Massa Cinquale Airport (LILQ)

The aerodrome has for a few years now no longer been operated by the Aeroclub but by a real-estate company (!). Whether their long-term goal is to close the field is unclear. In principle the field is not PPR; as long as you operate within the aerodrome fire service working hours, everything is fine. Still, there is a short online PPR form on the website (https://aeroportodeimarmi.com/). Since it’s so convenient, I always recommend doing it. Then they will be expecting you, your details are already on file, and payment on site is quicker. From a flying perspective, not much new. There is now an ATZ around the field where self-announce procedures apply (in Italy they call this "TIBA"); nevertheless, a ground radio service is often provided. RWY 23 is still usually the active. Just short of the threshold there are a few trees, but they’re not very tall. Same applies to RWY 05. The runway surface is still as poor as ever. Especially right in the middle (longitudinally and laterally) it is practically just loose gravel. So continue to exercise caution. Second negative point is the fees, which have been noticeably increased. From one to two tonnes you now pay 54 (!) € for landing (aircraft under one tonne a bit less). For parking per night you pay, but only if you stay more than 12 h, 26 €. That makes it typically 80 € for an overnight, which is steep for a field like this. Accordingly, there is hardly any flight activity left. As said, no one knows whether the intention is to shut the field down in the long term and "monetize" it. 100LL and Jet-A1 are available at all times, slightly cheaper than in Germany. The aerodrome operator also offers bicycle rental directly, which is ideal for the area. There are taxi numbers at the ops office as well. Above all, in terms of location and panorama it is (along with Lido and Marina di Campo) probably the most beautiful airfield in Italy. Hotel prices in Forte dei Marmi are now really steep; a bit cheaper right near the aerodrome. I recently stayed at Hotel Elisabetta, almost right next to the field; a simple 2-star, family-run hotel where almost everything is as it was decades ago. Old-fashioned, but nice! Bookable via Booking. Another time I stayed quite affordably at Hotel Storyville. It’s 500 meters from the field and also family-run. Top choice for lunch on the beach remains "Gilda". It has been massively expanded in recent years and now has about 200 seats right on the beach. Still, reserve. Not cheap! Cheaper but also nice (roof terrace) is Solemar. In the evening, a classic for pizza and the like remains "Bocconcino", right on the piazza. Reserve! And Forte remains an absolute shopping paradise for fashion, accessories, etc. Conclusion: thanks to its uniqueness, still a marginal 4 stars despite the poor runway and high fees.