Welcome to Sanremo, the celebrated City of Flowers and one of the Italian Riviera’s most distinctive destinations. Known internationally for the Sanremo Music Festival, the city combines an atmospheric medieval centre with elegant architecture, colourful gardens, bustling shopping streets and a relaxed seaside lifestyle.
Whether you're visiting for a day or planning a longer Riviera escape, here are five experiences that make Sanremo special.
1. Explore La Pigna — Sanremo’s Medieval Old Town
Above the modern shopping streets lies La Pigna, Sanremo’s historic heart. Its winding passageways, stone arches, staircases and small squares reveal a quieter side of the city. Begin near Porta di Santo Stefano and wander uphill through centuries of Ligurian history. Continue towards the Regina Elena Gardens for panoramic views across the rooftops and Mediterranean.
Inside Riviera tip: Wear comfortable shoes and explore in the morning or late afternoon.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
2. Discover the Teatro Ariston and Sanremo Music Festival
Sanremo holds a special place in Italian music thanks to the Teatro Ariston, home of the renowned Sanremo Music Festival since 1977. Located on Via Matteotti, the theatre is surrounded by lively cafés, shops and pedestrian streets. Even outside festival season, it remains one of the city's best-known landmarks.
Inside Riviera tip: Combine a photograph outside the Ariston with a stroll along Via Matteotti.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
3. Admire the Casino and Belle Époque Architecture
The elegant Casinò di Sanremo is a reminder of the city's fashionable Belle Époque past. Opened in 1905, the casino is a striking architectural landmark. Nearby, the Russian Orthodox Church, with its distinctive onion domes, reflects the international visitors who once spent their winters on the Riviera.
Inside Riviera tip: Explore the area around Corso Imperatrice for grand architecture and palm-lined streets.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
4. Relax in the Gardens of Villa Ormond
Sanremo's reputation as the City of Flowers comes alive at Villa Ormond. This historic villa is surrounded by gardens featuring palms, exotic plants, elegant pathways and peaceful green spaces. The park offers a welcome break from the busy centre and a glimpse of the city's longstanding love of horticulture.
Inside Riviera tip: Allow time for an unhurried walk, especially in spring and autumn.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
5. Experience the Seafront and Coastal Cycling Path
Stroll along the waterfront, relax beside the sea or rent a bicycle to explore the coastal cycle route built along sections of the former railway corridor. The route provides a scenic way to experience the Riviera coastline, passing seaside neighbourhoods and offering beautiful Mediterranean views.
Inside Riviera tip: Plan a morning bike ride followed by focaccia, coffee or lunch by the sea.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Plan Your Visit to Sanremo
Location: Sanremo, Liguria, Italy, between Imperia and Ventimiglia.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for sightseeing; summer for the coastline.
Getting there: Regional trains connect Sanremo with Ventimiglia and other Riviera towns.
How long to stay: One day for the historic centre and landmarks; two days for gardens and coastal cycling.
What to taste: Fresh focaccia, farinata, pesto pasta and local seafood.
