Is Sanremo Worth Visiting? The Authentic Italian Riviera

Is Sanremo worth visiting? The Italian Riviera has plenty of beautiful places, so why come here? Although Sanremo isn’t as well-known as other locations along the Ligurian Coast, we really enjoyed this authentic Italian spot and certainly think it’s somewhere worth visiting.

We stopped by the bustling seaside town on our road trip around Italy and spent a whole day exploring the sites. It’s a busy place with waterfront cafes, a fascinating old town, plenty of shops, beaches and tons of cultural and historical sights. 

In this post, I’m sharing why we think Sanremo is worth visiting and including practical information, such as where to stay and how to get around, to help you plan your trip.

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Is Sanremo Worth Visiting?

Known as the City of Flowers, Sanremo is definitely worth visiting. We took full advantage of our day trip, parking a forty-minute walk outside the city and walking along the Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Path into the heart of Sanremo. 

As usual, with much of this road trip, we hadn’t done much research into Sanremo as it was a last-minute addition to our itinerary. However, we found many lovely attractions, and even in November, the atmosphere in Sanremo was fantastic. 

We didn’t notice too many tourists either, and to be honest, those that we did see were mainly Italian. Sanremo is more popular with local tourists than foreigners, which has kept it somewhat under the radar of mass tourism (and more affordable). This has meant it’s maintained an authentic vibe. 

During our road trip, we noticed some places were consumed by tourism. For example, parts of Cinque Terre were so crowded that it ruined our experience.

On the other hand, walking around Sanremo was terrific. We visited popular sites, such as La Pigna (Sanremo’s fascinating old town), hiked to the top of Regina Elena Gardens to witness beautiful views over the city, admired the architecture and enjoyed strolling along the waterfront.

Sanremo might not have the beauty of Cinque Terre or the sophistication of Portofino. Still, what it lacks in reputation, it makes up for in genuine Italian culture, friendly locals, and a lively atmosphere. 

Looking For A Day Trip?

• Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: visit all the most beautiful places in Sanremo on this tour, including panoramic views of the Riviera dei Fiori and the most mysterious village in Italy.
• Sanremo Food Tour: Venture off the tourist track on this tour and discover spots only locals know, where you can sample an array of local produce, from focaccia and pesto to wine.
• Dolceacqua and the Nervia Valley: This small-group tour heads off the tourist trail to discover the tranquil Nervia Valley, including stops in Dolceacqua.

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Sanremo Location & Activity Map

Sanremo is a city on the Mediterranean coast of western Liguria in northwestern Italy. It is on the Italian Riviera, about 70 miles (110 kilometres) southwest of Genoa. It is easily accessed from the Autostrada E80 (tolled) or from the coastal road SS1.

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Why Is Sanremo Worth Visiting

In this section, I want to explore the reasons why Sanremo is worth visiting in more detail. I’ve mentioned some reasons above; however, there are plenty more things to do in Sanremo, so make sure you note them all down if you’re going to visit!

1. The Old Town – La Pigna

First up is La Pigna (the Pinecone). It’s Sanremo’s old town, which is much unchanged from its mediaeval construction. It was our first encounter with such intricate old towns, built into semicircles with crisscrossing lanes to resemble a pine cone—hence the name.

It’s a fascinating place and certainly one not to be missed while you’re in Sanremo. Although it felt pretty eerie at times (I would advise you not to visit at night or in the early hours), it was captivating. During the day, take your time to explore the alleys. 

What can you expect? La Pigna is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes and narrow alleys meandering uphill towards the Regina Elena Gardens. The medieval buildings are built on top of one another, a defensive construction which towers overhead as you navigate through. 

There are some points of interest within La Pigna. Head to the Anfiteatro San Costanzo (Google Maps), a beautiful amphitheatre where live concerts are held. Piazza Santa Brigida (Google Maps) is a small square with a singular olive tree, and the Piña Social Club (Google Maps) is a popular cocktail bar in the heart of the old town.

2. The Churches

You don’t have to be religious to enjoy visiting churches. Most religious sites are open to everyone, and Jack and I appreciate the architecture and intricate details that are usually found in these architectural gems. 

