Best Days Out in Pietrasanta: Art, Culture, and Gourmet Experiences

Best Days Out in Pietrasanta: Art, Culture, and Gourmet Experiences

Just a short drive from Forte dei Marmi lies Pietrasanta—a gem of northern Tuscany known for its vibrant art scene, historic charm, and elegant atmosphere. Nicknamed “Little Athens”, this town is where artists, sculptors, and food lovers meet against the backdrop of marble mountains and pine-covered hills.

Whether you’re here for a quick cultural stop or want to spend a full day immersing yourself in art and food, Pietrasanta delivers a perfect mix.

1. Start with Art and History in the Historic Center

• Piazza Duomo: Begin your day here, where contemporary sculptures are permanently on display in front of the Cathedral of San Martino. You might see works by Botero, Mitoraj, or local emerging artists.
• Museo dei Bozzetti: Located in an old convent, this museum showcases over 700 maquettes from global artists who worked in local marble studios.
• Church of Sant’Agostino: Don’t miss this Gothic gem—now a hub for rotating art exhibitions curated by the city.
• Walk to the Rocca di Sala: For a scenic break, take a short uphill walk to the remains of the medieval fortress. The view spans the town’s rooftops all the way to the sea.

2. Add a Gourmet Adventure (Food & Wine Activities)

After the artistic immersion, explore the countryside around Pietrasanta and the surrounding hills with curated culinary experiences:

Vermentino Wine Tasting

Visit a vineyard in the Candia or Luni hills, where Vermentino grapes grow in sea-kissed soils. Enjoy a guided tasting paired with olive oil, focaccia, and local cheeses. This makes a perfect late morning or pre-lunch activity.

Visit to a Salami & Ham Producer

Tour a local salumificio, where traditional Tuscan meats are made using time-honored methods. Learn how prosciutto, capocollo, and finocchiona are prepared and aged. The experience ends with a rustic tasting of cured meats, wine, and fresh bread.

Olive Oil & Lardo Tasting in Colonnata

Combine a visit to the Carrara marble quarries with a stop in Colonnata, where lardo is cured in marble basins with herbs and spices. This is a rare and unforgettable local delicacy.

Truffle Hunt in Lunigiana (Optional Half-Day Trip)

Join a professional truffle hunter and their dog in the chestnut forests of Lunigiana (approximately one hour from Pietrasanta). Learn about truffle foraging, followed by a tasting or full lunch featuring freshly found truffles.

These experiences can be organized as half-day food tours or added to your itinerary from either Pietrasanta or Forte dei Marmi.

3. Lunch and Aperitivo in Town

If you’re staying in Pietrasanta for lunch:

• Enoteca Marcucci: Legendary wine cellar and upscale Tuscan cuisine.
• Filippo: Elegant, modern take on regional dishes.
• Osteria Barsanti or Trattoria Gatto Nero: More casual, great local atmosphere.

For a lighter stop, try a wine bar offering platters of local cheese and cured meats. End the afternoon with an aperitivo in Piazza Duomo or Piazza Crispi.

4. Gallery Stroll & Boutique Shopping

Pietrasanta is filled with artisan workshops, design stores, and art galleries. You’ll find ceramics, marble sculptures, handmade jewelry, and Tuscan linens. Local artists are often open to chats or quick demonstrations.

5. Suggested Itinerary Options

6. Getting There & Practical Tips

• Distance: ~10 minutes from Forte dei Marmi by car or taxi.
• Best days: Thursday through Sunday for open galleries and events.
• Parking: Ample paid parking just outside the city walls.
• What to wear: Comfortable shoes, light layers, and sunglasses.

Final Thought

Pietrasanta is not just a detour—it’s a complete Tuscan experience. Whether you’re interested in art, food, or simply strolling through a beautiful and cultured town, it offers a full and refined escape from the beach.