Sanremo is a charming destination along the north-western coastline also known as the ‘City of Flowers‘, named-so after its long-standing tradition of flower cultivation. Read on to discover all the exciting things to do along the coast, from the best beaches to top-tier experiences including culinary ventures for travel gourmands.

What to do

Olio ROI Frantoiani Since 1900

The story of the Boeri ROI family began in 1900. “Roi,” meaning the wheel of the mill, is the family nickname and symbolizes their connection to tradition. This establishment encompasses everything from extra virgin olive oil made from Taggiasca olives to gastronomy, wellness products, design and art items, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the local area. Visitors can explore the mill, the museum, the bottling facility, and the educational farm where children engage in fun and educational activities. WEBSITE

Visit the Olive Oil Museum

In Imperia, the Museo dell’Olivo Carlo Carli is surrounded by a garden of ancient olive trees, jars, and old olive presses. Housed in an elegant Art Nouveau building, the museum’s 18 rooms explore the millennia-old history of olives and oil through archaeological artifacts, artwork, multimedia displays, and machinery. From the Phoenician origins of olive oil to its uses in ancient Greece and Spain, visitors learn about the culinary, cosmetic, medicinal, and lighting purposes of this precious product. The Ligurian Riviera once produced oil by pressing olives in animal-powered mills or hydraulic grinders. The museum features a reconstructed Roman ship’s cargo hold, showcasing how oil jars were transported. The experience concludes with product tastings and cooking classes to explore local specialties. WEBSITE

Bike ride on the Old Railway

Europe’s longest seaside bike path follows the route of the old Genoa-Ventimiglia railway, offering access to areas that were once inaccessible when the train line was in operation. The 30-kilometer route runs from Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo al Mare, with a dedicated pedestrian lane alongside the cycling path. Numerous rest areas and scenic terraces overlook the stunning coastline. The path passes through TrePonti, Bussana, and Sanremo, where riders can pedal through an impressive four-lane tunnel, home to a museum dedicated to the Milan-Sanremo cycling race, with informative panels on the event’s history and famous riders. The path also passes by Arma di Taggia, Marina degli Aregai, and leads to San Lorenzo al Mare, where bikes can be rented. Along the route, visitors can easily access free beaches and rocky shores, explore coastal villages like Languglietta, Cipressa, and Costarainera, or taste local gastronomic specialties like Taggiasca olives, Ligurian focaccia, superior quality extra virgin olive oil, and pesto served with its original recipe of potatoes and green beans. Early in the morning, fresh fish can be bought from small village harbours.

Boat-day out with Tethys

Responsible tourism aboard the “Pelagos,” a 21-meter two-masted motorsailer in the Ligurian Sea, from May to September, departing every Monday from Sanremo. Tethys is a non-profit research organization dedicated to marine conservation through science and public awareness, with a focus on large marine vertebrates. Participants’ contributions are the primary source of research funding, and volunteers provide valuable operational assistance. It is important to note that this is not just whale watching but participation in a scientific project. Life on board and the daily schedule vary according to sea conditions, weather, and research priorities. Participants take part in various activities, including sighting shifts during the day and night watches (when conditions permit overnight stays at sea). They also assist researchers in collecting scientific data, listen to recorded vocalizations at sea, and help process digital photos used to identify individual whales and dolphins. WEBSITE

A swing at Golf with a sea view

Golf degli Ulivi, a historic club founded in 1932, features an 18-hole course spread across different levels on the mountainside overlooking the center of Sanremo. Its privileged climate allows for year-round play, even in winter. The course is challenging and fun, with narrow fairways and small, well-defended greens, favouring precision over power. WEBSITE

Castellaro Golf, close to Sanremo and 150 meters above sea level, is set in a 25-hectare park with a 9-hole par-33 course. The nearby 4-star resort, styled like Ligurian villages, is family-friendly. WEBSITE

Garlenda Golf Club, located in Val Lerrone, boasts an 18-hole par-72 course. The first nine holes are surrounded by ancient olive trees and historic buildings, while the back nine wind through oak trees, pines, and beautiful panoramas on gentle hills, expertly designed by British architects John Morrison and John Harris. WEBSITE

Shop at the weekly Market in Sanremo

Every Saturday, the market comes to life, where you can shop and listen to live music. Stalls feature inland produce, fresh fish, and small local producers offering tuna in olive oil, pesto, olive oil, ravioli filled with borage, pickled vegetables, and cheeses—showcasing the region’s culinary traditions.

