Sanremo
Italy
Why Sanremo is a great destination
Crowd-light yet culture-rich, Sanremo pairs Belle Époque glamour with down-to-earth Ligurian living.
- Vibe: A grand‑dame Riviera town where palm‑lined Corso Imperatrice, the Art Nouveau Casinò and the Ariston’s pop pedigree meet La Pigna’s labyrinthine caruggi and the salty bustle of Porto Vecchio.
- Why it’s different: Calmer, better value and less staged than big‑name Riviera addresses; outside Festival week the pace is local—passeggiata, aperitivo, market runs—with plenty of space in the soft light of spring and autumn.
- Authentic flavour: Shop Mercato Annonario for pesto and Taggiasca olives, snack on sardenara, aperitivo in Piazza Bresca, watch fishermen at dawn, and cycle the car‑free Pista Ciclabile; a Buongiorno and smart‑casual evening dress go a long way.
- Hooks & highlights: Corso Imperatrice palms, Russian Orthodox Church, Villa Nobel, Royal Hotel lobby bar, Bussana Vecchia artists’ hamlet; come in February for Festival buzz, or choose Apr–May/Sep–Oct for fewer crowds and reflective charm.
Who should go to Sanremo?
Sanremo suits travellers who love a blend of Belle Époque glamour and authentic Ligurian life. If you enjoy seaside promenades, medieval lanes and lively markets more than box‑ticking sights, you’ll feel at home. Culture fans will find Italy’s most famous music week and floral traditions wrapped in a mellow Riviera rhythm.
- History lovers: Wander Belle Époque icons like the Casinò and Russian Church, then climb into La Pigna’s medieval alleys for the city’s oldest soul.
- Culture vultures: Time your visit for the Sanremo Music Festival or Premio Tenco; off‑season, you’ll still sense the city’s showbiz legacy around the Ariston.
- Foodies: Graze the Mercato Annonario—sardenaira, pesto and Taggiasca olives—then linger over seafood in Piazza Bresca like a local.
- Active travellers: Cycle the 24‑km Pista Ciclabile for traffic‑free sea views, or hike to Bussana Vecchia and San Romolo for pine‑scented panoramas.
- Scenery seekers: Stroll the palm‑lined Corso Imperatrice at golden hour for Riviera sunsets that feel more “classic cool” than Portofino’s polished set‑piece.
- Relaxed city‑breakers: With easy trains to Monaco/Nice and Genoa, a mild microclimate and unhurried passeggiata culture, Sanremo delivers a slower, better‑value Riviera fix.
Who should go to Sanremo?
Sanremo suits travellers who love a blend of Belle Époque glamour and authentic Ligurian life. If you enjoy seaside promenades, medieval lanes and lively markets more than box‑ticking sights, you’ll feel at home. Culture fans will find Italy’s most famous music week and floral traditions wrapped in a mellow Riviera rhythm.
- History lovers: Wander Belle Époque icons like the Casinò and Russian Church, then climb into La Pigna’s medieval alleys for the city’s oldest soul.
- Culture vultures: Time your visit for the Sanremo Music Festival or Premio Tenco; off‑season, you’ll still sense the city’s showbiz legacy around the Ariston.
- Foodies: Graze the Mercato Annonario—sardenaira, pesto and Taggiasca olives—then linger over seafood in Piazza Bresca like a local.
- Active travellers: Cycle the 24‑km Pista Ciclabile for traffic‑free sea views, or hike to Bussana Vecchia and San Romolo for pine‑scented panoramas.
- Scenery seekers: Stroll the palm‑lined Corso Imperatrice at golden hour for Riviera sunsets that feel more “classic cool” than Portofino’s polished set‑piece.
- Relaxed city‑breakers: With easy trains to Monaco/Nice and Genoa, a mild microclimate and unhurried passeggiata culture, Sanremo delivers a slower, better‑value Riviera fix.
Top things to do in Sanremo
These are the unmissable highlights of Sanremo. They capture the city’s blend of Belle Époque glamour and authentic Ligurian life.
- Walk the palm-lined Corso Imperatrice for Belle Époque splendour, sea breezes and a classic evening passeggiata.
