1. Sanremo: The kingdom of flowers and festivals
Sanremo is famous not only for its flower markets and gardens, but also for one of the most famous music festivals in Italy. If you come in February, you'll experience the Festival di Sanremo, which attracts the Italian and international music elite every year. Sanremo also has wonderful beaches, some of which are sandy, others pebblyand many great places to walk, such as the famous Corso Imperatrice promenade, where you'll also find the iconic Casino Sanremo.
2. Bordighera: A gardener's paradise
Bordighera, a city of artists and gardeners, attracts with its lush vegetation and elegant atmosphere. There's the famous Giardino Esotico Pallanca, where you can admire exotic succulents and different types of cacti overlooking the turquoise sea. In the centre of Bordighera you will find many historic cafés where the painter Claude Monet, fascinated by the local landscape, liked to sit.also here you will find the Church of Sant'Ampelio, considered one of the most important and beautiful places in the area. This small, historic church is located on a rocky outcrop directly above the sea and offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.
3. Imperia: A fusion of history and modernity
Imperia, a town divided into two parts - Porto Maurizio and Oneglia - combines historical charm with modern life. In Porto Maurizio, you can visit the Cathedral of San Maurizio, the largest church building in Liguria, or take a stroll through the impressive part of the old town called Parasio. On the other hand, Oneglia is famous for its gastronomic scene, especially for the production of olive oil, which is the local pride.
4. Beaches and relaxation
The Riviera dei Fiori offers great conditions for beach relaxation. Popular beaches include:
- Spiaggia di Arma di Taggia - a long sandy beach with shallow water, ideal for families with children.
- The beaches of Ospedaletti - smaller and less visited by tourists, they provide a peaceful retreat with a pebbly shoreline and clear waters.
- Diano Marina - a combination of sandy beaches and palm tree lined promenade where you can sit in restaurants and enjoy the sea views.
5. Riviera dei Fiori cycle path
For active visitors, there is the Pista Ciclabile della Riviera dei Fiori cycle path, which runs along the coast and offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains. The cycle route was built on the site of a former railway and passes through the areas of Sanremo, Arma di Taggia, Riva Ligure and Santo Stefano al Mare. The route is suitable for both cyclists and hikers, thanks to the gentle terrain.
6. Gastronomy and traditional flavours
When travelling along the Riviera dei Fiori, don't forget to sample the local cuisine, which is full of Mediterranean flavours. Renowned specialties include:
- Pesto alla genovese - a traditional basil pesto served with various pasta dishes.
- Focaccia ligure - a soft bread sprinkled with salt and rosemary, ideal with olive oil.
- Oliva taggiasca - small, tasty olives, typical of the region, which can be found in many local dishes and on their own.
7. Festival dei Fiori
The Riviera dei Fiori did not earn its name by chance. Every year in May, a flower festival called the Festival dei Fiori takes place here, during which the towns shine with the colours and scents of flowering plants. At this time of year you will find a variety of flower markets and shows where local gardeners show off their colourful creations.