Visit the Città Alta of Ventimiglia

The medieval village, typical of Liguria and among the most important historic centers in the region, preserves its artistic heritage dating back to the 8th century AD. During the Lombard invasion, the population abandoned the Roman city, seeking refuge in the “Città Alta.” Inside its walls are churches, oratories, convents, and noble palaces. The narrow streets, or “carrugi,” rise from the river to the hilltop, forming an urban maze with ups and downs, vaulted passages, dark corners, and sudden, sunlit squares. Highlights include the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, its adjacent Baptistery dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and the Church of San Michele (10th century), built using columns from Emperor Caracalla’s reign. From the Annunziata Fort, perched above the sea, there are stunning views of the French Riviera and Bordighera. Inside the fort is the Gerolamo Rossi Museum, featuring Roman artifacts and a collection of Thomas Hanbury sculptures.

Stroll through the Ventimiglia Market

Currently closed due to a fire, this covered market is set to reopen soon. Housed in a Liberty-style building that began its life as a flower market in 1922, it is renowned both in Italy and nearby France for the variety and quality of its products. The market boasts numerous stalls offering the freshest, highest-quality fruits and vegetables. The gastronomic stalls feature selected delicacies, including bread, fresh pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and much more. The meat and fish counters supply the city’s best restaurants with exceptional products, and, of course, there are also flowers and plants.

rummage through antiques at Friday Market in ventimiglia

Stretching along the seafront and riverfront, the Friday market draws thousands of visitors, including many from neighboring France. The numerous stalls offer a wide variety of goods, including clothing, cashmere, shoes, sunglasses, leather items, homeware, and furnishings. You can also find high-fashion brands at surprisingly affordable prices.

What to see

Giardini Villa Ormond

The Villa Ormond Gardens in Sanremo are a breathtaking public park, renowned for their lush botanical diversity and serene atmosphere. Encircling the 19th-century Villa Ormond, the gardens offer sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea. They boast an array of exotic plant species from around the globe, including palm trees, tropical flora, and rare blooms. Among the highlights is the tranquil Japanese Garden, complete with peaceful ponds and charming footbridges, along with a fountain featuring playful water displays. Shaded pathways and manicured lawns make it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls. The gardens also serve as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting concerts, floral exhibitions, and community events, attracting both visitors and locals alike.

Villa Bel Respiro

Villa Bel Respiro in Sanremo exudes old-world charm, nestled amid the lush, sun-kissed hills of the Ligurian Riviera. This elegant estate, with its pale facade and timeless architectural details, offers an intimate escape from the bustling coastal city below. Surrounded by terraced gardens, fragrant with Mediterranean flora, it provides the perfect retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and refinement. Inside, high ceilings, arched windows, and period furnishings evoke a sense of grandeur, while outdoor patios invite you to bask in the gentle sea breeze. Just minutes from Sanremo’s iconic promenade, Villa Bel Respiro captures the essence of Italian Riviera living—luxurious yet delightfully understated.

Villa Magnolie

Villa Magnolie, an elegant 19th-century architectural building, was originally designed as the residence of Marquis Dufour. Over the years, it hosted dukes, exiled kings, czarinas, foreign aristocratic families, and even a Persian princess, before becoming the residence of the court of the last Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed VI, who passed away there in 1926. Later, the villa became St. George’s School in Sanremo, a school for the children of the many Anglo-Saxons who chose Sanremo as their residence. In the 1950s, it functioned as a private school, but was abandoned in 1980 until 2005, when it was purchased by the Province of Imperia and repurposed as an annex of the Gian Domenico Cassini High School.