- Explore the medieval maze of La Pigna up to Madonna della Costa for alleys, arches and sweeping Riviera views.
- Visit the Teatro Ariston and Corso Matteotti’s Walk of Fame to tap into the spirit of Italy’s iconic music festival.
- Take a coastal spin along the Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure for traffic-free panoramas and beachside stops.
- Hike the San Romolo–Monte Bignone trails in the Ligurian Alps Park for cool forests, picnic clearings and skyline vistas.
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Top things to do in Sanremo
These are the unmissable highlights of Sanremo. They capture the city’s blend of Belle Époque glamour and authentic Ligurian life.
- Walk the palm-lined Corso Imperatrice for Belle Époque splendour, sea breezes and a classic evening passeggiata.
- Explore the medieval maze of La Pigna up to Madonna della Costa for alleys, arches and sweeping Riviera views.
- Visit the Teatro Ariston and Corso Matteotti’s Walk of Fame to tap into the spirit of Italy’s iconic music festival.
- Take a coastal spin along the Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure for traffic-free panoramas and beachside stops.
- Hike the San Romolo–Monte Bignone trails in the Ligurian Alps Park for cool forests, picnic clearings and skyline vistas.
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3-day Sanremo itinerary
Day 1: Belle Époque seafront and the medieval heart
Ease into Sanremo’s duality of faded glamour and Ligurian grit. Keep an eye on the clock: shops often close for riposo from roughly 12:30 to 15:30, and the light is gorgeous for photos along the promenade in the late afternoon.
- Morning: Espresso and a warm croissant on Via Matteotti, then a gentle stroll under the palms of Corso Imperatrice to the Russian Orthodox Church. Aim for an unhurried passeggiata pace; in the smarter streets, smart-casual dress feels right even by day.
- Midday: Dive into the Mercato Annonario (best 08:00–10:00) for tastings of pesto, olives and sardenaira. Don’t touch the produce—point and ask; bring cash and small notes. If it’s Tuesday or Saturday, weave through the big street market spilling across Piazza Eroi Sanremesi until around 13:00.
- Afternoon: Climb into La Pigna via Porta di Santo Stefano; meander the caruggi to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Costa for sweeping sea views. Steep steps and polished stone can be slippery—wear decent soles.
- Evening: Aperitivo in Piazza Bresca, then a seafood dinner (gamberi di Sanremo if on the menu). Amble past the Ariston Theatre; in February, join the crowds by Piazza Colombo’s outdoor stage or watch the show with locals in a bar.
Day 2: Flowers, bikes, and the Riviera air
Today blends Sanremo’s “City of Flowers” soul with active, sea-breeze living. If you’re here in shoulder season, expect mild, walking-friendly temperatures; in mid-summer, plan shade and swims.
- Morning: Cycle a stretch of the Pista Ciclabile west towards Arma di Taggia for coffee by the sea; rent bikes near the old station. Flower-trade fans: on Mon/Wed/Fri (Nov–May) swap the bike for a pre-dawn peek at the wholesale flower market in Valle Armea (arrive ~05:30; limited public access, but the surrounding wholesalers can be interesting).
- Midday: Beach time—choose a lido with services or a public spiaggia; snack on farinata or a light salad. Alternatively, picnic under rare palms in the gardens of Villa Ormond.
- Afternoon: Tour Villa Nobel or wander Porto Vecchio to watch fishermen mend nets and small boats unload. Gelato stop and a lazy gaze at the water—this is the dolce far niente portion of the day.
- Evening: Slip into something smart for an aperitivo at the Royal Hotel’s lobby, then a concert or show at the Casinò (check the programme). Prefer low-key? Harbourfront trattorie are relaxed and convivial; book ahead on weekends.
Day 3: Hinterland charm, artisans, and a last linger
Head for the hills to feel Sanremo’s older pulse and bohemian edge before a soft landing back by the sea. Adjust plans to the calendar: markets and antiques rotate, and buses thin on Sundays.
