What People Say About Living in Viareggio

As part of our series “What People Say About Living in…”, today we’re focusing on Viareggio, a seaside town of around 60,000 people in Tuscany.

If you’re planning a road trip to explore which city might suit you best, whether it’s Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Camaiore or Massarosa, chances are you’ll also make a stop in Viareggio. The city draws thousands of visitors every year: in the summer months for its beaches, and in February for its famous Carnival, one of the biggest and most spectacular in Italy.

But what’s living in Viareggio really like, once the tourists go home and the seasons change? To give you a clear picture, we’ve combined our own data with first-hand feedback from people who actually live here.

Life in Viareggio: What People Say

Residents often describe Viareggio as a town where life feels good all year round, and above all as a strategic place to live thanks to its location – close to some of Tuscany’s most popular destinations and just a short drive from Liguria as well:

“Viareggio is a city where you live well. Everything is within easy reach, you can move around without stress, and there aren’t particular safety concerns. We have the sea, the lake, we’re just a short distance from Lucca, Pisa, Pietrasanta, Florence – and the winters are mild. In fact, it’s quite common to go for a walk on the pier even in January.” – Laura B.

As a mid-sized town, Viareggio offers a good balance between a relaxed lifestyle and cultural events – although most of these are concentrated in the warmer months, from summer through Carnival in February:

“I come from a bigger city, and what I really appreciate about Viareggio is how quick and easy it is to get around. People have been welcoming, and culturally there’s plenty to do. Plus, you’re close to other seaside towns, so whenever I can I head to Livorno or even to Liguria.” – Marta M.

Transport and Connectivity in Viareggio

If you like the idea of living somewhere you don’t need a car every day, Viareggio could definitely be a good option. Even though public transport isn’t the most reliable, residents say that on foot or by bike you can easily reach everything you need: supermarkets, cafés, the beach.

That said, having a car is still essential if you don’t live in the center, or if you want to explore the nearby countryside and mountains:

“Viareggio is well connected and easy to get around by bike (as long as you stay along the coast). You park the car and basically forget about it 😅 Beautiful countryside all around. Sea and mountains… what more could you want?” – Maria L.

On top of that, Viareggio is close to three major airports: Pisa (24 minutes), Florence (50 minutes), and Genoa (a little over an hour). The local train station also covers several destinations: you can reach Pisa and Lucca in just 20 minutes, Florence in about 1h30, and Rome in around 3 hours.

Where to Live in Viareggio: Housing & Cost of Living

The real estate market in Viareggio is definitely one of the more challenging aspects to consider if you’re thinking about moving here. Being a popular tourist destination, especially during certain months of the year, many property owners prefer short-term or seasonal rentals over long-term leases. So, if you’re serious about relocating, make sure to start your search well in advance. On top of that, prices tend to be on the medium-to-high side:

Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it

The area most highly recommended by locals is Marco Polo/Don Bosco. It’s a quiet neighborhood just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, full of shops, and with plenty of free parking:

“Marco Polo/Don Bosco is, for me, the best area. You can reach the beach, the pine forest, and the town center in just a few minutes on foot. Shops of all kinds. Free parking. Many homes are second residences, so in winter it’s incredibly quiet.” – Michele C.

Alternatively, the “Campo d’Aviazione” and “Torre del Lago” areas are popular, especially for families with children, as they offer parks and a wide range of services – from medical facilities to restaurants, bars, and hairdressers:

“Here you have everything and you’re very close to the sea. If you have kids, there are play centers, a playground with entertainers, skating facilities, and two bus lines to central Viareggio. There are pizzerias, supermarkets, hairdressers, beauty centers, a CUP service with two general practitioners… Perfect for outdoor exercise too, with paths through the pine forest and along Viale dei Tigli.” – Emanuela S.

For those on a tighter budget, many prefer Terminetto and Migliarina – slightly further inland (but still within cycling distance of the beach) and a bit quieter, with cultivated areas giving a more “countryside” feel. Alternatively, the outskirts, including nearby villages like Pian di Mommio, Pian di Conca, and Stiava, offer plenty of greenery and peace, with bus connections to Viareggio.

If you’re looking for other seaside options, Marina di Pietrasanta or Lido di Camaiore are smaller, well-served towns closer to Versilia Hospital.

Challenges of Living in Viareggio

Beyond the high prices and the difficulty of finding housing in the most sought-after areas, another downside of living in Viareggio is that, outside the main tourist seasons, the town is extremely quiet and doesn’t offer many options for cultural events or entertainment:

“Life here is great if you want a peaceful lifestyle with mostly mild weather. From September to May, it’s wonderful, but for the rest of the year, there’s not much to do, so it might feel a bit boring.“ – Maurizio C.

So the town swings from bustling crowds during the summer months to almost complete tranquility in the off-season. Another significant drawback is the limited job market:

“Aside from freelance professions like doctors, plumbers, nurses, etc., it’s a town that doesn’t generate work outside of tourism. Income mostly depends on the summer months and Carnival.” – Laura R.

For some, it’s not worth choosing Viareggio simply because it’s seaside. Some locals suggest nearby areas where the water quality is better and essential services are easily accessible:

“Water quality in Viareggio is poorer compared to other Tuscan destinations further south or the Ligurian coast to the north, but urban development and services are excellent. Personally, I’d look further south, between Castiglioncello and San Vincenzo, where the water is much better while still being well connected.” – Barbara T.

Viareggio by the Numbers: Key Data

• Quality of Life: Good (83/100) – taking into account air quality, amenities, walkability, population, and environmental risks
• Air Quality: Good (84/100)
• Safety: Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
• Healthcare: Versilia-Pronto Soccorso (15 min.)
• Internet Speed: Good (average of 134 Mbps)
• Rent: ~ €1150 (70 m²)
• Transport: Pretty good
  • Airport: Galileo Galilei, Pisa (24 min.), Amerigo Vespucci, Florence (49 min.), Cristoforo Colombo, Genoa (74 min.)
  • Train Stations: Stazione di Viareggio (6 min), Stazione di Torre del Lago Puccini (10 min), Stazione di Camaiore Lido-Capezzano (13 min.)

For more detailed information about Scalea and its services and infrastructure, visit the Magic Towns city profile.

Is Viareggio right for you?

✅ Choose Viareggio if:

• You’re looking for a peaceful seaside town with good air quality
• You want to be close to decent healthcare facilities – even though the nearest hospital is a 15-minute drive away in Lido di Camaiore
• You prefer a place with a mild climate year-round
• You work remotely and need a quiet location with a stable internet connection

❌ Think twice if:

• You’re looking for a low cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and rentals
• You plan to move here and rely on local job opportunities
• You want a lively town with events happening throughout the year
• You don’t like tourist areas – Viareggio is generally calm but experiences significant crowd peaks during certain periods

Final thoughts

To sum up, if you’re looking for a peaceful seaside town with a mild climate, good air quality, and the chance to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle year-round, Viareggio could be a great option. The town is super walkable and bike friendly, and offers decent healthcare nearby, along with plenty of options for those who love nature and outdoor activities.

However, if affordability, a wide range of local job opportunities, or lively cultural events throughout the year are your top priorities, you might want to explore other towns nearby.

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Want to explore more options? 

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