Founded in Roman times along the Via Julia Augusta and passed from one ruler to another throughout the Middle Ages, Sanremo became, from the mid-19th century, a favorite destination of Europe's nobility and aristocracy (among them Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna and Empress Sisi of Austria), drawn by its sea, its scenery and its mild climate. They built many of the villas that make up the town's architectural heritage.
Sanremo is still the best-known seaside resort of western Liguria, popular in summer and winter alike. The town stretches along the coast and climbs the hills behind it, which people have reshaped into countless steps, known locally as “fasce”. On clear days these narrow terraces shine as the sun glints off the greenhouses where the flowers that made the town famous all over the world are grown.
Sanremo is in fact called “the City of Flowers”, and it celebrates this calling, which is also the driving force of the local economy, with the “Corso Fiorito”, a parade of themed floats representing the towns of the Riviera dei Fiori. They are made of huge allegorical figures in polystyrene entirely covered in flowers, a riot of colors and scents (each float uses between 20,000 and 50,000 flowers!).
The parade, free to attend, is the heir of an older carnival dedicated to the goddess Flora and takes place every year in early spring. Among the events that have made the town known to most people, we can't leave out the Sanremo Music Festival and the international cycling race Milan–San Remo.
If you choose to spend a few days in this part of Liguria, Sanremo is also the ideal base for visiting the many villages perched on the hills behind it, full of history, charm and… local specialties, often celebrated at some village food festival!
Sanremo is still the best-known seaside resort of western Liguria, popular in summer and winter alike. The town stretches along the coast and climbs the hills behind it, which people have reshaped into countless steps, known locally as “fasce”. On clear days these narrow terraces shine as the sun glints off the greenhouses where the flowers that made the town famous all over the world are grown.
Sanremo is in fact called “the City of Flowers”, and it celebrates this calling, which is also the driving force of the local economy, with the “Corso Fiorito”, a parade of themed floats representing the towns of the Riviera dei Fiori. They are made of huge allegorical figures in polystyrene entirely covered in flowers, a riot of colors and scents (each float uses between 20,000 and 50,000 flowers!).
The parade, free to attend, is the heir of an older carnival dedicated to the goddess Flora and takes place every year in early spring. Among the events that have made the town known to most people, we can't leave out the Sanremo Music Festival and the international cycling race Milan–San Remo.
If you choose to spend a few days in this part of Liguria, Sanremo is also the ideal base for visiting the many villages perched on the hills behind it, full of history, charm and… local specialties, often celebrated at some village food festival!
Book ahead
Sanremo tours
What to see in Sanremo
What to see in Sanremo
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La Pigna of Sanremo is the historic center of the city, what remains of the medieval village, still well preserved, with all the typical elements of the Ligurian Riviera and so named for the wrap-around shape that characterized the…
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Derived from the disposal of a section of railway line Genoa-Ventimiglia, moved upstream in 2001, the bike path of Sanremo is one of the longest in the Mediterranean with over 20km of track walking or cycling in both directions. From the…
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Corso Matteotti is the main thoroughfare in the center of Sanremo. Considered the "vip" way in the city, has recently been made entirely walkable and transformed into a wide promenade lined by shops and exclusive boutiques. Walking along…
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The Russian Orthodox Church of San Basilio was inaugurated on December 23 of 1913 with the presence of the Russian ambassador sent by the Tsar. The church, built by the Empress Madre Maria Feodorovna, widow of Alexander III and mother of…
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Driven by health reasons and looking for a place with a milder climate than that of Paris, at the beginning of 1890 the chemist and pharmacist Alfred Nobel moved his business to Sanremo, acquiring thex house that bears his name and…
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Built in 1905 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the Sanremo Casino is an impressive Art Nouveau building with turrets and cupolas. Originally conceived as Kursaal, hosted plays, concerts and dining rooms. Today it is one of the four…
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A few miles from Sanremo, is worth a visit the old village of Bussana. The town was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1887, the buildings partially collapsed, ceilings and part of the naves of the seventeenth-century church of Santa…
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Not far from Sanremo, is worth a visit to the Valley Armea the small medieval village of Ceriana, famous for its singing tradition of religious brotherhoods and for the annual event of the Festival of the Sausage, typical product of the…
1La Pigna (centro storico)
La Pigna of Sanremo is the historic center of the city, what remains of the medieval village, still well preserved, with all the typical elements of the Ligurian Riviera and so named for the wrap-around shape that characterized the original defensive structure. The stone houses, the narrow cobblestone-paved alleys, steep streets winding down to the sea deserve to spend a couple of hours wandering around aimlessly (with comfortable shoes!) among the many shops and craft shops that progressively have returned to revitalize this area of the city, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the premises, bars and stalls selling flowers. At the top of the hill of Pigna there is the sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa, a large church of the fourteenth century, now preserved in its seventeenth-century appearance and in the baroque-style decoration.