- Morning: Explore Bussana Vecchia’s arty lanes and semi-ruined archways (20 minutes by car/bus). It’s uneven underfoot and photogenic in soft morning light; browse ateliers and tiny chapels.
- Midday: Lunch in Bussana or Taggia—try brandacujun and Taggiasca-olive dishes. If you’re in town on Tuesday/Saturday, swap plans for Sanremo’s street market; on the last full weekend of the month, the antiques fair around Piazza San Siro is a treasure hunt.
- Afternoon: Return to Sanremo for a quiet hour in Villa Ormond’s gardens, or bus up to San Romolo for forest air and easy trails (cooler in summer, moody in winter). Coffee back down by Porto Vecchio as boats bob in the harbour.
- Evening: Catch sunset from the Madonna della Costa terrace or along the Lungomare Italo Calvino. Farewell dinner near Piazza Bresca—order trofie al pesto or fresh fish—then join the passeggiata; in February, watch Il Festival in a neighbourhood bar like a local.
Notes and tips:
- Cash is handy in markets and smaller bars; cards are increasingly accepted but not universal.
- Mind riposo closures and book dinners on weekends/festival periods.
- La Pigna and Bussana Vecchia aren’t ideal for limited mobility; the seafront and cycle path are flat and accessible.
- During Festival week (Feb), central streets are pedestrianised with security checks—walk or use buses and allow extra time.
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Food and drink in Sanremo
Sanremo’s food culture blends Riviera comfort with Ligurian simplicity: fresh seafood, olive oil, herbs and market-to-table traditions. Expect unfussy flavours, best enjoyed between harbourfront trattorie, buzzing markets, and aperitivo in lively piazzas.
- Sardenara – a thick Ligurian focaccia topped with tomato, garlic, anchovies and Taggiasca olives; grab a warm slice at bakeries or stalls in the Mercato Annonario amid the morning bustle.
- Gamberi di Sanremo – delicate local red prawns served crudo or just kissed by the pan; savour them in harbourfront trattorie at Porto Vecchio as the sun sets.
- Brandacujùn – whipped salt cod with potatoes, olive oil and garlic; comforting and silky, best in cosy trattorie up in La Pigna’s caruggi.
- Rossese di Dolceacqua / Pigato (or Vermentino) – signature local wines: a light, fragrant red or crisp coastal whites; sip them during aperitivo in Piazza Bresca’s cafés and bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Sanremo top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Sanremo
Sanremo’s food culture blends Riviera comfort with Ligurian simplicity: fresh seafood, olive oil, herbs and market-to-table traditions. Expect unfussy flavours, best enjoyed between harbourfront trattorie, buzzing markets, and aperitivo in lively piazzas.
- Sardenara – a thick Ligurian focaccia topped with tomato, garlic, anchovies and Taggiasca olives; grab a warm slice at bakeries or stalls in the Mercato Annonario amid the morning bustle.
- Gamberi di Sanremo – delicate local red prawns served crudo or just kissed by the pan; savour them in harbourfront trattorie at Porto Vecchio as the sun sets.
- Brandacujùn – whipped salt cod with potatoes, olive oil and garlic; comforting and silky, best in cosy trattorie up in La Pigna’s caruggi.
- Rossese di Dolceacqua / Pigato (or Vermentino) – signature local wines: a light, fragrant red or crisp coastal whites; sip them during aperitivo in Piazza Bresca’s cafés and bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Sanremo top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Sanremo
Choosing where to stay in Sanremo is about the neighbourhood: each area shapes your trip’s vibe, from Belle Époque glamour to medieval lanes or family‑friendly beach life. Pick the base that matches how you like to spend evenings and how much bustle you want. The hotel matters less once the location fits.
- Corso Imperatrice & Casino — Belle Époque seafront of palms and grand hotels; elegant passeggiata, sea views and higher prices; best for classic glamour and easy beach access.
- Via Matteotti & Ariston (Centro) — Polished shopping spine with festival buzz, cafés and boutiques; lively year‑round and busiest in February; ideal for first‑timers who want the action.
- La Pigna (Old Town) — Medieval maze of steep caruggi, archways and local life; atmospheric and budget‑friendlier with many steps; suits history lovers and romantics (less so for limited mobility).
