The most famous and populated part of this area is Pietrasanta, which extends along the coastline and is at the foot of the Apuan Alps, travelling from South to North, beginning at Stazzema and up to Marina di Massa.
In Roman times the Versilia river was known as Fosse Papiriane and was a large swamp between Pisa and Massa, and between the sea and the Apuan Alps.
The so-called "Historical Versilia" consists exclusively of four common places: Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi, Seravezza and Stazzema.
A major literary figure who attended the Versilia at the beginning of the 20th century was Gabriele D'Annunzio, who had built a huge villa in the pine forest around Pietrasanta.
The climate of the Versilia coast is mild, but all things considered, given the position close to the Apuan Alps, is greatly influenced by the humid Atlantic currents that contrast with the nearby mountain, bringing abundant rainfall, mostly concentrated in the half-seasons.