Sanremo has plenty of churches, but two stand out. Firstly, the Russian Orthodox Church (Google Maps) might seem out of place in Italy with its colourful domes. Still, Sanremo was a favourite holiday spot of Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Alexander II, Emperor of Russia. Built during the early 20th century, the unique church is one of Sanremo’s must-visit sites.

Secondly, the Santuario Madonna della Costa (Google Maps), proudly perched above La Pigna, is gorgeous. In typical Baroque design, the external facade is a heavenly blue while the interior is richly decorated, creating a beautiful and peaceful place. The building is surrounded by cypresses and olive trees, making it a truly picturesque location.

⭐ Good to know >> The feast of the Virgin of the Assumption is the main holiday celebrated at the Sanctuary. It takes place on August 15th.

3. The Views From Giardini Regina Elena

At the top of La Pigna and before Santuario Madonna della Costa, you’ll arrive at the Regina Elena Gardens (Google Maps). This beautiful oasis was once the site of a Genoese Castle, which was destroyed during an earthquake in 1887. 

Today, the gardens offer a fantastic panorama view of the city, sea and port. Opposite the Artistic Fountain (Google Maps), which sits in the centre of the gardens and features a small water feature, is a good viewpoint.

3. The Casino Sanremo

Jack and I kinda missed this attraction, which I’m still really bummed about! Remember I said we didn’t do much research? Well, Sanremo’s famous casino flew under our radar. I’m not sure how since it’s one of the city’s must-visit attractions, but hey, these things happen!

I can tell you that the Sanremo Casino (Google Maps) is housed in a grand art nouveau building, that it’s been featured in films, designed by architect Eugene Ferret, and that, by the looks of it, it is a quaint and entertaining place to lose some money. Plus, there’s a rooftop garden and opera theatre.

Whether you’re visiting to play or simply admire the building, it seems like a top place worth passing by in Sanremo.

4. The Atmosphere At Piazza Sardi

We roamed around much of central Sanremo, but we passed the lively Piazza Sardi (Google Maps) on our approach. It felt like the best spot for an aperitivo with friends. 

The colourful piazza is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, and ice cream parlours. Two streets over is Via Nino Bixio, offering eateries with seating directly overlooking the harbour. The sun was shining, people were laughing, and the atmosphere was wonderful; head here for lunch or evening drinks.

5. Port Vecchio & Santa Tecla Fort

“li gens de San Remu navigou san remu,” 

Talking of the harbour, don’t miss a wander around Port Vecchio, the Old Port (Google Maps), which served as Sanremo’s central economic and social hub from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The old saying above translates to “the people of Sanremo can sail without oars”, and although not as important today, local life still revolves around the coming and going of the ships that dock here.

As you follow the path around the port, you’ll come across Santa Tecla Fort (Google Maps). Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited, but even from the outside, it’s an imposing site. Built by the Genoese royalty in the mid-1800s, the fort was impenetrable thanks to its triangular shape.

6. Riviera dei Fiori – Pista Ciclabile del Parco Costiero (Coastal Park Cycle Path)

Since we parked our campervan along Str. Tre Ponti (Google Maps), about 3 km east of central Sanremo, we ended up (unbeknown to us) walking along the popular Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Path into Sanremo. 

It’s a lovely path, in parts lined with trees and shrubs and in others overlooking the coast. The entire path is 24 km long, starting in a small fishing village called San Lorenzo al Mare and ending in Ospealetti, just under 6 km west of Sanremo.

It’s a popular route for cyclists, but it’s also been allocated to walkers with a separate “safe” walking lane. If you have time and fancy a change of scenery, I recommend walking along this path to Str. Tre Ponti. There is a beach – Spiaggia Tre Ponti – a lido, and a couple of bars.

Alternatively, rent a couple of bikes from Sanremo and head out on a mini bike tour along the Italian Riviera! Following that, you could always rent a scooter and explore Sanremo on a Vespa

6. The Beaches

Since I’m on the topic of beaches, which are called “Spiaggia” in Italian, it’s worth mentioning that Sanremo has several city beaches worth visiting. The three closest beaches to central Sanremo are Spiaggia Arenella (Google Maps), Beach Italo Calvino (Google Maps), and Bagni Sanremo Blue Bay (Google Maps).