- Foce & San Martino — Quiet, residential strips near sandy lidos and the cycle path; more parking and family services; great for beach days, joggers and a calmer, local feel.
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Where to stay in Sanremo
Choosing where to stay in Sanremo is about the neighbourhood: each area shapes your trip’s vibe, from Belle Époque glamour to medieval lanes or family‑friendly beach life. Pick the base that matches how you like to spend evenings and how much bustle you want. The hotel matters less once the location fits.
- Corso Imperatrice & Casino — Belle Époque seafront of palms and grand hotels; elegant passeggiata, sea views and higher prices; best for classic glamour and easy beach access.
- Via Matteotti & Ariston (Centro) — Polished shopping spine with festival buzz, cafés and boutiques; lively year‑round and busiest in February; ideal for first‑timers who want the action.
- La Pigna (Old Town) — Medieval maze of steep caruggi, archways and local life; atmospheric and budget‑friendlier with many steps; suits history lovers and romantics (less so for limited mobility).
- Foce & San Martino — Quiet, residential strips near sandy lidos and the cycle path; more parking and family services; great for beach days, joggers and a calmer, local feel.
Find places to stay in Sanremo on Booking.com
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Good to know before you go to Sanremo
Travelling to Sanremo is straightforward: the centre is compact, trains run along the coast, and most sights cluster near the seafront. A few local quirks—steep old-town lanes, festival crowds and Italian opening hours—are worth knowing to plan smoothly.
- Affordability: Coffee and a pastry cost about €2–3, a trattoria meal is typically €20–35 per person, mid‑range hotels run €100–180 off‑season (€150–250 in summer), and prices soar 300–500% during Music Festival week.
- Transport: The flat seafront and shopping streets are very walkable (La Pigna is steep with steps), trains link easily to Nice/Monaco/Genoa, local buses cover suburbs and nearby towns, a car helps for hill villages, and the 24‑km coastal bike path is great for leisurely day trips.
- Language: Italian is the main language; English is commonly understood in tourism settings and basic French is widely recognised due to the close border.
- Safety & comfort: Sanremo is generally very safe for families and solo travellers, with petty theft the main concern in crowds (markets, Festival week) and minor “gotchas” including steep alleys, midday shop closures (riposo) and busier seafront roads in peak summer.
- Crowds: Expect the heaviest crowds and highest prices in February for the Music Festival and in June–August for beach season, while April–May and September–October are calmer sweet spots and November–January (outside holidays) is quiet and good value.
Good to know before you go to Sanremo
Travelling to Sanremo is straightforward: the centre is compact, trains run along the coast, and most sights cluster near the seafront. A few local quirks—steep old-town lanes, festival crowds and Italian opening hours—are worth knowing to plan smoothly.
- Affordability: Coffee and a pastry cost about €2–3, a trattoria meal is typically €20–35 per person, mid‑range hotels run €100–180 off‑season (€150–250 in summer), and prices soar 300–500% during Music Festival week.
- Transport: The flat seafront and shopping streets are very walkable (La Pigna is steep with steps), trains link easily to Nice/Monaco/Genoa, local buses cover suburbs and nearby towns, a car helps for hill villages, and the 24‑km coastal bike path is great for leisurely day trips.
- Language: Italian is the main language; English is commonly understood in tourism settings and basic French is widely recognised due to the close border.
- Safety & comfort: Sanremo is generally very safe for families and solo travellers, with petty theft the main concern in crowds (markets, Festival week) and minor “gotchas” including steep alleys, midday shop closures (riposo) and busier seafront roads in peak summer.
- Crowds: Expect the heaviest crowds and highest prices in February for the Music Festival and in June–August for beach season, while April–May and September–October are calmer sweet spots and November–January (outside holidays) is quiet and good value.
Best time to go to Sanremo
Seasonality in Sanremo is mild and coastal year‑round, with peak buzz in February for the Music Festival and in summer for the beaches. The shoulder months best reveal its duality of Belle Époque elegance and authentic Ligurian life.
