Visit Bordighera Italy: Best Coastal Activities

Visit Bordighera and discover a Riviera town that’s all charm, no chaos. Between the sea and the hills, this laid-back gem blends palm-lined promenades, peaceful beaches, and old-world elegance without the crowds. Sip espresso where Monet once painted, wander cobbled streets, or toast the sunset with a glass of Vermentino on Liguria wine tours. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed getaway with a splash of art, great food, and Mediterranean magic.

Visit Bordighera and the top things to do

Stroll along the lungomare promenade

Start your Bordighera stroll where the sea meets old-school glamour: the Lungomare Argentina and Promenade Margherita. It’s one of Liguria’s longest and most scenic seaside walks, framed by swaying palm trees, elegant Belle Époque villas, and that soft Mediterranean light Monet couldn’t resist painting. The vibe here is pure Riviera, relaxed, a little nostalgic, and perfect for golden-hour people-watching or snapping your new favorite sunset shot. Bring gelato. You’ll want to take your time.

Explore Bordighera Alta

Bordighera Alta feels like stepping into a postcard, with better coffee. This hilltop old town, with its cobbled alleyways and faded pastel walls, has been quietly charming visitors since the 1600s. Wander through its maze of stone streets, pause in sun-dappled piazzas, and follow the sound of clinking cups to a terrace café with views that stretch out to the sea. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, even if you’re just here for the espresso and the breeze, it’s worth the climb.

Wander through the exotic Pallanca Botanical Gardens

Step into a cliffside jungle with a Mediterranean view. Just outside Bordighera, the Giardini Pallanca feel like a secret garden perched above the sea. With over 3,000 species of succulents, desert blooms, and tropical plants, this botanical wonderland is a wild contrast to the beach life below. Come for the cactus forest, stay for the jaw-dropping views across the Ligurian coast, and don’t forget your camera, because every turn is a screensaver.

Relax on the main beach

Claim your spot by the sea. Bordighera’s beach has just the right blend of golden sand and smooth pebbles to make you forget what time it is. Grab a lounger, let the Ligurian sun do its thing, and let the waves set the pace for your afternoon. Most beach clubs serve up chilled Spritz and seafood straight to your sunbed, so you don’t even need to move unless it’s for a dip in the turquoise water.

Discover the Spirit of Sant’Ampelio

Follow the coast to find a legend. At the very tip of Bordighera’s promenade, the tiny Chiesa di Sant’Ampelio sits quietly above the rocks, watching the waves roll in, just as it has since the Middle Ages. Locals say Sant’Ampelio himself taught them to harvest palm fronds, a tradition that still lives on in Vatican ceremonies today. Come for the view, stay for the peaceful vibe, and a story older than the stones beneath your feet.

Take a cultural walk to Chiesa di Terrasanta

The Anglican Church of Bordighera is anything but ordinary. Founded by botanist Clarence Bicknell and architect Charles Garnier in the 19th century, this striking building breaks the mold with its Moorish design and serene garden setting. A symbol of Bordighera’s cosmopolitan spirit, it offers a surprising twist on the usual Riviera church scene, and a quiet place to pause, reflect, or snap a truly unique photo.

Admire the views at the Marina in Bordighera

Bordighera’s marina may be small, but it’s full of charm. Picture bobbing fishing boats next to sleek yachts, a salty breeze in the air, and cafés just steps from the water serving up Aperol Spritz with sea views. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, perfect for an early evening passeggiata or a spontaneous boat tour along the Ligurian coast.

Visit Bordighera and the top things to do around

Walk to Sanremo’s Iconic Promenade

Just 20 minutes west of Bordighera by train or car, Sanremo Italy brings a splash of glamour to your Riviera escape. Wander along the elegant Lungomare, peek inside the legendary Art Nouveau Casino, or browse the boutiques of Corso Matteotti. The train ride from Bordighera is a treat in itself, curving right along the sea with postcard-worthy views at every bend. And if you’re not ready to let go of the charm, loop back via Bordighera Alta for golden-hour views and a slow-paced aperitivo.

Wander through the beauty of Dolceacqua

Just 30 minutes from Bordighera by car, Dolceacqua is an easy escape into a world of cobbled streets, medieval arches, and stone houses clinging to the hillside. Its arched bridge, made famous by Claude Monet, still spans the river like a postcard brought to life. Beyond the photo ops, this village is known for its robust Rossese di Dolceacqua red wine and tiny trattorias where locals gather over long lunches. A perfect break from the beach, it’s where art, wine, and Ligurian tradition meet in one compact, unforgettable stop.

Visit the colorful Menton

Just 25 minutes from Bordighera by train, Menton feels like slipping into a watercolor painting, where pastel buildings tumble down hillsides and lemon trees line quiet gardens. Set between Monaco and the Italian border, this laid-back French Riviera town blends Italian flavor with French finesse. Wander its shady alleys, enjoy lunch by the sea, or grab a terrace table for a Spritz with a view. With its Belle Époque charm and dreamy promenade, Menton is the perfect cross-border day trip with a dash of citrus and culture.

Soak up the Riviera vibes in Alassio

With golden sand stretching along the Ligurian coast and pastel buildings leaning toward the sea, Alassio, this laid-back beach town delivers all the charm you’d expect from the Italian Riviera, minus the crowds. Stroll along its elegant promenade, snack on Baci di Alassio (yes, they’re as good as they sound), and toast the day with a crisp glass of white at a waterfront wine bar. It’s a perfect stop for those chasing sunshine, Liguria wine tours, and a touch of romantic, everyday magic.

Read more about your next stop, visit Alassio Italy for the ultimate overview!

Good to know before visiting Bordighera