Viareggio's beach is a broad, flat strip of fine sand running the full length of the town — about 3 km from the port canal in the south to the pine forest in the north. Almost all of it is divided into private stabilimenti balneari (beach establishments) that rent sun loungers and umbrellas by the day (expect to pay €15–25 per person in high season, including access to showers and changing rooms). A small free public beach (spiaggia libera) exists at the northern end near the Pineta di Levante, and another at the southern end near the port. The sea is shallow and calm — suitable for children — and the backdrop of the Apuan Alps visible on clear days makes the setting exceptional.