- Shoulder Season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): Pleasant temperatures, lighter crowds, balanced glamour/old‑town atmosphere, ideal for the passeggiata and markets.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, sunny days, busy beaches and lively nights; families and French day‑trippers swell numbers, prices peak, vibe is festive more than nostalgic.
- Winter & Festival (Nov–Jan quiet; Feb Festival week): Quiet, contemplative “faded glamour” with lower prices; Festival week in February is packed, expensive, and electric with showbiz energy.
Best time to go to Sanremo
Seasonality in Sanremo is mild and coastal year‑round, with peak buzz in February for the Music Festival and in summer for the beaches. The shoulder months best reveal its duality of Belle Époque elegance and authentic Ligurian life.
- Shoulder Season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): Pleasant temperatures, lighter crowds, balanced glamour/old‑town atmosphere, ideal for the passeggiata and markets.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, sunny days, busy beaches and lively nights; families and French day‑trippers swell numbers, prices peak, vibe is festive more than nostalgic.
- Winter & Festival (Nov–Jan quiet; Feb Festival week): Quiet, contemplative “faded glamour” with lower prices; Festival week in February is packed, expensive, and electric with showbiz energy.
Share Sanremo with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Sanremo
By Air
- Nice (NCE), France – approx. 65 km. Drive 45–60 min via A8/A10. By public transport: tram to Nice-Ville (25–30 min), TER to Ventimiglia, then Trenitalia to Sanremo; total 1 h 45–2 h 15.
- Genoa (GOA) – approx. 145 km. Drive 1 h 45–2 h via A10. From the airport, shuttle to Genova Sestri Ponente/Aeroporto rail station, then Regionale/Intercity to Sanremo (about 1 h 40–2 h 20).
- Turin (TRN) – approx. 230 km. Drive 2.5–3 h. By train via Torino Porta Nuova/Porta Susa with 1 change (about 3.5–4.5 h).
- Milan Linate (LIN) – approx. 260 km; Milan Malpensa (MXP) – approx. 300 km. Drive 3–4 h. By train via Milano Centrale (Intercity to Sanremo or change in Genova); about 4–5 h.
- Cuneo (CUF) – limited flights; drive about 2–2.5 h via mountain roads.
By Train
- Main station: Sanremo (central, underground). On the Genoa–Ventimiglia line; served by Trenitalia Regionale/Regionale Veloce and Intercity.
- Key routes and typical times:
- Ventimiglia ↔ Sanremo: 10–20 min (for connections to France via TER).
- Nice/Monaco ↔ Sanremo: 1 h 30–2 h with a change at Ventimiglia.
- Genova (Brignole/Principe) ↔ Sanremo: 1 h 20–2 h (Intercity faster; Regionale Veloce slower).
- Milano Centrale ↔ Sanremo: 3–4 h (some direct Intercity; otherwise change in Genova).
- Torino Porta Nuova ↔ Sanremo: about 3–3.5 h (direct Regionale Veloce or with 1 change).
- Roma Termini ↔ Sanremo: 6–8 h with 1–2 changes (usually via Genova).
- Cross-border: buy separate tickets for TER (France) and Trenitalia (Italy) when changing at Ventimiglia.
By Bus/Coach
- Regional buses (Riviera Trasporti) link Sanremo with Ventimiglia, Bordighera, Imperia and nearby villages; handy for local movements along the coast.
- Long-distance coaches (e.g., FlixBus) operate limited/seasonal services to Sanremo or nearby Imperia/Ventimiglia from cities such as Milan or Turin; journey times typically 3–5 h depending on route.
By Car
- Motorway: A10/E80 (Autostrada dei Fiori). Exits: Sanremo Ovest and Sanremo Est. From France, A8 becomes A10 after the border at Ventimiglia.
- Approximate driving times: Nice 45–60 min; Monaco 35–45 min; Genova 1 h 40–2 h; Torino 2.5–3 h; Milano 3–3.5 h.
- Notes: Tolls apply in Italy and France. Traffic can be heavy in summer and during the Sanremo Festival. The centre has ZTLs; use signed car parks (e.g., Stazione, Palafiori, Piazza Colombo).
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