Camaiore - A town in Versilia, Tuscany, where you simply feel at home

There is one destination in Versilia capable of surprising anyone who visits it: Camaiore! A medieval village steeped in history, with ancient traditions that bring its squares to life, footpaths leading up towards the Apuan Alps and, just a few minutes away, the sea at Lido di Camaiore.

The streets of the historic centre offer a welcome respite on hot summer days. From here, you can follow a stretch of the Via Francigena or set off on a mountain hike. It’s the ideal spot for both a weekend break and a holiday lasting several weeks.

An ancient heart steeped in history

The heart of Camaiore is its elegant historic centre, characterised by cobbled alleyways, lively squares and buildings of historic and ancient architecture. You can stroll at a leisurely pace, coming across artisan workshops, quaint cafés, restaurants and shops brimming with traditions and local specialities.

Notable monuments include the Abbey of San Pietro, founded in the Early Middle Ages and considered one of the symbols of Tuscan Christianity. Inside, you can admire works of art and architectural details that bear witness to Camaiore’s historic role along the Via Francigena.

The Museum of Sacred Art is also well worth a visit, housing paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and liturgical objects of great value.

One of the things that makes this town special is its connection to the historic Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route linking Canterbury to Rome. It became a destination for many pilgrims and a route for liturgical journeys as early as the Middle Ages.

The Via Francigena winds through rural landscapes, ancient villages and historical sites that bear witness to the passage of merchants and pilgrims over the centuries. The routes are suitable for both experienced hikers and those seeking a stroll through nature, combining culture and relaxation.

The most authentic side of Camaiore

One of the most eagerly awaited events in this town is the Palio dei Rioni, held in July. This event involves the town’s neighbourhoods in competitions, parades and celebrations.

Also extraordinary are the Tappeti di Segatura del Corpus Domini in June – true works of art created from coloured sawdust that cover the streets of the historic centre. Every year, artists and volunteers work for hours, often through the night, to create spectacular designs destined to last only a few hours, making this event one of the most exciting in Tuscany.

Also not to be missed is ‘Camaiore d’Altri Tempi’, an event held in August that transforms the town into a vast medieval stage with costumed participants, traditional crafts, performances and historical re-enactments. Throughout the year, the town centre also hosts antiques markets, food and wine events, and fairs dedicated to local crafts.

One of Camaiore’s key attractions is its prime location between the sea and the mountains, offering opportunities for nature-based activities, relaxation, hiking or simply wonderful days by the sea. In just a few minutes, you can reach the beaches of Lido di Camaiore, perfect for relaxing, enjoying water sports or strolling along the seafront.

The nearby Apuan Alps offer numerous routes for hiking and mountain biking. The trails wind through woods, ancient villages, mule tracks and vantage points from which you can admire both the Versilia coastline and the mountains at the same time.

For cycling enthusiasts, the hilly roads and routes through the surrounding countryside allow you to cycle amongst olive groves, vineyards and small villages, experiencing Tuscany at a slow and sustainable pace.