TUSCANY'S HIDDEN GEM

Discover affordable luxury and authentic experiences in the Italian coastal town of Forte dei Marmi

- MICHELLE DARLOW

As a couple in our forties who think of ourselves as foodies and art lovers, but aren’t keen on long-haul travel, we couldn’t quite believe it had taken us this long to discover Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany, a dreamy destination just a two-hour flight away.

After landing in Pisa and picking up our hire car, we couldn’t miss out on paying a quick visit to the famous Leaning Tower before setting off to the coast. Any grumbles about our 6am flight were soon forgotten as we managed to nab a parking spot in the city centre, just a two-minute walk from this busy tourist attraction. We captured the iconic “holding up the tower” picture (of course) and grabbed a quick bite to eat in the square before the crowds flooded in.

WHERE TO STAY

We then set off to our accommodation, the trendy La Serena hotel in Forte dei Marmi, a 40-minute drive from Pisa – and a place that was to take us by complete surprise. As you drive into this Tuscan coastal town you’re instantly blown away by the stunning views: mountains to one side, a long beachfront to the other and a bustling, upmarket town in the middle. It was like we had stepped into a VIP village; lined with rows of exclusive beach clubs, it had a buzz that oozed glamour.

GRAND DESIGNS