Villa Nobel

Villa Nobel in Sanremo is a stunning 19th-century mansion that whispers stories of grandeur and intellect. Once the residence of Alfred Nobel, the creator of the Nobel Prize, the villa is an architectural gem nestled along the Ligurian coast. Its neoclassical design, framed by lush Mediterranean gardens, exudes elegance, while its richly furnished interiors and grand halls evoke an era of scientific discovery and cultural refinement. Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, Villa Nobel offers visitors a serene escape into history, where Nobel’s legacy blends seamlessly with the timeless beauty of the Italian Riviera. https://villanobel.it/

Teatro Ariston

Teatro Ariston in Sanremo is an iconic cultural landmark, famed for its mid-century design and storied stage. Every year, it hosts the legendary Festival della Canzone Italiana, a glamorous celebration of Italian music that draws artists, celebrities, and fans from around the world. Each year in February, the festival, with its vibrant performances and high-fashion flair, transforms Sanremo into the beating heart of Italian pop culture, merging timeless tradition with modern artistry on one unforgettable stage. Book a tour inside. https://aristonsanremo.com/

Chiesa Russa

The Russian Church in Sanremo stands as an architectural gem, its vibrant onion domes a testament to the Russian aristocracy’s influence on the Ligurian Riviera in the late 19th century. Completed in 1913 in a neo-Byzantine style, the church was commissioned by the Russian community drawn to Sanremo’s mild climate. Its ornate facade and richly decorated interior, adorned with sacred icons, provide a slice of Orthodox spirituality in the heart of the city. Beyond its role as a place of worship, the church serves as a living symbol of the historical and cultural ties between Sanremo and tsarist Russia. https://www.chiesarussasanremo.it/

Hanbury Gardens

A botanical haven renowned for its lush Mediterranean flora and meticulously curated plant collections. Nestled on a hillside with stunning views of the Italian Riviera, the gardens offer a peaceful escape with winding paths, vibrant flowerbeds, and a diverse array of trees and shrubs. Its blend of natural beauty and tranquil setting makes it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and a showcase of horticultural excellence.

Museo Collezione Guatelli

The Guatelli collection (1860-1960) includes over 6,000 olive oil containers, lithographed tins with chromatic decorations typical of Art Nouveau, the Liberty period, and the Avant-garde, designed by internationally renowned artists. These olive oil containers, from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were also destined for Italians emigrating to the Americas, where these beautiful tins became symbols of Italy. The preface to the collection’s catalog, written by Tiziana Riva, is by director Francis Ford Coppola, a passionate historian of Italian emigration. In The Godfather, Vito Corleone, the protagonist, is an importer of Genco oil produced in Imperia, which is part of the collection. WEBSITE

Eat

Ligurian cuisine is deeply rooted in ingredients that reflect its coastal and rural landscape. From olive oil to pesto, fresh seafood caught in the Ligurian sea to focaccia and farinata – while you can delve into the local specialties here, in this particular article we will disclose some of the best restaurants in the area, where you can taste local dishes and wine.

la pignese, sanremo

La Pignese is a staple restaurant in Sanremo, located in the ancient fishing village area above the old port of Sanremo. This venue is one of the most historical restaurants in the region, dating back to 1919 and ever since, it has remained a family affair. It has seen notable personalities including Renga, Jovanotti, Vasco Rossi, Ligabue, U2, as well as Pavarotti and Lucio Dalla. Here, you can savour long-treasured family recipes and local Ligurian traditional dishes, all within a refined space. WEBSITE

Paolo e Barbara, sanremo

Since 1987, this Michelin starred restaurant has been the face of high-quality dining in Sanremo. The cuisine is from the western Liguria region, with traditional recipes reinterpreted and ingredients (such as oil, vegetables, eggs, and wine from their own production) sourced locally or regionally. It is housed in a historic building in the center of Sanremo. WEBSITE

Pizzeria Senese and Senese Lab, Sanremo

Awarded with 3 “spicchi” by Gambero Rosso, Giovanni Senese’s pizzeria showcases the work of a young master committed to sustainability. He creates pizzas with fresh toppings sourced from his own garden, cultivated with respect for nature. Since last March, at Senese Lab, located in front of the Ariston Theatre, he offers pizza alla pala, teglia, and padellino with unique toppings like the brandacujun (a traditional Ponente Ligure recipe with stockfish and potatoes) and dough made from chickpea flour, reminiscent of farinata. Giovanni Senese is the only pizzaiolo in Liguria who is part of the Slow Food Alliance. WEBSITE

BaccarÀ Bistrot BELLO, sanremo  

This little corner-bistro is known for its creative menu that enhances, through a creative and contemporary eye, local flavours. The stylish interiors provide a cosy setting for a relaxed leisurely lunch or a romantic, candle-lit dinner. One of the highlights? The tiramisù (it’ll be served in a wine glass for a change). WEBSITE

