Featured Events

Carrara Bier Fest

A local take on Munich’s Oktoberfest, held at CarraraFiere in Marina di Carrara. Expect German beer, food, and music every evening — a lively way to close out the summer.

🗓️ 22 August – 6 September (from 18:00 to Midnight)
📍 CarraraFiere, Marina di Carrara

Massa Picta (V Edition)

Non c’é bisogna della prenotazione.

• 05 September – (🇮🇹 Italian-only) Alla scoperta dei Giardini e dei Musei Massesi.
  📍 Giardino di Villa Rinchiostra, Massa – 18:30

• 19 September – (🇮🇹 Italian-only) Spariturum. Dal Cibo ai Rifiuti, un Mistero Buffo di e con Fabrizio Diola e la partecipazione del musicista Dino Mancino.
  📍 Teatro dei Servi, Massa – 21:00

Amalia e Carlo ⭐️

(🇮🇹 Italian-only) Opera di Pietro Carlo Guglielmi (1812) a cura del Conservatorio Puccini di La Spezia.

📌 Evento a pagamento. Info e prenotazione presso la biglietteria del teatro Guglielmi.
🗓️ 12 September (21:00)
📍 Teatro Guglielmi, Massa

Massa a 33 Giri

Vinyl Market in Massa’s Historic Center. Collectors and exhibitors from all over Italy will gather in Piazza Aranci. In the late afternoon, don’t miss the lively street show of the one and only Badabimbumband: saxophones, percussion, choreography, and a journey through timeless hits (from Battiato to The Police, Tears for Fears, Stevie Wonder, and Talking Heads).

Info: ccn.massadavivere@gmail.com

🗓️ 20 September (10:00-22:00)
📍 Massa

Con-vivere Carrara Festival XX Edizione

(🇮🇹 Italian-only) Il programma propone oltre 20 incontri tra conferenze e dialoghi, 6 spettacoli e 30+ eventi collaterali: laboratori di cucina, attività per bambini, mostre, passeggiate tematiche e iniziative gastronomiche in centro città.

Tra gli ospiti: Umberto Galimberti, Roberto Saviano, Maura Gancitano, Stefano Allievi, Maurizio Ferraris, Laura Boella, Daniel Lumera. In cartellone anche Eugenio Bennato & Taranta Power, un tributo a Jim Morrison con Davide van de Sfroos e Andrea Mirò, e incontri con Stefano Mancuso, Giovanni Storti, Edoardo Prati, Jacopo Veneziani. Per più info: https://www.con-vivere.it/

📌 Tutti gli eventi sono gratuiti.
🗓️ 11-14 September (10:00-22:00)
📍 Carrara

Dal Barocco all’Impressionismo

Piano concert with Giulia Falzarano, curated by composer Luca Fialdini. Music by Haydn, Mendelssohn, Chopin, and Debussy.

📌 Tickets: €10 – Booking: 0584 787251
🗓️ 04 September (21:00)
📍 Villa Bertelli, Forte dei Marmi

Festa del Vino

Taste local wines, enjoy regional specialties, and experience music and entertainment for all ages.

🗓️ 21 September (16:00-24:00)
📍 Strettoia

Puccini Festival ⭐️⭐️

Torre del Lago, Puccini’s beloved “Eden,” still celebrates his legacy every summer. The open-air theatre beside his former home (now a museum) hosts the Puccini Festival, with performances of his masterpieces under the stars.

• 22 August & 5 September - Turandot

• 30 August & 6 September - Manon Lescaut

📌 Tickets available on the official Puccini Festival website or via email
🗓️ All shows start at 21:15
📍 Gran Teatro all’Aperto Giacomo Puccini, Torre del Lago

Sagre (Food Festivals) ⭐️⭐️

Late summer in Tuscany means sagre — traditional village food festivals that are the perfect way to meet locals, celebrate the season, and taste authentic regional dishes.

• Sagra del Fungo – Mushroom festival with tastings and village traditions.
  🗓️ 30 August – 14 September
  📍 Licciana Nardi (MS)

Weekly Markets

• Forte dei Marmi – The super famous “Mercato del Forte” ⭐️⭐️
  🗓️ Wednesday (year-round) and Sunday (Easter–October) from 8:00 to 13:30
  📍 Piazza Marconi

• Massa – every Tuesday morning.

