Located in the province of Massa-Carrara, on the border between Liguria and Emilia Romagna, the area has a broad coastline brimming with hotels and modern, well-equipped bathing establishments. Located at the feet of the Apuan Alps, Marina di Massa is also the perfect place for nature and excursion buffs, as you can stay overnight in cosy lodges in both summer and winter. There are also spectacular white marble caves in the heart of these mountains.
Start your holiday in Marina di Massa by visiting the city's historic centre, which includes a medieval quarter with narrow winding lanes, and an area that dates back to the 1500s constructed by Malaspina. The main local attractions include the cathedral and ducal palace, as well as aristocratic villas, like Villa Corsi, Villa Doria and Villa Franca. During the fascist era, Marina di Massa was home to holiday camps for the children of heavy industry workers. Among the various buildings constructed at the time, the most important is the former Balilla Tower, built by Fiat in the early 1930s, the huge structure of which still overlooks the seashore.
The Malaspina Castle, a fortified stronghold which was erected as a military structure, overlooks the city of Massa and the plains below. Dating from the early Middle Ages, it took on its current appearance — somewhere between a palace and a castle - during the Renaissance. Its impressive fortifications were changed time and time again over the centuries to counter the force of the emerging artillery. The castle consists of three separate parts: the imposing wall with bulwarks, walkways and spaces for the artillery, the residence and the keep.
Not far from Massa, the WWF's Educational Park, centred around the area's animal species, and the city of Carrara, are worth a visit. In Carrara you can go on an interesting tour of The Marble Museum and the art workshops in the area.
Taking advantage of the holiday packages to Marina di Massa you can also enjoy the specialities of Massa's cuisine: taglierini with beans, meat tordelli (a type of ravioli) and lasagne intordellate. One excellent product is the lardo di Colonnata (a type of lard), aged for almost 6 months in Carrara marble basins with lots of spices.
