Why Visit Torre del Lago Puccini
Torre del Lago is a small town between Lake Massaciuccoli and the sea. It's famous for its summer Puccini festival in the outdoor theater on the lake. Puccini called this area "paradise" and in fact the lake is still very peaceful and a good place for a relaxing vacation. He turned an old watch tower by the lake into his villa, now a museum, and wrote many of his operas there. Recently the name Puccini has been added to the town name of Torre del Lago to honor the famous composer.
Marina di Torre del Lago on the sea has a seaside promenade, restaurants, beaches, and discos during summer. Its Lecciona beach is famous as a gay beach.
Torre del Lago Location
Torre del Lago is in Tuscany about 25 kilometers from both Lucca and Pisa. It's five kilometers from the seaside resort town of Viareggio and a short distance from the sea on the Tuscan coast. (see Versilia Coast Map)
Torre del Lago Transportation
Torre del Lago is served by a few regional trains on the coastal rail line between Genoa and Viareggio and the rail line from Pisa. Faster trains arrive in Viareggio where you can catch bus line 2 or 3 to the town and lake. Pisa airport, 15 kilometers away, is the closest airport (see Italy airports map). From the airport, take the train into Pisa, then a train to Torre del Lago. The train station is in the town, about one kilometer from the lake.
Where to Stay in Torre del Lago
Hotel Butterfly (information and book direct) is a 3-star hotel ideally located by the lake, Puccini villa, and the Puccini Festival Theater. The inexpensive 1-star Villa Rosy (information and book direct) is in the town. Hotel Turnadot (information and book direct) is closer to the beach and some rooms have sea views.There are a few houses with bed and breakfast and a campground on the road between the lake and town.
Viareggio has many hotels and has bus service to Torre del Lago. Here are top rated Viareggio hotels.
Villa Puccini Museum
Villa Puccini Museum is open to visitors for 40 minute guided tours in the morning from 10 - 12:40, afternoon hours vary be season. It's closed Mondays, Christmas Day, and most of November. Inside you can see photos and relics from Puccini's life, period furniture, and the chapel where he's buried. English audioguides are available.
Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago
In July and August the outdoor theater by the lake hosts the Puccini Festival with performances of his operas. Concerts and ballet performances are held in the theater, too. Book your hotel ahead if you plan to stay in Torre del Lago during the festival. You can purchase festival tickets online in US dollars from Select Italy (buy direct).
Torre del Lago Puccini Pictures
Take a virtual tour of Puccini's villa, the lake and the Oasi di Massaciuccoli wetlands park with Europe Travel's Torre del Lago Puccini Pictures.
Near Torre del Lago Puccini
- Oasi di Massaciuccoli, on the other side of the lake, is a protected nature area with boardwalks through the wetlands area, bird-watching blinds, and signs posted about the birds.
- Viareggio is the largest beach resort town in Tuscany. Art nouveau buildings housing shops, cafes, and seafood restaurants line its promenade. It's also known as one of the top places to celebrate Carnevale.
- Pisa is known for the leaning tower but it has several other intersting sights and attractions, too. Pisa makes a good day trip from Torre del Lago.