• Cinquale – every Tuesday morning.

• Marina di Massa – every Friday morning.

• Carrara – every Monday morning.

• Avenza – every Wednesday morning.

• Marina di Carrara – every Thursday morning.

This series runs only during summertime — but I’ll still share fun facts and little stories about my hometown throughout the winter. 💌

Subscribe now

Wanna add an event?

Send the details to: thereshebooksagain@gmail.com (date, time, location, short description).

Featured Events

Sant’Ermete Fair & Fireworks ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Forte dei Marmi’s biggest summer celebration
The town center comes alive with stalls offering food, wine, crafts, and high-quality clothing at great prices. The celebrations conclude at 22:00 with the traditional fireworks show from the pier in Piazza Vittorio Cardini — a summer highlight for locals and visitors alike, marking the feast of Forte dei Marmi’s patron saint.

🗓️ 28 August (from 8:00 to 22:00)
📍 Forte dei Marmi

Carrara Bier Fest

A local take on Munich’s Oktoberfest, held at CarraraFiere in Marina di Carrara. Expect German beer, food, and music every evening — a lively way to close out the summer.

🗓️ 22 August – 6 September (from 18:00 to Midnight)
📍 CarraraFiere, Marina di Carrara

Massa Picta (V Edition)

Massa Picta is the summer festival that celebrates the territory through free cultural encounters, talks, shows, tastings, and special guests. It’s an open, welcoming event (no reservation needed) making it a great way to experience local life.

• 28 August – (🇮🇹 Italian-only) Biblioteca Fuori Porta: Presentazione del libro di Paolo Asti “Aqua. Ventuno giorni con l’acqua alla gola.”
  📍 Villa Cuturi, Marina di Massa – 21:30

• 29 August – Visit Massa: A cultural walk organized by Massa da Vivere.
  📍 Meeting point: Teatro Guglielmi, Massa – 21:15

• 30 August – Massimo Pugno di Fuoco: An evening show under the summer sky.
  📍 Piazza Pellerano, Marina di Massa – 21:30

Regine a Napoli: Maria Sofia Wittelsbach e Maria Amalia di Sassonia

(🇮🇹 Italian-only) La storia di due regine del Regno di Napoli e Sicilia, raccontate dalla storica, docente e scrittrice Nadia Verdile che ha scritto un libro su entrambe: “Niente è perduto. Maria Sofia Wittelsbach. La regina senza regno” e “Portami a Napoli. Maria Amalia di Sassonia. Due regni e una città nel cuore” tutti e due di Pacini Fazzi Editore. Francesca Fazzi conduce l’incontro. Più informazioni sul sito: villabertelli.it

📌 Evento gratuito. Obbligatoria prenotazione 0584 787251
🗓️ 30 Agosto (18:00)
📍 Giardino d’Inverno Villa Bertelli, Forte dei Marmi

Madama Butterfly di Giacomo Puccini

The Giardino dei Lecci in Forte dei Marmi will turn into a blossoming corner of Japan to host Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, one of his most moving masterpieces. Part of the Puccini Centennial celebrations, promoted by the International Itinerant Festival of Bel Canto Italiano. Read more on villabertelli.it

📌 Ticket: €10
🗓️ 30 Agosto (21:00)
📍 Villa Bertelli, Forte dei Marmi

Presentazione del libro “La regina della notte” di Francesco Pasqualetti

(🇮🇹 Italian-only) Un thriller storico che svela il volto nascosto di Caterina la Grande, e il suo piano diabolico per dominare il mondo. L’evento sarà arricchito dalla partecipazione del soprano Sonia Ciani, che interpreterà due arie dal Flauto magico di Mozart, accompagnata al pianoforte dall’autore. Conduce lo storico Domenico Savini. Più informazioni sul sito: villabertelli.it

📌 Evento gratuito. Prenotazione obbligatoria 0584 787251
🗓️ 31 Agosto (18:00)
📍 Villa Bertelli, Forte dei Marmi

