Camaiore
Camaiore, in the province of Lucca, is a Versilia town with two distinct souls: the lively seaside resort of Lido di Camaiore and...
Updated 19 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Camaiore now
The story
The story of Camaiore
Camaiore: A Town Between Sea and Hills
Camaiore lies in Versilia, in the province of Lucca, just a short distance from the Tyrrhenian Sea and the first slopes of the Apuan Alps. The municipality includes a historic center perched on a hill and rich in medieval buildings, along with the coastal hamlet of Lido di Camaiore, a seaside resort with sandy beaches and a long promenade. This dual identity, part mountain and part coast, makes Camaiore a convenient base for exploring Versilia, close to Viareggio, Pietrasanta and Lucca, and ideal for combining beach days with strolls through lanes, squares and olive-covered hills.
History: From Medieval Origins to the Abbey
Camaiore's origins date back to the early Middle Ages, when the area developed along routes linking the coast with the Lucca hinterland, in a district also touched by the Via Francigena pilgrim road. A key trace of this past is the Badia di San Pietro, a Benedictine abbey complex built in the town and one of the most significant religious monuments in Versilia, notable for its Romanesque structure. The historic center still preserves its medieval layout, with narrow lanes, stone portals and the Collegiata overlooking the main square, the heart of civic life for centuries.
Nature and Landscape Between Coast and Apuan Alps
Camaiore's landscape brings together very different environments within a few kilometers. On the coast, the beach at Lido di Camaiore stretches out with fine sand and bathing establishments facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. Moving inland, the scenery gradually shifts: hills planted with olive groves and vineyards give way, in the distance, to the profile of the Apuan Alps, known for their marble quarries and mountain trails. Small villages and hamlets scattered across the Versilia hills offer panoramic views over the coastal plain and the sea, making the municipality a fitting summary of the Versilia landscape, from the shoreline to the first mountain slopes.
What to Do in Camaiore
Camaiore is well suited to an active holiday split between sea and hills. Along the Lido di Camaiore seafront, visitors can spend days on the beach, walk the promenade and try the water sports typical of Versilia. In the historic center, a walking tour can take in the Badia di San Pietro, the Collegiata and the old town's buildings, perhaps paired with a stop at a café on one of the main squares. For those who enjoy walking, the surrounding hills offer routes through olive groves and small rural hamlets, with the option of continuing toward trails in the Apuan Alps for longer hikes.
Local Flavors and Traditions
Camaiore's table reflects Tuscan and Versilia tradition, with dishes built on local olive oil, vegetables from the hinterland and fish from the nearby coast. Among the events marking the year, the feast of Corpus Domini stands out: for the occasion, the streets of the historic center are transformed by traditional carpets of colored sawdust, hand-crafted by local residents into elaborate designs, a custom that draws visitors and enthusiasts from beyond the region. Village festivals, local markets and communal gatherings tied to the liturgical calendar round out an offer that combines food, craftsmanship and community life.
Not to be missed
- Badia di San Pietro, a Romanesque Benedictine abbey in the heart of town
- Camaiore's historic center, with its lanes, stone portals and the Collegiata
- The beach and seafront promenade of Lido di Camaiore
- The Corpus Domini sawdust carpets in the streets of the old town
- The Versilia hills toward the Apuan Alps, among olive groves and small villages
To see
What to see in Camaiore
Routes · Trovido Route
Routes in Camaiore
Jobs · JobFlow
