Marina di Pisa is Pisa’s seaside neighbourhood, where the Arno meets the Ligurian Sea, about 12 kilometres west of the city centre. Its long promenade, sheltered pebble beaches and relaxed resort atmosphere offer a different view of Pisa from the crowds around the Leaning Tower.
The neighbourhood grew as a bathing resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Pisa’s coast became a popular summer escape. Liberty-style villas from that era still stand along the seafront, reminders of an elegant past that sits comfortably beside the area’s everyday, lived-in feel. The river mouth also hints at Pisa’s long connection to the sea, even though centuries of sediment have moved the coastline away from the historic city.
Come for a walk along the lungomare, especially at sunset, then linger over seafood or a slice of cecina, the local chickpea flatbread. Stone breakwaters shelter stretches of the shore, while the nearby Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli regional park offers pine woods and coastal landscapes for those who want to explore beyond the beach.
Late spring and early autumn are pleasant times to visit, with fewer crowds than in July and August. Beaches include both free public areas and paid establishments, and water shoes can be useful on the pebbles. Buses connect Marina di Pisa with central Pisa in roughly 30–40 minutes; check current routes and timetables before setting out.