Marina di Carrara Port: Things To Do in Marina di Carrara
Now Go See It is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Visiting Marina di Carrara on a cruise ship offers a unique blend of art, history, and coastal beauty, with opportunities to explore marble quarries, nearby Cinque Terre, and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.
About Marina di Carrara
Marina di Carrara is a small coastal town in northern Tuscany known for its beaches and close access to Carrara, the marble quarries of Tuscany. If you’re docking at the Marina di Carrara cruise port, the town offers an easy and scenic introduction to the region without needing a full-day excursion.
This coastal city is part of Tuscany, though it feels more industrial than postcard-pretty. What it lacks in Renaissance architecture, it makes up for with a rich marble legacy and a location that puts you within reach of major cultural and beach destinations. Carrara’s been known for marble since Roman times, but it was the Renaissance—hello, Michelangelo—that made it globally famous. The port itself is active with cargo and stone shipping, but it’s also home to a growing cruise terminal. Most passengers will dock steps from beaches, restaurants, and pickup points for excursions into the hills or along the coast.
Marina di Carrara Port Map
Use our Marina di Carrara port map link to Google Maps to get oriented before you arrive—it highlights shuttle stops, nearby restaurants, and pickup points for shore excursions. This map of Marina de Carrara helps cruise passengers find their way quickly, especially if you’re planning to explore the area on foot.
Map: Google Maps
How to Get Around Marina di Carrara
Getting around Marina di Carrara is simple, with flat streets and easy access to taxis near the port. If you're headed to Carrara, the marble quarries of Tuscany or want to visit other towns nearby, trains and local buses are a convenient option.
You’ll likely need a mix of walking, shuttle buses, or taxis depending on your plans. If you’re heading into Carrara’s old town, you’ll need a ride—either by cab or through a tour. Pisa and Cinque Terre are reachable by train, and beach clubs are within walking distance of the port, depending on your docking location. Local taxis are available but can be expensive and hard to find last minute. If your cruise line offers a shuttle to Carrara-Avenza Station, that’s your best bet for train-based day trips.
Things to do at Marina di Carrara on Your Own
There are plenty of things to do in Marina di Carrara on your own including walking to the Marina di Carrara beach, shopping in the local town center, or grabbing a gelato with a sea view. If you want a low-effort day off the ship, Marina di Carrara, Italy, makes it easy to explore without a tour guide.
Beach Relaxation
Marina di Carrara is known for its sandy beaches. Passengers can relax, sunbathe, or take a swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Read more about the best beaches in Marina di Carrara below.
Visit Carrara's Historic Center
The town of Carrara, just a short distance from Marina di Carrara, boasts a historical center with beautiful architecture, squares, and churches.
The Tuscan city is best known worldwide for its high-quality white or blue-grey marble. However, the city is not just about quarries and marble; its historic center also offers a range of cultural and architectural attractions.
Piazza Alberica is the main square of the city and is surrounded by historic buildings. it's a great place to start your exploration of Carrara.
Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew is a magnificent example of Romanesque Gothic architecture. The facade and the interiors have rich decorations made from the local Carrara marble. Another beautiful Renaissance building, Palazzo del Medico, was the residence of the Cybo-Malaspina family and has an elegant facade and courtyard.
The Accademia delle Belle Arti, established in the 18th century, this fine arts academy has trained many Italian artists. They often display the works of students, which can be interesting to explore.
Sometimes, the beauty of a historic center is best appreciated by simply wandering its narrow streets and alleys, soaking in the atmosphere, architecture, and local life.
Luni Archaeological Museum
Maps: Google Maps
Website: Link
If you’re into ancient ruins without the chaos of Rome, the Luni Archaeological Museum is a solid stop. It’s built right on top of the old Roman town of Luni, which means you’re literally walking through history. Inside, you’ll find artifacts, sculptures, and everyday objects from Roman times, plus a great look at how the city used to function. It’s small but well-organized, and you won’t be elbowing through tour groups. The ruins outside include a Roman amphitheater and bits of the original roads. If you’ve got a few hours and want something more offbeat than beach clubs and wine tastings, this one’s worth the detour.
Palazzo Cucchiari
Maps: Google Maps
Website: Link
Palazzo Cucchiari is a neoclassical mansion that looks unassuming from the street—but step inside and you’ll be surrounded by frescoed ceilings, Carrara marble everything, and the kind of architecture that screams "old money." This place was once a gathering spot for artists and musicians, and it still hosts rotating art exhibitions. It’s calm, air-conditioned, and a good escape from the sun and summer cruise crowds. Bonus: it’s an easy stop if you’re already exploring Carrara’s historic center.
CARMI: Carrera and Michelangelo Museum
Maps: Google Maps
Website: Link
If you’re curious about how marble goes from mountain to masterpiece, CARMI (Carrara and Michelangelo Museum) walks you through the whole story. The exhibits cover the history of marble extraction and show tools used over the centuries, plus a deep dive into Michelangelo’s obsession with Carrara’s stone. The museum is housed in a villa with plenty of personality, and while the real David lives in Florence, you’ll still see impressive replicas and context about his creation. It’s small but well done—great if you’re in Carrara and want something art-focused that doesn’t take all day.
mudaC Museo delle arti Carrara
Maps: Google Maps
Website: Link
mudaC is Carrara’s go-to spot for contemporary art, and it mixes new work with a healthy respect for the area’s marble legacy. The exhibits rotate, but expect everything from sculpture and painting to multimedia installations—all with some connection to Carrara or its artists. It’s compact, easy to explore in under an hour, and rarely crowded. If you’re burned out on Renaissance everything and want a change of pace, this museum is a great bet.