As with most urban beaches, these are going to be lively spots with access to restaurants, bars and entertainment. They are all backed by the city, so don’t expect natural surroundings; however, the water will still be refreshing and the atmosphere positive. 

7. The Beautiful Villas & Gardens

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit these villas but there’s no reason why you can’t. Don’t miss out ’cause I’ve heard amazing things! (The above images are just some buildings we passed and liked the look of them.)

If you’re hoping to have a tranquil day exploring the most beautiful sites in Sanremo, make sure you stop by Villa Nobel (Google Maps) and Villa Ormond (Google Maps). The first was the residence of Alfred Nobel, the creator of the Nobel Prize Award! 

Villa Nobel features a museum dedicated to his life and works, which is free to enter and a lovely garden to explore. Villa Ormond is another breathtaking villa located 200 meters from Villa Nobel along Corso Felice Cavallotti. There, you can stroll through the garden, which houses exotic and rare plants, and admire the classic villa with a unique fireplace from the Doria castle of Dolceacqua.

⭐ Pro tip >> Villa Ormond houses the Flower Museum. Although slightly off-topic, if you enjoy botanical gardens and plan to visit Lake Maggiore in Piedmont, I highly recommend the beautiful Villa Taranto Gardens.

8. The Mercato Annonario di Sanremo

There is a lovely market in Sanremo that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday morning. At Mercato Annonario (Google Maps), you can find seasonal fresh produce sold by locals. The range is huge, including cheese, fresh fish, baked goods, and regional specialities.

Its extensive range also includes clothing, shoes, jewellery, bags, scarves, and more. Since the mid-1950s, it has been one of the best markets on the Italian Riviera. The market is not just a place to shop but also a reflection of the region’s culture, and it’s a must-visit place whenever you visit Sanremo. It stays open until 1:30 pm. 

9. The Shopping, Cafes & Nightlife

I love a positive vibe, and Sanremo is a bustling town with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is an excellent place for shopping enthusiasts and foodies, and at night, there are plenty of bars to enjoy a few drinks. 

We noticed the town offers a variety of shopping options to suit all budgets. There were some beautiful high-end boutiques and plenty of high-street shops, and even the local markets were great—you’ll find unique souvenirs and gifts. As for the cafes and restaurants, there’s a huge range of cuisines, including traditional Ligurian and international dishes. 

Keep in mind, the shops located in the Sanermos’s historic centre offer a charming atmosphere, with narrow streets and colourful buildings that are also worth experiencing.

10. The Italian Song Contest Festival @ The Artisan Theatre

The Sanremo Music Festival, also known as the Festival della Canzone Italiana di Sanremo, is an annual song contest held in Sanremo. It was first organised in 1951 and has since become one of the most popular musical events in Italy. 

The festival is usually held in February, which makes a winter trip to Sanremo totally worthwhile, and features a competition between Italian singers and songwriters. The winner is awarded the Sanremo Music Festival trophy. 

The festival is also known for launching the careers of many famous Italian singers, such as Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, and Eros Ramazzotti. Millions of people watch it on television every year, and it’s considered a major cultural event in Italy.

11. Tiramisu at Marzio Bistrot

While we were in Italy, I became obsessed with finding the best tiramisu (and pistachio ice cream). Whenever I had the chance, it was tiramisu or ice cream for dessert. During our time in Sanremo, we stopped by Marzio Bistrot (Google Maps), which was half-hidden along a small alley in the newer part of the city. 

Luckily, we managed to nab a table outside and, after settling in, ordered two wines and, of course, the tiramisu. The bistro has an excellent selection of wines, the staff is friendly, and the tiramisu is moist, spongy, and divine. If you’re looking for a nice little spot for an aperitivo or something sweet, I recommend visiting Marzio Bistrot.

Fancy making your own tiramisu, Italian style? Check out this tiramisu cooking class!

12. The Portosole Marina 

Another attraction worth visiting is the Portosole Marina of Sanremo (Google Maps). On our way back to our campervan, we diverted off the Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Path and into the marina to gawk at the yachts. 

It’s easy to walk along the waterfront, as there is a well-laid path to admire the magnificent yachts. If you enjoy boating, this is a nice little activity. There are also a couple of restaurants that overlook the marina where you can grab a bite.

