Best aperitivo in Versilia
Sparkling wines and cocktails at sunset: aperitivi on the coast
In the Versilia, the sun slowly dipping into the sea isn’t just one of the most romantic settings of the day, but is also one of the best moments on the most glamorous coast in Tuscany: happy hour, or aperitivo. La Capannina di Franceschi is a true piece of history in Forte dei Marmi and hasn’t lost an ounce of its charm over the years. Its leading cocktail is the excellently prepared Negroni (viale Repubblica, 16). For gin connoisseurs there’s Caffè Morin, with its range of 40 labels by serious experts. But the Moscow Mule and the Saint Germain Spritz are also absolutely worth tasting (via Caio Duilio, 5). 67 Sky Lounge Bar offers a breath-taking view for its guests, an elegant bar on the hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi’s panoramic terrace. Behind the bar, the winner of Forte Week Competition 2017, Omar Caceres, will guide you through the extensive cocktail list, divided into four categories: classics, expressions – for the “un-traditionals” – non-alcoholic and after dinner, aka dessert in a cup (viale Amm. Morin, 67). Another cult locale for aperitivo is AlmaRosa Art Music & Bar, offering a river of sparkling wines, both Italian (the Berlucchi Cuvee ’61 is an exclusive) and French, as well as its Mojito prepared with organic mint. Cheeses and cold cuts are the perfect entrée before dinner, perhaps at AlmaRosa Kitchen and Drinks, the recently opened restaurant next door to the bar (viale Amm. Morin, 89/A). Are you tired after a long day of shopping in Forte’s beautiful boutiques? Sit down at one of the outside tables at Caffè Sambo, perfectly embodying the “drinkable Versilia” style (via IV Novembre, 16/A). In the piazza Garibaldi is Il Giardino, where you can sip on original cocktails like the Lipari Spritz (Aperol, prosecco, white port and peach vodka) or the Rubino Lucchese (China Massagli, Lucchese Vermouth and ginger). Beginning in June, first only in the weekend, though later every evening, the Brigata di Filippo, the famous restaurant in Pietrasanta, and the crew at Bagno Piero will be guests at the beach resort Alle Boe for an elegant aperitivo on the water. Sundown is on them (Viale della Repubblica, 99). Heading down the coast, you’ll come to Marina di Pietrasanta, home to two iconic beach clubs. The first is Twiga, which at sunset transforms into one of the most exclusive clubs in the Versilia, worth enjoying from happy hour to deep in the night. Inside, an African mood, outside, the aromas of the sea (via Lungomare Roma, 2). The second is Nikki Beach, a vibrant atmosphere, excellent Mojitos, a selection of champagne and prosecco, and fresh rosé, the latter of which is dedicated its own celebration in the form of Rosé Saturday: a glass of wine in the afternoon, a seafood dinner and live music (via Lungomare Roma, 96). Aperitivo on the water at Ostras Beach (viale Lungomare Roma, 123). At Lido di Camaiore, you can’t skip the bottomless warm schiacciatine at Il Pinolo (via del Fortino, 42), or choose a drink at Cosmopolitan (piazza Lemmetti, 20) and Amadeus (viale Cristoforo Colombo, 35). The last stops, in Cinquale, are the Beach Club and its Saturday Night apericena, broadcast on Radio Nostalgia (viale IV Novembre, 18), and on Friday, A piedi nudi at Sunset (viale IV Novembre, 20).
