Massa is a city in Tuscany, in north-western Italy, set between the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its position makes it a natural base for visitors who want to combine the coast with the mountains that rise just behind it.
What to expect
The city is best approached as a gateway. It is known as the entrance to the marble quarries of the Apuan Alps, and for many visitors the landscape around the town is the main attraction. The contrast between the sea on one side and the rugged mountains on the other gives the area a distinctive character.
- Views of the Apuan Alps from the town and its surroundings
- Access to the Tyrrhenian coast
- A quieter, less crowded base than some of the better-known towns nearby
Planning a visit
Massa suits travellers interested in landscape, the working heritage of the marble region and a slower pace of Tuscan life. Those interested in the quarries may wish to look into what is currently open to visitors before arriving, as access can vary. Because the city sits between mountains and sea, it works well as one stop within a wider trip along the Tuscan coast.
