its location is very comfortable, close to the sea. To reach the beach, just cross the road.
Where to eat in Massa, Tuscany, Italy
The list of restaurants in and around Massa is very long. Having a car, you can also reach places in neighboring towns. Below, I mention a few names:
- Acino Nero in Marina di Massa: Cozy, stylishly decorated restaurant. High-quality ingredients to prepare innovative dishes for both meat and fish lovers and vegetarians. Good selection of wines.
- For a good Neapolitan-style pizza, I highly recommend Pizzeria O’Vesuvio in Marina di Massa, near the pier.
- Il Ghignante in San Carlo: In the charming village of San Carlo, in the hills above Massa, is the restaurant. Here you can enjoy traditional Sardinian dishes while admiring the sun setting in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Osteria Pertini in Massa: The cuisine offered at this little restaurant is all homemade and includes dishes such as roasted potatoes and roast beef, cod fritters, as well as, of course, the house specialty, which is Pertini’s “tordelli.”
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