Those who intend to visit Liguria (Italy) are undoubtedly spoiled for choice regarding the destination to be fully enjoyed. There’s Ventimiglia (near to the French border) which is for the lazy tourist, or Portofino which is synonymous of top luxury, or inland villages such as Dolceacqua and Apricale are catering to people who seek something radically different from the beach resorts, while Albenga provides a good impression of densely atmospheric, medieval Italy.
But of all possible destinations, Sanremo is possibly the most rewarding, not least because it has a little of everything, combining it into an attractive mix and serving it with a unique style and raffish charm. It is as elegant as Cannes or Antibes, but less self-conscious and less stuffy and generally down-to-earth in the typical manner of the Italian Riviera.
Sanremo, once a place where members of the Romanov family and other crowned heads spent their sunset years, may have lost some of its international luster, but Italians still consider it the most “chic” of their domestic resorts. In Italy, the town is famous for its annual Festival di Sanremo (a music festival), a competition whose style and format are said to have served as the blueprint for the Eurovision Song Contest.
There are also many unpricey family restaurants which are not in business to fleece visitors but because their owners actually enjoy the idea of making food and serving it. Moreover there is a great architecture. The building fabric in Sanremo’s Old Town (called La Pigna) may not be, strictly speaking, medieval but the narrow street patterns certainly are and can make you feel claustrophobic enough.
To get the best of views, reach the majestic Santuario Madonna Della Costa from where you get magnificent views over the lush gardens of old Sanremo and the city underneath. On the way down, do not forget to visit Piazza San Siro on the other side of the Old Town, the magnificent centrepiece of the historic quarter.
If you are an active guest, you can take advantage of a beautiful day to ride a bike! In Sanremo there’s a captivating cycling path along the coastline between Sanremo and San Lorenzo al Mare, a real nice change from the normal hiking and this will give you a bit of exercise, especially given that it’s pretty much flat all the way.
The cycling trail is a nice way of converting the old railway track that ran along the coastline from Sanremo to Imperia, and that was replaced about 15 years ago by the new underground railway line currently in use. Instead of having it turned into a derelict strip full of debris and graffiti, the local government invested European funds into turning into a very wide cycling trail, away from the traffic and affording great views of the little-known but scenic Ligurian coastline.
The cycling trail first meanders through the palm-lined streets of Sanremo then down the rocky coastline with great views of the blue sea and beaches whilst passing through some delightful little villages, such as Bussana, Arma di Taggia and Santo Stefano al Mare (probably the most picturesque section of the trip). All of these are great for a stopover and a quick coffee or snack at reasonable and no-touristic prices. There are plenty of viewpoints for pit-stops on the way and the whole cycling path is very well signposted.
If you do not wish to do the full 36 km return trip to San Lorenzo, you can always stop in Bussana (8 km return), Arma di Taggia (16 km return) or Santo Stefano al Mare (24 km return).
Where to stay
Royal Hotel Sanremo
Inaugurated in 1872, the Royal Hotel Sanremo is an exclusive 5-star hotel rich in history and tradition, just the ideal choice for guests seeking intimacy, relaxation and luxury: a perfect blend of refinement, modern comfort, warm hospitality and personalized service. It enjoys a unique location with splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea on the charming Italian Riviera of Flowers, blessed with a mild climate year-round.
Ever since it has been the home of the most famous European royalty, aristocracy and élite and still remains the prestigious place to stay on the charming Italian Riviera of Flowers. The hotel has its original style with a touch of modern design: tradition and innovation blend perfectly for a contemporary setting with a timeless charm and impeccable service. The Royal Hotel Sanremo boasts 127 beautifully appointed and individually decorated rooms and suites, spacious public areas and a heated outdoor sea-water swimming pool with children’s section. The personalized design and the bright atmosphere make each room a cosy yet refined setting where the guests are enthralled with a sensation of pure harmony and ultimate elegance.
Dining options at Royal Hotel Sanremo include Restaurant Fiori di Murano with beautiful views, Pool Restaurant Corallina, Restaurant Il Giardino on the terrace for alfresco candleluite dining in the intimacy of the park. All these restaurants serve top-rated cuisine with a choice of exquisite regional, Mediterranean and international dishes. The Royal Wellness features signature treatments and a no prescription wet zone with hydromassage pool, emotional showers, Turkish bath, Vitarium, relaxation area, herbal tea and juice corner.
An unique location, just 45 minutes from Nice International Airport and 30 minutes from MonteCarlo, in a private colourful subtropical park of 16.000 sqm. With stunning views over the Mediterranean sea, the Royal Hotel Sanremo is just moments from the seaside and close to the centre of town with its Casino and boutique area. It is also the ideal gateway for excursions to the fascinating medieval villages of the hinterland and the glamorous French Riviera.
In any case, I can definitely recommend this as a nice trip experience to breathe some fresh air and discover an area seldom visited by tourists to the Riviera, as well as doing some exercise and you will certainly feel very proud after 36 km of path that certainly they deserve a delicious Liguria’s focaccia afterwards, without “ifs and buts“!