Incontro “Sculture di luce. La fotografia di scultura dei Fratelli Alinari”

Il CARMI ospita Muriel Prandato (Fondazione Alinari per la Fotografia) per un incontro sulla fotografia di scultura dei Fratelli Alinari, pionieri nella diffusione delle immagini delle opere d’arte. L'incontro sarà ospitato nello spazio polifunzionale del museo: a seguire sarà possibile partecipare alla visita della mostra “Per forza di levare. Michelangelo scultore nelle fotografie degli Archivi Alinari” (visitabile fino al prossimo 26 ottobre). Per ulteriori informazioni chiamare il 335-1047450 o visitare carmi.museocarraraemichelangelo.it.

📌 Ingresso libero.
🗓️ 29 Agosto (18:30)
📍 CARMI Museo Carrara e Michelangelo, via Sorgnano 42, Carrara

Puccini Festival ⭐️⭐️

Torre del Lago, Puccini’s beloved “Eden,” still celebrates his legacy every summer. The open-air theatre beside his former home (now a museum) hosts the Puccini Festival, with performances of his masterpieces under the stars.

• 29 August - Tosca

• 22 August & 5 September - Turandot

• 30 August & 6 September - Manon Lescaut

📌 Tickets available on the official Puccini Festival website or via email
🗓️ All shows start at 21:15
📍 Gran Teatro all’Aperto Giacomo Puccini, Torre del Lago

Festival della Versiliana

The Versiliana Festival continues through August with exhibitions, theatre, concerts, and performances in the pinewood of Pietrasanta.

• 27 August - TONY HADLEY and the fabulouse TH band

• 29 August - UMBERTO GALIMBERTI Il bene e il male. Educare le nuove generazioni

📌 Tickets available by calling 0584 265757
🗓️ All shows start at 21:30
📍 Teatro La Versiliana, Marina di Pietrasanta

Sagre (Food Festivals) ⭐️⭐️

Late summer in Tuscany means sagre — traditional village food festivals that are the perfect way to meet locals, celebrate the season, and taste authentic regional dishes.

• Sagra della Bistecca - Grilled steak festival with traditional Tuscan flavors.

  🗓️ 28–30 August
  📍 Pieve Fosciana (LU)

• Sagra della Pattona – Celebration of the local flour flatbread.
  🗓️ 22–31 August
  📍 Fivizzano (MS)

• Sagra dei Pomi – Apple festival with local products and autumn atmosphere.
  🗓️ 29–31 August
  📍 Casola in Lunigiana (MS)

• Sagra del Fungo – Mushroom festival with tastings and village traditions.
  🗓️ 30 August – 14 September
  📍 Licciana Nardi (MS)

Weekly Markets

• Forte dei Marmi – The super famous “Mercato del Forte” ⭐️⭐️
  🗓️ Wednesday (year-round) and Sunday (Easter–October) from 8:00 to 13:30
  📍 Piazza Marconi

• Massa – every Tuesday morning.

• Cinquale – every Tuesday morning.

• Marina di Massa – every Friday morning.

• Carrara – every Monday morning.

• Avenza – every Wednesday morning.

• Marina di Carrara – every Thursday morning.

See you in September!

This series runs only during summertime — but I’ll still share fun facts and little stories about my hometown throughout the winter. 💌

Subscribe now

Wanna add an event?

Send the details to: thereshebooksagain@gmail.com (date, time, location, short description).

On Instagram (@thereshebooksagain), I share my travel diary — stories, photos, and gluten-free finds (I’m celiac). My articles dive deeper into the places I’ve visited, mostly in English, while Instagram is a playful mix of Italian and English 🫢.

I’m not really into touristy spots — I’d rather seek out genuine, local, and sustainable experiences whenever I can. I’m still learning (and yes, there are choices I regret), but that’s part of the journey.

My goal is to prove that the world is more gluten free than you think. Being celiac doesn’t mean missing out, it just takes a little extra care and organization. 💛

✈️ Countries I’ve Visited

Browse my posts by country:

• California

• China

• Italy

  • Beyond Versilia: Be a Local on the Northern Tuscany Coast

• Japan

• Kenya

• Peru

• Sweden

• Switzerland

🌾 Gluten Free Resources

• Tips & Cards for Celiac Travelers

• Find Me Gluten Free – my restaurant reviews & safe spots (organized by country/city)

• My Google Maps – curated maps of gluten free places around the world.

