The Sacred Hour
In Italy, the aperitivo is not just a drink — it is a ritual of transition, marking the shift from the working or beach day into the evening. Between 6pm and 8pm, Versilia's bars fill with Italians doing what they do instinctively well: looking elegant, drinking slowly, and talking properly.
Understanding how to do aperitivo in Versilia is understanding Italian culture at its most pleasurable.
What to Drink
Campari Soda: The old-fashioned order. Campari with soda water and a slice of orange. Clean, bitter, perfect. The original aperitivo cocktail, invented by Campari himself. Still the correct order at any traditional bar.
Aperol Spritz: The modern classic. Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, orange slice. Lighter and more approachable than Campari. Everywhere in Versilia in summer — for good reason.
Negroni: The sophisticated choice. Gin, sweet vermouth, Campari. Equal parts. The Florentine invention that took over the world. At a good bar, it should be stirred, not shaken, and served over a large ice cube.
Vermentino Bianco: Skip the cocktail and order a glass of local Vermentino. The Colline Lucchesi version is crisp, mineral and pairs perfectly with the sea air.
Where to Go — The Aperitivo Trail
Beach Club Sundowners (6–7:30pm)
The most spectacular aperitivo in Versilia happens at the beach clubs, with the Apuan Alps turning pink and the sun dropping into the sea. The bar terrace at Twiga Beach in Forte dei Marmi is the benchmark — beautiful people, excellent drinks, the DJ warming up gently. Alpemare is the other great address.
Timing is everything: Arrive at 6pm for a sunlounger position at the bar. By 7pm, it will be full.
Pietrasanta — The Piazza Ritual
Pietrasanta's Piazza del Duomo has three or four bars whose tables spill into the square from 6pm. Artists, gallery owners, and the international creative community that summered here for decades gather for Campari under the ancient plane trees. It's one of the most civilised aperitivo scenes in Italy.
Forte dei Marmi — The Pine Tree Bars
The bars along the lungomare and in the village centre do a more restrained, classic aperitivo. Chilled Vermentino and stuzzichini (small bites) at a white-clothed table under the pines.
The Stuzzichini Culture
A proper aperitivo comes with stuzzichini — small bites to absorb the alcohol. In Versilia, expect:
- Bruschette — toasted bread with tomato, olive oil and sea salt
- Crostini — topped with chicken liver pâté (fegatini), a Tuscan classic
- Olive and giardiniera — pickled vegetables alongside cured olives
- Mini tramezzini — tiny triangular sandwiches, a northern Italian tradition adopted everywhere
Some bars offer a full buffet with the purchase of a drink — this is the Milan tradition, now found in smarter Versilia establishments.
The Etiquette
- Never rush the aperitivo. One drink typically takes 45 minutes in good company.
- Tipping is not expected but always welcome
- The aperitivo bill is typically €8–14 per drink depending on the venue
- At beach clubs, the aperitivo is considered a separate occasion from the beach — dress appropriately (not just a swimsuit)
Live picks
Venues in Versilia
Pulled from live venue data · sorted by rating
