Massa is a small city and commune in Tuscany, Italy. It is also the administrative center of Massa-Carrara–an Italian province. Situated in the northern section of the region of Tuscany, Massa is surrounded by a spectacular landscape of both land and sea. The city’s population is approximately 70,000, and its residents are scattered throughout five boroughs.
Massa is also an ideal vacation destination. Beach lovers can enjoy 20 miles of city’s beautiful coastline, where both sandy and rocky beaches can be explored. In addition, over 60 miles of marked trails can be found in the countryside for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Similar to the rest of Italy, Massa is famous for great food, and many restaurants dot the landscape where visitors can indulge in authentic Italian fare.
There is a vast array of attractions and landmarks from which visitors can choose when sightseeing in Massa. The Orto Botanico delle Alpi Apuane is a botanical garden and nature preserve situated on the outskirts of the city. It is operated jointly by the University of Tuscany and the residents of Massa. Established in 1966 for study of plants, the garden and preserve are dedicated to the late Pietro Pellegrini, a well known Italian botanist. Although most of its botanical life is spontaneous, man-made ponds and replanted vegetation are also found in the gardens.
The Punta Campanella is another local attraction that is considered a scuba diver’s paradise. It is made up of a succession of bays, inlets and grottoes. Located several miles from the coast, the Punta Campanella features small reefs where rich marine life and multicolored seaweed can be found. The calciferous nature of the rocks has encouraged the formation of unique caverns and grottoes, which many underwater enthusiasts love to explore.
The Malaspina Castle is a must-see attraction for any Massa tourist. It sits on a rocky hill, and its foundation is embedded in the Tyrrhenian coast. Built in the 1600s, the castle was used by the Italian military and served as a prison until the mid 1900s, when it was renovated and opened to the public as a tourist attraction.
The weather in Massa is pleasant almost all year long, although winds can be strong throughout January and February. The hottest months are July and August, when temperatures hoover around 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest months are December and January, when the average temperature falls between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