13. Day Trip To The Hills

If you’re looking to stay longer in Sanremo, consider venturing to one of the nearby villages. Sanremo is surrounded by many beautiful villages that are worth visiting; however, Bussana Vecchia, Seborga, and Dolceacqua rank high as some of our favourites.

• Bussana Vecchia (Google Maps) was an abandoned medieval village that was sadly destroyed by an earthquake in 1887; however, it was rebuilt by artists in the 1960s. Today, it’s home to a community of artists and has a unique bohemian atmosphere.

• Seborga (Google Maps) is known for its history and unique status as a self-proclaimed principality. Its charming old town and beautiful countryside make it a great spot for a peaceful getaway.

• Dolceacqua (Google Maps) is a charming medieval village known for its picturesque stone bridge, narrow alleys, and hilltop castle. It’s an excellent destination for history and architecture lovers, and the surrounding hills are perfect for hiking and exploring the local vineyards.

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When Is Sanremo Worth Visiting?

Sanremo can be visited all year round, although some attractions might be closed during the off-season. It’s worth checking the official website to ensure you’re not disappointed. The best time to visit Sanremo is the summer months, but this can be crowded and expensive. Consider the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

We’ve written a complete weather guide for visiting Italy here.

WINTER

Average Temps: Highs/Lows

• December: 13°C/ 8°C (55°F/46°F)
• January: 13°C/ 8°C (55°F/46°F)
• February: 13°C/ 8°C (55°F/46°F)

The winter months are January, February, and December. Although winter is considered the off-season and the weather is colder, the temperatures rarely fall below 8°C/ 46°F. February can be an exciting time to visit Sanremo, as the Italian Song Contest is held in the city. However, some attractions may have limited open hours in winter.

SPRING

Average Temps: Highs/Lows

• March:15°C/ 9°C (59°F/48°F)
• April: 16°C/ 11°C (61°F/52°F)
• May: 21°C/ 15°C (70°F/59°F)

Spring can be an excellent time to visit Sanremo if you want to avoid crowds. Early spring is still chilly, but aim for mid-April and May, and you’ll enjoy the best of Sanremo, including the spring blooms and lower prices. The season doesn’t kick off until the end of spring, so check opening times if visiting earlier.

SUMMER

Average Temps: Highs/Lows

• June: 24°C/ 18°C (75°F/64°F)
• July: 26°C/ 21°C (79°F/70°F)
• August: 27°C/ 21°C (81°F/70°F)

Summer is often viewed as the best time to visit Sanremo and the Italian Riviera. It’s the best time to enjoy the warm weather and beach time; however, prices increase, and tourists flock to the coast. Sanremo experiences fewer foreign tourists, but August especially can get busy as Italians take their summer holidays. If you want to guarantee good weather, consider early summer.

AUTUMN

Average Temps: Highs/Lows

• September: 24°C/ 18°C (75°F/64°F)
• October: 21°C/ 15°C (70°F/59°F)
• November: 16°C/ 11°C (61°F/52°F)

The autumn months are September through November; it’s worth noting that temperatures can vary quite drastically. Early autumn is still a popular time to visit Sanremo, and you’ll notice September will still be busy and expensive. However, this is a better month to visit if you want to avoid the summer hustle but want good weather. Mid-October onwards, the weather begins to change, prices decrease, and crowds disperse; if you don’t mind a little rain, this can be a good time to visit.

We were in Sanremo in November, and although it threatened to rain most evenings, i.e., the clouds were heavy, it never actually came. We managed to enjoy Sanremo and most of northwest Liguria on a warm and sunny day in early November in shorts and t-shirts!

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Planning Your Trip To Sanremo

Are you looking to book your trip to Sanremo soon? I’ve gathered a load of practical information from our own experience to help you plan.

How To Get To Sanremo

We were travelling along the Italian Riviera in a campervan, which made getting around super easy. However, if you’re not travelling by car, central Sanremo is still accessible. That said, unless you’re planning to stay in Sanremo only, I recommend renting a car to explore the surrounding villages.

SELF DRIVE

Sanremo is easily accessible from the motorway (it’s a tolled road), which runs along the coast. If you’re coming from Genoa, it’s about 110 km and should take around 2 hrs along the A10/E80. Exit at Arma di Taggia and take Via Beglini to SS1bis and exit onto Via Lamarmora for SS1, which will take you to Sanremo

There are plenty of parking spots in Sanremo. The most convenient is the Parkplatz (Google Maps).