2Lungomare & Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure
Derived from the disposal of a section of railway line Genoa-Ventimiglia, moved upstream in 2001, the bike path of Sanremo is one of the longest in the Mediterranean with over 20km of track walking or cycling in both directions. From the town of Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo al Mare, the track is built largely on the sea (with a single tunnel of 1.5 km), passing through small villages in an inviting atmosphere characterized by breathtaking panoramic view. The track is almost entirely flat, is not very difficult and is ideal for the whole family. In most parts of the route you can go directly to the beaches and cliffs, take advantage of dining areas and overnight. For those who haven't brought the bike, there are many rentals at reasonable prices for one or more days.
Address
Lungomare di Sanremo e da Ospedaletti a San Lorenzo al Mare
Lungomare di Sanremo e da Ospedaletti a San Lorenzo al Mare
Official website
www.pistaciclabile.com
www.pistaciclabile.com
3Corso Matteotti
Corso Matteotti is the main thoroughfare in the center of Sanremo. Considered the "vip" way in the city, has recently been made entirely walkable and transformed into a wide promenade lined by shops and exclusive boutiques. Walking along Corso Matteotti, one can not but notice the Ariston Theatre, by now historical venue of the annual Festival of the Italian Song, televised event followed throughout Italy, which takes place in the month of February. During the period of the festival, the city and the course are transformed into a catwalk of singers, actors, Italian and foreign entertainers, all stay in the city attracting thousands of fans often barricaded the entrance to the theater (in the rest of the year, Ariston is a multiplex cinema that does not draw attention in a particular way). Recent tourist attraction of the course (for those who love the genre "souvenir photo") is a bronze statue of Mike Bongiorno, a famous television presenter and historian presenter of the Festival, located at the intersection with Via Escoffier.
Address
Corso Matteotti
Corso Matteotti
4Chiesa russa ortodossa di San Basilio
The Russian Orthodox Church of San Basilio was inaugurated on December 23 of 1913 with the presence of the Russian ambassador sent by the Tsar. The church, built by the Empress Madre Maria Feodorovna, widow of Alexander III and mother of Nicholas II, derives from an idea of the chief prosecutor of the Holy Synod for the Christian worship of the Orthodox Russian large community settled in Sanremo. San Basilio, a few steps from the sea, strikes the visitor from the outside for her interlacement of shapes that intersect one on the other: full, empty, arches, domes and spiers that rise imposing surmounted by crosses with three arms, ceramic and golden tiles sparkle in the sun, creating a sublime colors glitter. Inside there are sacred objects related to Orthodox worship, and in the crypt, the royal tombs of Montenegro.
Opening hours
9:30 - 12:30, 15:00 - 18:30 (18:00 in winter)
9:30 - 12:30, 15:00 - 18:30 (18:00 in winter)
Tickets and prices
1€ donation requested as a contribution to the maintenance and restoration of the church.
1€ donation requested as a contribution to the maintenance and restoration of the church.
Address
Via Nuvoloni 2, Sanremo (IM)
Via Nuvoloni 2, Sanremo (IM)
5Villa Nobel
Driven by health reasons and looking for a place with a milder climate than that of Paris, at the beginning of 1890 the chemist and pharmacist Alfred Nobel moved his business to Sanremo, acquiring thex house that bears his name and enriching it with important restoration jobs in the full style of the time. Eclectic man and always involved in the social field, to his death Nobel left in his will and testament to devote all his property to create a foundation that would confer an award each year to those personalities who were distinguished in physics, medicine, physiology, chemistry, literature and service for peace. The villa, owned by the Province of Sanremo, has recently been restored and now houses an exhibition on the activity of Nobel and on the most important discoveries of 1800, in a wing of the house has been restored the bedroom, the study and living room of the Swedish chemist with the original furnishings of the early twentieth century. Periodically, the villa hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences and meetings of cultural nature; Nobeliane Days are organized annually with the participation of the winners of the last Nobel Prizes awarded.
Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday 10-12:30, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 15-18.
Tuesday to Sunday 10-12:30, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 15-18.
Tickets and prices
Full ticket € 5.50, reduced over 75 years, students and groups of minimum 10 persons 4 €, free for children up to 6 years.
Full ticket € 5.50, reduced over 75 years, students and groups of minimum 10 persons 4 €, free for children up to 6 years.
Address
Corso Cavallotti 116 (ingresso da pista ciclabile)
Corso Cavallotti 116 (ingresso da pista ciclabile)
Official website
www.villanobel.provincia.imperia.it
www.villanobel.provincia.imperia.it
6Casinò di Sanremo
Built in 1905 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the Sanremo Casino is an impressive Art Nouveau building with turrets and cupolas. Originally conceived as Kursaal, hosted plays, concerts and dining rooms. Today it is one of the four places where gambling is allowed in Italy, the first two floors are free entry and exclusively dedicated to slot machines, access to the "green" tables and to roulette is only possible by free registration.
Opening hours
Room Traditional Games: Sunday to Thursday - 14:30 to 02:30 hours, Friday and Saturday - 15:00 to 3:30 hours. Sala Slots: Sunday to Thursday - hours 10:00-02 : 30 pm, Friday and Saturday - 10:00 to 03:30 hours.
Room Traditional Games: Sunday to Thursday - 14:30 to 02:30 hours, Friday and Saturday - 15:00 to 3:30 hours. Sala Slots: Sunday to Thursday - hours 10:00-02 : 30 pm, Friday and Saturday - 10:00 to 03:30 hours.
Address
Corso degli Inglesi 18, Sanremo (IM)
Corso degli Inglesi 18, Sanremo (IM)
Official website
www.casinosanremo.it
www.casinosanremo.it
7Bussana Vecchia
A few miles from Sanremo, is worth a visit the old village of Bussana. The town was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1887, the buildings partially collapsed, ceilings and part of the naves of the seventeenth-century church of Santa Maria delle Grazie were heavily affected, as well as the castle, built by the Counts of Ventimiglia in the twelfth century, which already abandoned for centuries, dominated the top of the village. At the end of the 50s of the twentieth century begins the new story of Bussana. The ceramist Mario Giani (aka Clizia) proposes to a group of artists to reoccupy the crumbling buildings, by now without running water, electricity, gas, sewer... In a few years the group, provided with a sort of statute that governs the relationship between the people, the artistic activity and prohibiting the sale of the works, it starts to restore the first buildings, turning them into housing and workshops .
In the '70s finally is built the sewer system, it comes running water and the electricity grid, the buildings that are put back into the foot are becoming more numerous as well as artists and craftsmen who move there from all over Europe. The idealism of the beginnings changes with the change of time and with the change of the conditions of life, the artists decided to create a cooperative that makes Bussana face of a brand and an image that can be exported, the workshops are open to the public and tourists begin to arrive. Today Bussana is no longer the community of the past, but retains its charm and remains the country of the artists with workshops and galleries on every corner, small cafes scattered through the narrow streets and houses, now largely recovered, however reminding this story so special.
In the '70s finally is built the sewer system, it comes running water and the electricity grid, the buildings that are put back into the foot are becoming more numerous as well as artists and craftsmen who move there from all over Europe. The idealism of the beginnings changes with the change of time and with the change of the conditions of life, the artists decided to create a cooperative that makes Bussana face of a brand and an image that can be exported, the workshops are open to the public and tourists begin to arrive. Today Bussana is no longer the community of the past, but retains its charm and remains the country of the artists with workshops and galleries on every corner, small cafes scattered through the narrow streets and houses, now largely recovered, however reminding this story so special.
