Marina di Pisa is a seaside town located not far from Pisa. Its beginnings can be first traced back to the 17th century when Ferdinando I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, decided to move the mouth of the River Arno and reclaim land in the area. A hexagonal building surrounded by a moat, called “the Fort”, was then built for the custom traffic. Fishermen's houses probably began to spring up around this building over time but the official foundation of the town itself dates back to 1872. This is when the municipality of Pisa drew up a plan of a grid-pattern town divided by three squares connected to Pisa by a major road. Though the town of Marina di Pisa is not so old as many others in the region, it still has a fascinating history, is exceptionally pretty and is perched in a wonderful coastal location.
If you are looking to get away from it all and enjoy some sun, see and a different pace of life, just find a villa with pool in Marina di Pisa.
If you are looking to get away from it all and enjoy some sun, see and a different pace of life, just find a villa with pool in Marina di Pisa.
The introduction of a steam railway line from Pisa to Marina in the 1890s saw it become a tourist destination with the first restaurants, resorts and hotels cropping up in the area. As it was also home to some astounding Art Nouveau and neo-medieval villas, it became an attractive and chic holiday destination and many celebrities chose houses in this new coastal town.
Among them was Gabriele D’Annunzio, a famous Italian writer, poet and journalist. The sandy beaches of the area would then go on to inspire some of his most famous poetry.
Today, the town is still a popular tourist spot and many facilities have been developed over the years for visitors to take advantage of while visiting the area. The beaches, both sandy and rocky, bathing facilities, fishing, bike paths, hikes and dining options all are key activities in Marina.
Among them was Gabriele D’Annunzio, a famous Italian writer, poet and journalist. The sandy beaches of the area would then go on to inspire some of his most famous poetry.
Today, the town is still a popular tourist spot and many facilities have been developed over the years for visitors to take advantage of while visiting the area. The beaches, both sandy and rocky, bathing facilities, fishing, bike paths, hikes and dining options all are key activities in Marina.
A particularly popular spot is the “Bocca d’Arno” (also written as “Boccadarno”), the area at the mouth of the Arno river. Characterized by the distinctive fishing nets called “Retoni”, it is a scenic spot where the river, the Natural Park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli and mountains all come together to paint a very pretty picture. At sunset, in particular, the whole area magically transforms into an exceptionally beautiful and romantic sight. While the setting is enticing for couples, the town is also very family-friendly with beaches that are protected from the open sea by large rock walls, making the beach-going experience much more pleasant and better for children than the strong currents on the rest of this stretch of coast near Pisa.
If you are in search of a pretty seaside town in Tuscany to appease the whole family, look no further.
If you are in search of a pretty seaside town in Tuscany to appease the whole family, look no further.
Photo credits
Picture 1: Piergiuliano Chesi / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 3: Piergiuliano Chesi / CC BY 3.0
Picture 1: Piergiuliano Chesi / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 3: Piergiuliano Chesi / CC BY 3.0