If you’re looking for campervan parking:

• Area Camper Piani Di Poma (Google Maps)
• This is where we parked for the night (Google Maps). However, don’t park in the blue spaces, as they are chargeable. You might also struggle to find parking here in the summer.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re travelling in a campervan, we recommend using the Park4night App. It’s an excellent resource for finding camping spots worldwide. The app is free, although there is a paid version, which isn’t much but makes it much more useful. 

TRAIN

The Italian Riviera has a good train network, and most towns along the coast, including Sanremo and the airport, have train stations. We generally use Trainline to book train travel in Italy and Europe. It’s a website that provides a quick and easy way to purchase tickets while overseas without having to deal with confusing ticket machines.

I like it as I can check train prices, plan trips, and get the best deals, and it shows a variety of ticket options. 

BUS

If you fancy exploring the surrounding countryside but don’t have a car, Flexibus serves Liguria and runs various lines throughout the region. 

PLANE

The closest airport to Sanremo is in Nice, France. It’s around 65 km away and takes about an hour to travel to Sanremo. However, if you prefer an Italian airport, you’ll want to fly into Genoa, which is 140 km east and takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. 

BOOKED EXCURSIONS

Another way to get to/experience Sanremo is on a booked excursion. There are also a number of day trip options departing from Nice in France to visit Sanremo!

Below, I’ve selected the top-rated tours in Sanremo for you to browse through:

• Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: visit all the most beautiful places in Sanremo on this tour, including panoramic views of the Riviera dei Fiori and the most mysterious village in Italy.
• Sanremo Food Tour: Venture off the tourist track on this tour and discover spots only locals know, where you can sample an array of local produce, from focaccia and pesto to wine.
• Dolceacqua and the Nervia Valley: This small-group tour heads off the tourist trail to discover the tranquil Nervia Valley, including stops in Dolceacqua.

How Long Should You Stay?

The amount of time you spend in Sanremo depends on your reasons for visiting. If you’re travelling around the Italian Riviera as we did and want to maximise your time, an overnight visit or day trip is enough to experience the main attractions.

However, Sanremo would make an excellent weekend escape. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy over two or three days, including some beach time. If you plan to explore the surrounding countryside and villages, add a couple more days to your itinerary. 

Overall, I recommend spending a maximum of five days in Sanremo. This will give you plenty of time to visit the attractions, explore the city, relax on the beach, and visit some nearby villages without feeling rushed.

Helpful Accommodation Ideas

Sanremo is bursting with accommodation options. You’ll find everything from typical hotels to bed and breakfasts, apartments and guesthouses. Prices vary during the year, with the off-season (November through March) being more affordable. 

You’ll notice slight increases during April, May and October, while June through September experience the highest rates.

Where To Eat And Drink

With so many places to dine in Sanremo, it’s worth exploring the city on foot and keeping your eyes peeled for somewhere that looks inviting. To give you some guidance, I’ve selected a few top-rated places to eat and drink below.

• La Bodeguita Sanremo (£): Great pizza, a lovely small street off the main shopping streets. Good value for money.
• Ristorante Flipper (££): Fresh products, great seafood, good service, reasonable price and family-friendly
• Osteria Camelot (££): Great staff, tasty homemade pasta, fresh seafood and homemade sweets.
• Marzio Bistrot (££): Excellent wine selection, delicious, sophisticated food
• Ristorante La Pignese (£££): The fish and pasta are super tasty, and the service is excellent.
• Piña Social Club: Amazing wine and cocktails, cosy and fun place

The Verdict: Is Sanremo Worth Visiting

As always, I want to finish this guide with a summary of our thoughts on why Sanremo is worth visiting. We found Sanremo to be a fascinating city with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Even in November, when it was much quieter, there was still a lively buzz. 

The attractions, including La Pigna and the churches, are quite unique. If it’s your first time visiting northwest Liguria, I doubt you would have experienced this medieval Old Town design elsewhere. 

The cherry on top is Sanremo’s location. It’s in a great spot to enjoy the seaside and the mountains. We enjoyed the walk along the Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Path, and if you get the chance, you should also take this route.