Making the most of Marina di Carrara
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This working container port is not especially attractive, and the inland town of Carrara is a very long walk from Marina di Carrara.
The port provides complimentary shuttles to Carrara every half an hour, though they run less frequently during Siesta time.
Marina di Carrara itself is a proper Italian beach town and is only a short walk away: turn left when leaving the port.
Marina di Carrara is a modern seaside resort with extensive facilities and a broad, soft sandy beach between the blue sea and green pine woods. The beach is divided into Bagni, where visitors can hire chairs and umbrellas and use showers, changing facilities and lifeguards. You may still walk along the water freely and stop for a drink at one of the many terraces.
The striking white-streaked mountains behind Marina di Carrara helped shape Italy’s historic appearance. What resembles snow is some of the world’s purest marble, used for Rome’s Pantheon and Trajan’s Column. From here, Florence, with its celebrated art and Renaissance buildings, is an hour and 45 minutes away by road; Pisa is 50 minutes along the coast.
Getting around
Carrara Avenza train station is within walking distance. A direct train to Pisa takes about 1 hour; Florence takes well over 2 hours, changing at either Pisa or Viareggio.
Nearby places
Carrara is 20 minutes inland by car and is known as the Marble City. Marble appears almost everywhere, from pavements and sculptures to fountains and the main cathedral.
Money
Local currency: Euro.
Staying connected
The language is Italian.
WiFi is available in the city centre and along the waterfront.
For emergencies, dial 112.
Opening Hours and
Most Italian shops and businesses operate Monday to Saturday from roughly 8am to 1pm and again from about 4pm to 7pm. Many close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in the south the day may start and finish an hour later. Some northern businesses follow a 9am-5pm pattern for international dealings. Sunday traditionally sees everything except bars and restaurants shut, though most towns have a pasticceria open in the morning and Sunday trading is increasingly common in large cities and tourist areas.