This Italian Riviera city is renowned for its annual music festival, elegant casino, and beautiful beaches. Its flower gardens and 19th-century Royal Palace add to its charm.
Sanremo, a town on the Italian Riviera, is known for its Mediterranean climate and cultural events. You can attend the famous Sanremo Music Festival, admire Art Nouveau buildings like the Sanremo Casino, or explore the medieval streets of La Pigna, the old town. With mild weather throughout the year and a beautiful coastline, Sanremo is an ideal destination for a relaxed Italian coastal vacation.
La Pigna, Sanremo's Medieval Center
La Pigna, Sanremo's old town, consists of winding streets that lead up a hill. As you walk through this area, you'll encounter steep staircases, narrow alleyways, and small squares. At the top, you can visit two significant buildings: the San Siro Cathedral from the 12th century and the Madonna della Costa Sanctuary from the 15th century. From these historic sites, you can enjoy panoramic views of Sanremo and the Mediterranean Sea.
Sanremo's Casino and Teatro Ariston
The Sanremo Casino, constructed in 1905, stands in the city center. Its Art Nouveau design showcases the architectural style of the early 20th century. Near the casino, you'll find the Teatro Ariston, which has been the venue for the Sanremo Music Festival since 1977. This yearly event, held in February, has launched the careers of many Italian musicians and remains an important part of the country's cultural calendar.
Beaches and Coastal Activities
Sanremo's shoreline includes both sandy beaches and pebbly coves, with public and private areas available. For an active day, you can rent a bike and ride the 24-kilometer Cycling Riviera trail, which passes through former railway tunnels with views of the sea. Water sports enthusiasts can go sailing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding in the Mediterranean.
Sanremo's Local Cuisine
Sanremo's food combines ingredients and recipes from the coast and the Liguria region. You can try local specialties like Sardenara, a bread similar to focaccia topped with tomatoes, olives, and anchovies. Restaurants near the old port serve fresh seafood dishes. Don't miss the chance to taste authentic Ligurian pesto, often served with trofie pasta. For a sweet treat, try Baci di Sanremo, almond cookies filled with chocolate and hazelnuts.
Getting to Sanremo
Sanremo is accessible from other parts of Italy and nearby France. The closest airports are Nice Côte d'Azur in France (65 km away) and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo in Italy (140 km away). From either airport, you can take a train or bus to Sanremo. If you're driving, use the A10 motorway that connects Sanremo to major cities along the coast. Once in town, you can walk to most attractions or use the local bus service for longer distances.
