VIDEO: If you happen to’re prepared for an additional Italian bike resort evaluation, right here’s a very good one. This time, I traded the rolling hills and Strade Bianche of inland Tuscany for one thing unexpectedly totally different – the Tuscan Riviera and the Resort Residence Esplanade in Viareggio. Sure — Tuscany has a Riviera. And it’s beautiful.
Watch my video evaluation under, and see extra on the PEZCycling Youtube channel
Viareggio sits on the northern finish of Tuscany’s 500-plus kilometers of shoreline, in a sun-soaked strip referred to as Versilia. Suppose miles of large, sandy seashores, the Apennine Mountains rising simply behind the city, and easy accessibility to Pisa and Lucca. It’s additionally residence to the one devoted bike resort within the area: Resort Residence Esplanade.
I based mostly myself there for a number of days — timed completely with three levels of the Giro d’Italia — to discover the driving, the area, and the resort’s cyclist-friendly facilities. Right here’s what I discovered.
Getting There: Simple Entry from Pisa or Florence
Reaching Viareggio couldn’t be easier. Pisa Airport is simply a 30-minute drive away, and Florence is simply over an hour. I flew into Pisa, looped over the port metropolis of Livorno, grabbed a rental automobile, and rolled straight to the resort with ease. Minutes after arrival, I used to be taking a look at palm timber and settling into the relaxed seaside vibe.
Classic bike and historic photograph of the resort
First Impressions & Resort Historical past
The Resort Residence Esplanade has greater than a century of historical past — initially constructed as a grand seaside resort within the early twentieth century. you’re in the correct place the second you notice the classic Italian racing bikes proudly displayed within the foyer.
Inside, the resort blends traditional attraction with trendy upgrades throughout a variety of room sorts.
Rooms: Trendy, Clear, and Comfortably Quiet
I stayed in a Consolation Room — quiet, darkish, and completely trendy. Rooms on the bottom of the property are significantly peaceable – and all of the rooms have wonderful blackout blinds. However in the event you’re trying to elevate your keep, the resort additionally provides:
No matter your journey model or funds, there’s one thing for you. Take a look at rooms within the Resort’s gallery right here.
Rooftop Lounge & Full Wellness Spa
For unwinding, the rooftop lounge provides views over the coast — full with lemon timber and a relaxed vibe. Downstairs, there’s a private-bookable spa that includes:
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Cold and warm baths
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Sauna & steam room
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Plush towels
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Tender, meditative music
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Full therapeutic massage service
It’s a correct wellness heart, and a welcome deal with after a giant day on the bike.
Fitness center & Testing Lab: Surprisingly Superior
One of many resort’s most spectacular options is its trendy health heart, which rivals a high-end coaching studio. Past treadmills, spin bikes, and free weights, they’ve diagnostic gear that analyzes your stride, steadiness, and total biomechanics.
Virginia, who runs the health heart, walked me by way of the info — and diplomatically identified all of the areas the place my physique “may enhance” (there have been a number of).
Cyclists Welcome: Bike Room & Professional Visitors
As an authorized Italy Bike Resorts property, the Esplanade provides correct biking infrastructure:
Once I was there, the Trek regional workforce was additionally staying on the resort in the course of the Giro and Tirreno–Adriatico. If it’s ok for the professionals…
Guided Driving: Mountains, Shoreline & Giro Levels
I didn’t know the native routes effectively, so the resort related me with two wonderful guides: Marco and Rasa of Magnum Aventura.
Rasa & Marcao – wonderful guides
Collectively, they deliberate an ideal trip towards Lucca to observe the Giro’s time trial. We rolled alongside the foothills of the Apennines, climbed just a few punchy ascents, and traced elements of the subsequent day’s Giro stage route.
The surroundings is traditional Tuscany-meets-seaside:
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Shaded roads lined with historic timber
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Hilltop views again to the Mediterranean
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Small medieval church buildings and ruins
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Clean, quiet tarmac
The ultimate descent into Lucca was unforgettable — particularly as Marco led us by way of a “secret entrance” beneath the medieval wall and up onto the ramparts. Moments later, we have been watching the time trial blast previous on the town partitions.
Publish-Trip: Rain Sprints & Rewarding Meals
Our return to Viareggio changed into a race towards a fast-moving rainstorm. We almost made it — the final 3–4 km have been a full downpour dash. A correct journey.
Again on the resort: scorching bathe, chilly beer, and later, a Negroni within the bar.
Dinner on the Esplanade is desk service (not buffet-style like many bike resorts), and the menu is elevated and wonderful. I had a fantastically recent salad, adopted by a wealthy pasta with ragu Bolognese — precisely what I wanted.
Breakfast: A Bicycle owner’s Dream Unfold
Breakfast is an Italian traditional achieved proper:
All the things you want for a giant day trip.
What Else to Do in Viareggio
Past the bike, Viareggio is filled with surprises:
You might need sen this float on the Giro 2025 stage 11 feed when the peloton rode proper previous it.
Tremendous-Yacht Capital of the World
Town’s shipyards construct lots of the world’s greatest luxurious yachts — at roughly one million {dollars} per meter. Deliver your checkbook.
Carnival of Viareggio
Each February, Viareggio hosts Italy’s second-largest Carnival celebration. The large floats, inbuilt aircraft-hangar-sized workshops, are a sight you gained’t overlook.
The Passeggiata
Each night, locals be a part of the normal passeggiata alongside Viareggio’s huge beachfront promenade. It’s among the finest in Italy — large, energetic, and ideal for pre-dinner strolling (with an aperitivo, naturally).
Why I Suggest Resort Residence Esplanade
This can be a family-run resort, and it exhibits. The workers have been right here for years and genuinely care about offering wonderful service — one thing I constantly discover in the very best Italian resorts.
Briefly:
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Excellent location
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Simple airport entry
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Excellent driving selection
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Glorious biking help
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Nice meals
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Snug rooms
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Wellness & health club services
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Tons to discover off-the-bike
If you happen to’re planning a biking vacation in Italy — or simply need a seaside getaway with nice meals and tradition — put Resort Residence Esplanade in Viareggio in your record.
And inform them Pez despatched you.
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