3 Days in Forte dei Marmi: The Insider’s Quiet Luxury Itinerary

After grabbing your custom hotel bicycles with the iconic woven wicker baskets, bypass the crowded cafes of the center and head to Pasticceria Gilda. This is where the gente di mare (the long-time local residents) retreat to escape the bustle. Order a caffè and a traditional budino di riso, enjoying the town’s best pastries in a setting that feels like a private garden.

Pedal to the shore and arrange a fully-serviced tenda (luxury tent) at Alpemare (the Bocelli family’s retreat) or Gilda Beach Club. Lunch is strictly “feet-in-the-sand”—the Spaghetti alle Arselle (tiny local clams) are non-negotiable.

The afternoon snack: On your way back from the beach, make a quick detour into the heart of town. For a true local mid-day ritual, stop by Valè in Piazza Garibaldi. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity; their warm, salty focaccina is the perfect, effortless fuel before your evening vibe starts.

The sunset: Head to the 67 Sky Lounge Bar. It is the place to be as the sun dips into the sea, offering an unparalleled view of the coast and the mountains.

Dinner: Dive into a fine-dining experience at Bistrot, a Michelin-starred institution that feels like a sophisticated private villa. While the entire menu is a masterpiece, the spaghettino ai ricci di mare e polvere di cappero is a sensory revelation

The morning adventure: Explore the Carrara marble quarries with a private 4x4 marble quarry tour. You’ll head deep into the Apuan Alps to witness the lunar landscapes where Michelangelo sourced his stone. The views from the white peaks down to the blue sea are of rare beauty.

From the mountains, head to Pietrasanta and start with a chic “aperitivo di mezzogiorno” in the vibrant Piazza Duomo, surrounded by sculpture and history.

Lunch in Pietrasanta: Secure a table at Filippo Pietrasanta, a local favorite for its elevated yet authentic Tuscan flavors, or Enoteca Marcucci, famous for its legendary wine wall and sophisticated, rustic atmosphere.

The evening: Back to the Forte for an evening stroll through the boutiques of Via Carducci. I recommend a stop at Fiacchini, a fashion powerhouse and a cornerstone of the town’s glamour since the 1970s, to discover their expertly curated selection of international designers. Just a short walk away, visit Giovanni del Forte in Via Roma. Famous for their iconic wooden clogs and bespoke sandals, this historic workshop represents the pinnacle of artisan luxury, with each pair handmade to your foot’s contour. Your evening continues with a pre-dinner glass of Champagne at Almarosa, the town’s most iconic spot for refined people-watching.

Dinner: A table at Lorenzo—the undisputed gold standard of Italian seafood with legendary service, it is an experience that defines the very essence of Forte dei Marmi’s elite dining scene. Order the Spaghetti alla Versiliese, “risottati” in a sea-flavored reduction to perfection, followed by their legendary Gran Frittura. Widely considered the finest and lightest in the country, it is a masterclass in coastal culinary art.

The morning departure: Leave the pine-shaded streets of Forte for a short private transfer to the Port in La Spezia, where your yacht awaits. Your journey begins through the legendary Gulf of Poets, passing between Portovenere and Palmaria Island. Watching the Church of San Pietro perched on the black cliffs while sipping a chilled glass of Vermentino from the deck is a quintessential Ligurian moment.

As you cruise north, you’ll witness Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia from the sea, a fantastic perspective of the vineyards and pastel-colored houses. The highlight of the day is the arrival in Vernazza. You’ll step off the yacht and explore the heart of the village for a slow stroll through the “caruggi” (narrow alleys). Lunch is a true insider’s secret at Belforte Restaurant. Perched on a cliff with the waves crashing below, it offers the most spectacular view in the Cinque Terre.

The grand finale: After a slow cruise back to the Forte, you’ll toast to your escape with a final dinner at Lux Lucis, featuring 360-degree views of the mountains and the sea.