Viareggio

"Summer (and Carnival) Fun For sand, sun, and fun on the Tuscan Riviera, head to this idyllic town bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea on one side and the peaks of Masa Carrara (home to the famous while marble of the same name) on the other. Originally built as the port for nearby Lucca, the town now draws summer crowds with six miles of sandy shores; there are both private and public beaches, with most of the latter set in the protected Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli regional park. Mingle with bronzed beachgoers, locals, and jet-setters along the nearly-two-mile-long La Passeggiata, a pedestrian street running parallel to the water and lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes; the composer Puccini regularly found inspiration along this stretch. But summer is not the only high season here: The annual Carnevale, taking place over the four weeks leading up to Lent, is considered one of the top carnival experiences in the world, and draws thousands of revelers with its elaborate floats, over-the-top costumes, and lively street parties."