Coastal Italian town on the Riviera. Known for its daily market, Roman ruins, and sandy beaches. Gateway to France, just a few kilometers from the border.
Ventimiglia, the last Italian town before the French border, sits on the Ligurian coast. This town offers Mediterranean beaches, a medieval old town perched on a hill, and Roman ruins. You can browse the large Friday market, walk through the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, or taste local dishes influenced by French cuisine.
Location and Geography
Ventimiglia is located on the Ligurian coast, just 7 kilometers from the French border. The Roia River splits the town, with the newer part along the coast and the medieval old town, Ventimiglia Alta, on a hill overlooking the sea. This position has made Ventimiglia an important border town throughout history, now acting as a gateway between the Italian and French Rivieras.
Exploring Ventimiglia Alta
As you climb the steep streets of Ventimiglia Alta, the medieval old town, you'll see colorful houses, narrow alleys, and small squares. At its center stands the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 11th century. Its octagonal baptistery is an excellent example of medieval architecture. Nearby, you'll find the 10th-century Church of San Michele Arcangelo, constructed on the site of a pagan temple, displaying architectural elements from various periods.
Roman Ruins and Archaeological Sites
In the eastern part of Ventimiglia, you can explore the remains of a 2nd-century Roman theater, along with floor mosaics and sections of the ancient city walls. The Girolamo Rossi Archaeological Museum, housed in the Fortezza dell'Annunziata, contains a large collection of artifacts from the Roman city of Albintimilium, which once occupied the site of modern Ventimiglia.
Beaches and Seaside Promenade
Ventimiglia's coastline includes several beaches. A long promenade runs along the sea, offering many spots for sunbathing and swimming. The beaches vary from sandy to pebbly, with Spiaggia delle Calandre being a common choice among visitors. In summer evenings, you can enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants and visit late-night bars along the seaside.
Hanbury Botanical Gardens
A few kilometers outside Ventimiglia, you'll find the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, Italy's largest botanical garden. Created in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Hanbury, these gardens contain a wide variety of exotic plants from around the world. The gardens are built on a slope extending almost to the sea, providing broad views of the Mediterranean. You can spend several hours exploring the different plant species and enjoying the coastal scenery.
The Friday Market
Every Friday, a large open-air market stretches along Ventimiglia's seafront and riverside. It's one of the largest markets in the region, where you can find fresh local produce, Italian delicacies, clothing, leather goods, and housewares. Many visitors from France cross the border to shop for Italian goods at this market.
Local Cuisine
Ventimiglia's cuisine reflects its coastal location and proximity to France. Fresh seafood is common on local menus, with dishes like stuffed sardines and seafood risotto. Try pansarole, a local sweet fritter often served with zabaglione cream. You might also want to taste the local specialty of cold ravioli, a dish with interesting flavors.
Getting to Ventimiglia
You can reach Ventimiglia easily by train, with regular services from both the Italian and French Rivieras. The train journey from Nice takes about 50 minutes, while trains from Genoa take around two hours. If you're driving, Ventimiglia is just off the A10 autostrada. The town's location makes it a convenient base for exploring both the Italian Riviera and the nearby French coast.