Magiargè Osteria Contemporanea, Bordighiera

This restaurant dishes up exquisite recipes in a modern, revisited guise. Leading the kitchen is Chef Piero Bregliano, who is dedicated to preserving tradition while adding a touch of innovation. The focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully sourced from small, local producers. WEBSITE

Locanda Marinai, Bordighiera

The most recent opening by Maison Pani (September 2022) is a bistrot in Bordighera Alta, located in the maze of narrow streets in the historic center. The bistrot’s slogan, “Let me Taste la Dolce Vita,” revisits 1970s Italian cuisine, offering traditional, home-style dishes with a touch of nostalgia. This “delicious” cuisine is reinterpreted, simplified, and almost elevated with a contemporary twist. WEBSITE

Ristorante Sarri, imperia

In Borgo Prino, right by the sea, an old storage space houses this Michelin-starred restaurant. In the dining room, you’ll find Alessandra, while chef-patron Andrea Sarri crafts an extraordinary cuisine. The focus is on top-quality ingredients from the Ligurian Sea and organic vegetables from the inland areas, resulting in a creative and refined culinary experience. WEBSITE

Pizzeria Kilo, Imperia

On the seafront of Borgo Prino, opposite Ristorante Sarri, Melania Cammalleri (wife of Jacopo Chieppa) offers a must-try pizza by the slice. The dough is flawless (with gluten-free options available), and beyond the classic Margherita, you can enjoy variations like Contadina, Crunch, Pan Prino, Cappuccetto Viola, and Ligure. WEBSITE

Da Salvo Cacciatori, Oneglia

With over a century of history, this family-run restaurant is solid and elegant. The menu focuses on seafood, offering traditional recipes that bring the flavours of Ligurian cuisine to life with expertise and personality. It features a delightful outdoor seating area, which requires early reservations. WEBSITE

Equilibrio RISTORANTE, DOLCEDO

Set in an old mill by the Prina stream, this space has been lovingly restored after years of neglect. Young chef Jacopo Chieppa, born in Imperia and with international experience in Mauro Colagreco’s team at Mirazur in Menton, serves a creative and original cuisine that highlights the freshness of seasonal ingredients. WEBSITE

Il Pirata, Laigueglia

Open only in the evenings, except on Saturdays and Sundays during winter, Il Pirata is a historic spot, perfect for enjoying a pizza or one of the dishes featuring fresh stuffed pasta, fish, and daily seafood. Among the many options, the Catalan-style lobster is not to be missed. WEBSITE

Drink

Mille806

This Cocktail Bar is ideal for aperitifs and after-hour booze. Cocktails, wines, and champagne are accompanied by delightful bites such as oysters, gyoza, mussels, ceviche with fresh fish, avocado and pistachios, and tacos. A perfect way to enjoy a pleasant evening. WEBSITE

Sleep

Royal HOTEL SANREMO

Established in 1872, the Royal Hotel has long been a symbol of refined Italian hospitality, attracting notable guests from royalty to celebrities for five generations, including Princess Sissi (after whom a suite is named after). Its 127 rooms and suites, as well common areas, speak of opulence and grandeur, but it’s the restaurant Fiori di Murano that is the most fascinating, with an ornate cornice of custom-made murano glass details. There is also a spa, gym, flower-filled garden and a heated salt-water swimming pool designed by Gio Ponti in the 40s. WEBSITE 

Hotel Windsor, Laigueglia

On the shores of Laigueglia,  Alessandro Sironi reopened Hotel Windsor with a clear mission of injecting life back into this popular destination of the 60s. The property evokes contemporary, seamless interiors treasured within the classic, beige tinted façade that has been left untouched. The 25 rooms are kept minimal, complete with pieces of designer furnishing including Gio Ponti and Ico Parisi and a sleek colour palette of sage, grey and bottle green. Most rooms face the sea, with pretty iron balconies from where you watch the sunrise. There is also a private beach, with its chic, handcrafted beige parasols that match with sage green designer sun loungers. For food, take a seat at the sea-view restaurant, Savô, where you’ll be in the hands of Chef Gianluigi Erme for a guaranteed excellent meal (the mise en place is also noteworthy, with the cutest Ichendorff Milano water glasses). WEBSITE