Pisa Day Trip from Marina di Carrara
Use our Pisa on Your Own post, with the below train information to take a day trip from Marina di Carrara.
You can easily get to Pisa on your own from the Carrara-Avenza train station. Trains run regularly, and the trip takes about 40–60 minutes depending on the route. Once you’re in Pisa, you can walk to the Leaning Tower and the surrounding Field of Miracles or catch a local bus if you want to save steps. If you’re doing this as a DIY shore excursion, double-check train return times and leave padding for delays.
ad:
Best Shore Excursions from Marina di Carrara
Popular shore excursions from Marina di Carrara Cruise Port include trips to Pisa, Florence, and the marble quarries in Carrara. Whether you book with the cruise line or a private operator, these tours offer a deeper look at Tuscany's history, art, and scenery.
Carrara Marble Quarries Tour
If you only book one tour, make it this one. You’ll head up into the marble mountains where giant slabs are cut from the earth using techniques that date back centuries. Most excursions include a ride through active quarries, a stop at a panoramic viewpoint, and a look at the tools and process used to extract the stone. Some even include a stop at a sculptor’s workshop.
Cinque Terre Exploration
Cinque Terre isn’t close, but it’s doable with a full-day shore excursion. If you haven’t been, it’s worth it. These five colorful villages built into the cliffs are car-free, postcard-ready, and famous for pesto, wine, and dramatic views. You’ll visit a few towns—usually Monterosso and Vernazza—by train or boat depending on the weather. Expect walking, crowds, and incredible photos.
Pisa and Florence
Yes, it’s a long day. Yes, you’ll be in a bus for hours. But if you’ve never seen the Leaning Tower or stood on the Ponte Vecchio, this might be your best chance. You’ll get a quick photo op in Pisa and then head into Florence for a walking tour or free time. It's rushed, but you’ll hit the highlights.
Lucca
Closer than Florence or Pisa and way more relaxed, Lucca is a walled Tuscan town that still flies under the radar. The city is flat and easy to explore. Walk or rent a bike and loop the top of the Renaissance walls, pop into churches, or grab lunch in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. This is a great option if you want something historic but low-key.
Wine Tasting in Tuscany
Several tours from Marina di Carrara head into the Tuscan countryside for wine tastings. Expect small vineyards, olive oil samples, light snacks, and a very scenic drive. You’ll learn about regional wines like Vermentino or Chianti and get to see a side of Tuscany most tourists miss.
Portovenere and La Spezia
Portovenere is often called the sixth Cinque Terre town. It’s got colorful waterfront buildings, a medieval castle, and far fewer crowds than the five famous villages. Combine it with a stop in La Spezia for shopping or a market visit. Most tours include a scenic coastal drive and free time to explore both towns.
Local Cuisine Experiences
Some excursions stay close to port and focus on cooking classes, seafood meals, or tastings. If you love food but don’t want a full-day commitment, look for options that include pasta-making with lunch, or a visit to a marble-carved cellar for wine and charcuterie. The seafood in this part of Italy is excellent, and you can find plenty of local spots within walking distance of the dock if you go it alone.
Best Beaches Near Marina di Carrara Cruise Port
Marina di Carrara is located in the Tuscany region of Italy and offers access to several beautiful beaches along the Ligurian Sea. Here are some of the best beaches near the Marina di Carrara cruise port:
Marina di Carrara Beach
Map: Google Maps
This is your closest option. Most of the beachfront here is taken up by paid beach clubs, but some have day passes or will rent chairs for a few hours. If your ship docks near the promenade, you can be in the water in under 10 minutes.
Marina di Massa Beach
Map: Google Maps
A little farther down the coast, Marina di Massa offers a wider beachfront with restaurants and lidos that are better equipped for tourists. It’s more relaxed than Viareggio but still has amenities.
Forte dei Marmi Beach
Map: Google Maps
Located approximately 30 minutes south of Marina di Carrara, this beach town is upscale, expensive, and a bit of a scene. Think Milanese families in matching linen. But the beach is wide, clean, and backed by designer boutiques and cafes. Great if you want a more refined beach experience.
Viareggio Beach
Map: Google Maps
Busy and more urban, Viareggio’s beaches are best for people-watching and walking the long promenade. It's about 45 minutes away, so only go if you're planning to spend the whole day.
Lerici Beaches
Map: Google Maps
About 30 minutes to the northwest of Marina di Carrara, you'll find the charming coastal town of Lerici, which has several beautiful beaches. San Terenzo Beach, Lerici Beach, and Venere Azzurra Beach are some of the notable ones. These beaches offer a change of scenery with prettier coves and cliffside views
Fiascherino Beach
Map: Google Maps
Near Lerici, Fiascherino Beach is a hidden beach that requires a short walk through the village to reach. It offers stunning views and a peaceful environment away from the crowds.
