Plan Your Trip to Sanremo Italy: The Best of the Italian Riviera

Sanremo in Italy feels like the Riviera with a rebellious streak, elegant, sun-drenched, and just unpredictable enough to keep things interesting. Famous for its flowers, its music festival, and that iconic casino, Sanremo mixes old-school glamour with salty air and serious seaside charm. But beyond the postcards, you’ll find winding old-town alleys, lazy beach mornings, and Liguria wine tours that turn afternoons into golden-hour dreams. One minute you’re sipping Vermentino by the sea, the next you’re stumbling upon street art in a hilltop village. Tucked between Monaco and the mountains, Sanremo isn’t just a destination, it’s a moment.

Best things to do in Sanremo Italy

Explore La Pigna

Grab your camera (and curiosity) and head into La Pigna, Sanremo’s medieval heart. Built centuries ago by the Genoese, this tangle of narrow alleys, shadow-draped archways, and unexpected staircases won’t show up on Google Maps, it’s the city’s secret side, soaked in history and wild with charm. Ancient stone walls, potted olive trees, and splashes of flowers crowd every corner, creating pockets of quiet sunshine just begging to be discovered.

Visit the Sanremo Casino

Step into old-school glamour at the Sanremo Casino, where Art Nouveau curves meet Riviera dazzle. Built in 1905, this creamy-hued stunner isn’t just for high rollers, it’s one of the city’s cultural hubs. You might come for the roulette table, but you’ll stay for the velvet-lined theatre, surprise jazz nights, or the offbeat shows that echo the nearby Sanremo Music Festival vibes.

Wander through the Gardens of Villa Ormond

Villa Ormond and its botanical gardens offer one of the most peaceful escapes in Sanremo. Surrounded by rare palms, exotic flowers, and perfectly manicured paths, the garden blends Riviera charm with a touch of the tropics. Set above the old port, it’s where you can soak in stunning views of the Mediterranean while wandering through centuries-old greenery. It’s a perfect place for a scenic stroll, a quiet picnic, or simply a break from the city buzz, this tranquil spot is pure coastal magic.

Walk to Madonna della Costa Sanctuary

Rising above the rooftops of Sanremo, the Madonna della Costa Sanctuary has been watching over the city since the 17th century. A short uphill walk from the center leads you to this peaceful Baroque church, known for its elegant façade, delicate stucco work, and panoramic views stretching from the Ligurian hills to the sea. Inside, soft light filters through to illuminate ornate altars and gilded details, making it a quiet, contemplative stop that feels miles away from the coastal bustle.

Admire the Russian Orthodox Church

Tucked among palm trees and pastel villas, the Russian Orthodox Church in Sanremo is like a postcard from St. Petersburg that took a sunny holiday. Commissioned by Empress Maria Alexandrovna in the early 1900s, this beauty was built for Russian aristocrats who wintered here for the sea views and mild Riviera weather. With its candy-colored onion domes and ornate frescoes, it’s a totally unexpected splash of imperial drama right in the heart of Liguria.

Explore the Fort of Santa Tecla

Once a seaside stronghold, the Fort of Santa Tecla now watches over Sanremo with a whole new vibe. Built by the Genoese in the 1700s to keep pirates and troublemakers at bay, this star-shaped fort near the old port has swapped cannonballs for culture. Today it hosts exhibitions, events, and the occasional art show, all with panoramic views of the Ligurian coast.

Tour the Residence of Alfred Nobel

Set inside the elegant Villa Nobel, once home to Alfred Nobel himself, this museum peeks into the mind of the man behind the world’s most prestigious prize. The villa, with its graceful architecture and peaceful gardens, feels like a secret hideaway where Nobel spent his final years tinkering with ideas and enjoying the Ligurian sun. Step inside to discover personal objects, scientific curiosities, and stories that go far beyond dynamite.

Relax at the city’s stunning beaches

No trip to Sanremo is complete without a lazy, sun-drenched beach day. The city’s coastline is dotted with a mix of chic private lidos, think loungers, umbrellas, and spritz service, and public beaches where locals splash around and paddleboarders glide by. Grab a spot, kick back with your sunglasses on, and let the Mediterranean do the rest. The water? Sparkling. The vibe? Pure Riviera relaxation.

Visit the Ariston Theatre

The Teatro Ariston is the beating heart of Sanremo’s music scene. Home to the legendary Sanremo Music Festival since 1951, this iconic stage has seen the rise of Italy’s greatest voices and unforgettable performances. Even outside festival week, it radiates glam, nostalgia, and pure Italian melody. If you’re strolling through the city, don’t skip this cultural landmar, it’s basically Sanremo’s soul with a spotlight.

Best things to do around Sanremo Italy

Explore the charming village of Bussana Vecchia

Just 15 minutes from Sanremo, Bussana Vecchia is where ruins meet rebellion. After being abandoned following a devastating 1887 earthquake, this crumbling village found new life in the 1960s thanks to a wave of artists who turned it into a creative haven. Today, it’s a quirky blend of stone archways, open-air ateliers, and bougainvillea-draped doorways. You’ll stumble upon handmade pottery, abstract sculptures, and cozy trattorias serving pesto with a view. The vibe is laid-back, a little wild, and totally worth the detour. Think of it as the artsy, slow-paced cousin to Sanremo’s seaside glam.

Visit the elegant seaside resort town of Bordighera

Located 25 minutes west of Sanremo, Bordighera feels like a breath of Ligurian sea air, calm, sunlit, and effortlessly elegant. Once the winter playground of Queen Margherita, this charming town still carries the laid-back glamour of its royal past. Think palm-lined promenades, Liberty-style villas, and gardens so lush they look painted. It’s perfect for a lazy seaside lunch or an ice cream-fueled wander along the coast. With hints of Genoese style in its architecture and an artsy vibe tucked into every corner, visit Bordighera Italy “just for an hour” and end up staying all afternoon.

Wander the ancient streets of Dolceacqua

Under an hour from Sanremo, Dolceacqua is the kind of village that feels plucked from a painting, and in fact, it once was. Claude Monet fell in love with its stone bridge and dramatic Doria Castle, and you just might too. This medieval gem, nestled beside the Nervia River and wrapped in vineyards and olive trees, is a dream for slow travelers and wine lovers alike. Wander its cobbled alleys, stop for a glass of Rossese red wine, and lose track of time in artisan boutiques and tiny piazzas.

Good to know before visiting Sanremo