🎁 Discount Codes

• Find Me Gluten Free - The most reliable app to find safe gluten free restaurants worldwide ($5 OFF with code: COCCO)

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🤝 Let’s collaborate

I love teaming up on authentic, sustainable travel stories—ideally with a gluten-free angle.
Email me: thereshebooksagain@gmail.com

Practical Information

We parked the car at Parkplatz Passhöhe (in front of Sattelegg restaurant). We walked about 1h 45min (4 km) to reach the top and 2h (5 km) to go back (it was very muddy so it took us 30 min longer than the indicated time). The elevation was about 400m, some parts were tougher but in general it was all doable. It is a good idea to bring hiking shoes because the trail (especially the one on the way back) can be very muddy!

Suggested apps: to follow the route you can download the "swisstopo" app (official Swiss app), I highly recommend checking the weather on the "MeteoSwiss" app (forecasts are often right). Last, if you want to go super safe and fear accidents you can download the "Rega" app (Swiss Air Rescue Guard).

The ascent

From the parking lot, we took the path on the right (with our backs facing the parking lot). It turned out to be a winning choice as we avoided the mud uphill and the climb was smoother and more gradual.

On the way up, you will be rewarded with wonderful views.

Keep the right, walk up some small stairs and you will find yourself in the shade with some goats.

Just before starting the climb to the summit it's possible to eat something at this small restaurant, buy some cheeses (goat and cow), fill your water bottle at the fountain or go to the bathroom. We tried goat, cow and pepper cheeses and they were delicious.

On the top

The last climb to reach the summit is the shortest but also the toughest.

Then, we enjoyed the view while tasting good cheese and wine (my fav part).

The descent back to the car

On the way back, follow the signs to Sattelegg (always keep the left). I personally liked more the return path; there are fewer viewpoints but you go through the forest.

About halfway down we encountered several cows.

The last half was quite difficult because of the mud. We had to walk slowly and carefully.

If you are not exhausted from the walk, I highly recommend a visit to the nearby monastery (15-minute drive).

Everything is so picture-perfect and picturesque in Stockholm: its parks, its super-cute bars and venues, its Scandinavian interior design.

Checklist: Before arriving in Stockholm

• Download the application SL. You can buy the ticket before and enable it before getting on the train, bus or subway.

• Bring something warm to wear (e.g., for the evenings).

• If you are not used to the light carry a sleeping mask.

• Do not bring cash but take your credit card with you (all places accept it).

• Leave some empty space in your luggage for shopping (interior design items are so cuuuute—I couldn't resist buying some small pots and candles).

Day 1: Stockholm center and Gamla Stan (old town)

As soon as I reached the center, I couldn't help but notice how clean and safe this city is. Stockholm is the city of non-ostentation; you will notice how simple the architecture is. To give you an idea, the royal palace is scarcely decorated and is completely different from what you might expect in France, Italy or Austria.

Be ready to take steep endless escalators to reach the subway or some trains. I won't deny that the first time I didn't feel very comfortable, because they can be a bit dizzying, but you'll get used to it in no time.

Transportation in Stockholm is super efficient and is well-connected. To get to the center from the airport you can take the Arlanda express, a fast (and more expensive) train that takes about 20-30 minutes, or you can take the local train that, for a lower price, takes you to the center (it costs much less). Don't forget to download the SL app on your phone to buy train or streetcar tickets. For the subway or some trains you can also directly use Google or Apple Pay to pay (unlock your phone and enable it) and use it as if it were your own ticket.

We started our "day" with a dinner at Bastard Burgers (address: Brunkebergstorg 10, 111 51 Stockholm). The gluten-free burger was extra good. They also have vegan/vegetarian options.

We then opted for a self-guided Gamla Stan tour with an app called "Stockholm's Old Town: Troll Escape." The idea was nice but the story was not the best, however, we appreciated that the app led us to some nice hidden streets. I recommend trying a typical Swedish ice cream, there is a small ice cream shop in downtown Gamla Stan that even has gluten-free cones.

