Pista Ciclabile Fausto Coppi — The Versilia Coastal Path

Named after the legendary Italian cycling champion Fausto Coppi, this is Italy's most celebrated coastal cycle path — 25.5 kilometres of flat, perfectly surfaced tarmac running parallel to the Ligurian Sea from Viareggio in the south to Cinquale (Marina di Massa) in the north. The path was purpose-built along Versilia's extraordinary coastline, threading between the pine forests, luxury beach clubs, and the pale marble residences that have made this coast the summer address of Italian high society since the 1950s. The route begins on Viareggio's celebrated Art Nouveau promenade — lined with Liberty-style cafes from the 1920s — and heads north through Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta, and into Forte dei Marmi, the jewel of the Versilian coast. The iconic Forte dei Marmi pier appears at roughly the halfway point, extending into the turquoise Ligurian sea like a promise. Beyond Forte, the path continues through Vittoria Apuana and Poveromo before reaching Cinquale, from where the hardiest can continue on road towards Marina di Carrara. The Apuan Alps rise dramatically inland throughout, their white marble peaks visible above the pine forests like a permanent backdrop. At sunrise and sunset, when the peaks catch the light, the visual effect is extraordinary. The path itself is completely flat — a genuine zero-gradient route — making it suitable for all ages, all abilities, all types of bicycle. E-bikes, tandems, children's bikes, racing bikes: this path welcomes them all.