Official website
www.bussanavecchia.com
www.bussanavecchia.com
8Ceriana
Not far from Sanremo, is worth a visit to the Valley Armea the small medieval village of Ceriana, famous for its singing tradition of religious brotherhoods and for the annual event of the Festival of the Sausage, typical product of the area that attracts hundreds of tourists. Going from Sanremo, the country comes into view as a dense network of stone buildings among which stands the imposing ocher facade of the eighteenth-century church of Santi Pietro e Paolo. It is necessary to go beyond the interventions of recent times and the property speculation to appreciate the charm of the village that immediately becomes sublime as soon as you proceed through the narrow streets paved with cobblestones. The houses, built of stone, alternating with many chapels and oratories that seem to appear like magic in the corners and at intersections of narrow stairways that connect the different levels on which the country is built. Going further inside without fear , you will reach “u’ bundassu”, the steep road, passing under a tunnel of rock, winds to precipice side around the east of the country, going down till the oratory of Santa Caterina and to the Romanesque church of the Holy Spirit it is possible to admire a glimpse of the country worthy of a photo.
How to get to Sanremo from Savona
By train
Sanremo station, a short walk from the town center, is on the Genoa–Ventimiglia and Turin–Cuneo–Ventimiglia railway lines. The main hub from Italy is Genoa, and from France it is Nice station. Other stations near Sanremo (within 15 km) are Bordighera, Ventimiglia, Arma di Taggia and Vallecrosia.
Timetables and tickets
By bus
Sanremo is served by a number of regional and interregional bus lines linking it with the rest of Liguria (especially Genoa, Savona and Ventimiglia) and with northern and central Italy (especially Milan, Novara and Pescara).
Many buses arrive in Ventimiglia from Italy and the rest of Europe: the 14 km between Ventimiglia and Sanremo are covered by frequent local buses throughout the day. It's a good idea to check the bus companies' website and look carefully at which services run only in summer.
Timetables and tickets
Many buses arrive in Ventimiglia from Italy and the rest of Europe: the 14 km between Ventimiglia and Sanremo are covered by frequent local buses throughout the day. It's a good idea to check the bus companies' website and look carefully at which services run only in summer.
By car
Coming from France, take the French Riviera highway to Ventimiglia, then the A10 Genoa–Ventimiglia highway toward Genoa, and exit at Sanremo Ovest. Coming from the north and from Genoa, also on the A10, head toward Ventimiglia and take the Arma di Taggia exit.
By boat
Sanremo has two harbors: the Porto Vecchio, where small boats and fishing boats can dock, and Porto Sole, where you can moor vessels from 5 to 90 m long.
Timetables and tickets
Where to eat in Sanremo
Ristorante B.Bros e Co.
Specialized mainly in seafood, the B. Bros e Co. is a small, welcoming and elegant place where to spend an evening (or even a lunch) tasting recipes that combine tradition with innovation. The owners of B.Bros, in fact, are strong in a long experience of international cuisine that they have wisely chosen to marry with the flavors of their land. The result is not to be missed, as well as recommendations to combine local wines with the dishes.
Via Volturno 10, Sanremo (IM) · (+39) 0184 1890854
La Kambusa
The Kambusa is a discovery not to be missed. This restaurant is not too big and furnished with traditional simplicity. A menu that ranges from sea to land with creative dishes, tasty and refined. Excellent service from which emerges the passion with which the owners run the place and prepare the dishes. In addition to the delicious appetizers, we recommend you do not skip dessert. The list will reserve as many as 18 varieties which are described in detail, by Gianni, the owner of the premises.
Via Al Mare 87, Bussana - Sanremo (IM) · (+39) 0184 514537
Taverna al 29
Great value for money for this small establishment with a family atmosphere that is located in the narrow streets of the Pigna, the historic center of Sanremo. Among the traditional Ligurian dishes are selected from those most closely linked to poor cooking with simple ingredients. Special care for the fish and vegetables.
Piazza Cassini 5, Sanremo (IM) · (+39) 0184 570034
Tips
Sanremo is lovely in summer and winter alike, but it's worth choosing your dates carefully depending on the kind of stay you have in mind. If you don't like crowds and packed streets, avoid the time of the Festival (February), when hotels and restaurants are hard to get into.
If you're traveling by car, we strongly advise against heading back toward Genoa on the Autostrada dei Fiori on a Sunday afternoon or on the last day of a long weekend or holiday period. The endless lines of traffic can really test your patience: from Arma di Taggia to Genoa (usually about an hour and a quarter) it can take as long as 5 hours!
If you're traveling by car, we strongly advise against heading back toward Genoa on the Autostrada dei Fiori on a Sunday afternoon or on the last day of a long weekend or holiday period. The endless lines of traffic can really test your patience: from Arma di Taggia to Genoa (usually about an hour and a quarter) it can take as long as 5 hours!
Book ahead