Day 2: Stockholm center, Subway, Södermalm

We started our day by visiting the Kungsträdgården subway station. This striking subway has an archaeological site inside; the subway is mostly decorated with red, white and black geometries. The stop is right under the King's Garden (super central location).

I recommend a visit to the Nationalmuseum, it is free and the building is very nice. After briefly visiting this museum, we stopped for some delicious Swedish gluten-free meatballs at a little restaurant near the various museums (probably the most touristy place in all of Stockholm). It is wonderful how easy it was in Stockholm to find something gluten-free, all the places are aware of celiac disease and have solutions suitable for celiacs.

After that we continued to Norrmalm to reach the district with all the stores.

No matter how long it has been since the last meal, it is always snack time in Stockholm. The snack is called "fika" and is probably my favorite Swedish thing. I love the idea of having an excuse to take a break and eat whenever I want. We stopped at a little place to try a Swedish coffee (their coffee looks like American coffee).

Once we arrived in Gamla Stan, we stopped at the main square to see and take some pictures of the very famous colorful little houses and then headed towards the more hipster neighborhood (Södermalm).

To reach Södermalm, we passed over a golden bridge called Slussbron (Guldbron). This bridge has a rather bizarre history as it was built in China and then transported as a giant piece directly to Stockholm.

Södermalm is very beautiful, with many fashionable stores and cozy cafes. In addition, you can easily reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints from here. Climb the hill and arrive at Skinnarviksberget for a true local experience. The best time (weather and cold permitting) is during sunset.

Day 3: Subway, Vasastaden, Östermalm, Djurgården (Skansen Park)

Tired from the previous day, we got up quite late, so we decided to prepare a brunch at home—what could be better?

After that we headed to Östermalm, an elegant residential neighborhood (and one of my favorite places). To reach Östermalm you can take the subway and get off at Stadion. This stop is wonderful; it is decorated with the rainbow colors.

From here you can get lost in the small stores and various venues of this district. We walked to the KTH University passing through the beautiful parks for some dogspotting.

If you are looking for a gluten-free kanelbulle (typical Swedish cinnamon roll), I recommend stopping by the vetekatten café. There you will be able to find a frozen one, unfortunately not one of the best (the appearance is different from the gluten ones) but at least you can say you have tasted it.

Since we still had almost half-day, we walked all the way to Skansen Park. Honestly, this museum is nice but if you don't have enough days you should skip it. More than a museum, it looks like a park/zoo in which you see replicas of typical Swedish houses and some animals (like reindeer and bears). Anyway, we arrived at the park when almost all the activities were closed, but if you go early enough you can attend workshops—I heard that the glass one is nice. Skansen could be a nice experience for children, as they also have a farm with some pigs and other animals. If time permits and you don't run out of budget (the ticket is a bit expensive), you can go and spend a few hours enjoying the park and the beautiful view.

I forgot! Don't be softened by the squirrels—we approached one to take a pic, and the squirrel, sadly used to getting food from visitors, started chasing us. We had to run away.

Day 4: Vasa Museum

On the last day we went to Vasa Museum (this is the must-visit museum in Stockholm). At first, I wasn't totally sold on going there, I was afraid it would be too touristy, but I was wrong. The enormous ship is impressive, you can't walk inside but you'll be able to see it from many levels. It's crazy to see how the ship is so well preserved. A nice touch of the museum, which I really appreciated, is the section about how women used to live on the ship.

Leaving Vasa, we skirted all the nearby parks and we walked to the city center for my last lunch before going home to Switzerland. We had a good lunch at Wagamama (they also have gluten free options).

Gift idea for Swedes or quasi-Swedes

If you are visiting a friend in Sweden, it might be a nice idea to make an "Ikea instructions" style card. In my case, I knew my friend loves plants and used to make things with needles, so I decided to buy her a nice plant, a macrame book and a small kit to make her first plant hanger. To craft the card, I took inspiration from some pictures on Ikea's website, then I drew everything with procreate (iPad app) and finally I used Figma to layout it.