Sanremo

Sanremo is the Liguria’s fourth largest town in terms of population, and the first on the Riviera dei Fiori.

The first to prefer Sanremo were the English who, travelling from neighbouring France, noticed the town’s impressive heritage.

International tourism reached Sanremo in the second half of the 19th century, thanks to the train, which brought crowned heads and nobility from all over Europe here to pamper themselves and spend the winter in a mild climate.

Now a major tourist destination, it owes its fame to the Casino, the Flower Market, which led Italian horticulture throughout the 20th century, and theSanremoRally, which was the Italian World Championship race for years. And then of course there is the Sanremo Song Festival, which has such a big impact on the town that it can be considered the most important event held in Sanremo.

The town has enjoyed a boost in tourism in recent years, thanks in part to the cycle and footpath, one of the longest in Europe, which runs for 24 km along the coast from Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo al Mare and will soon stretch as far as Imperia and Diano Marina. It is built on the abandoned route of the old railway line and is consequently more or less flat, making it accessible to all.

Don’t miss the Civic Museum, Villa Nobel, the Floriseum – Flower Museum, Villa Ormond and its extensive gardens, the Russian Church, the Imperatrice Promenade, a tribute to the Zarina Alexandra, one of the town’s famous guests, who donated the palm trees to Sanremo; the Porto Vecchio area and Piazza Bresca, the centre of the Movida, named after Captain Bresca who saved the Vatican obelisk.

A number of sports can be practised here, one of the highlights being sailing, as promoted by the Sanremo Yacht Club with its famous Giraglia Regatta. There is also a historic horse racing course and the prestigious Circolo Sportivo Golf degli Ulivi Sanremo, one of the best golf courses in the region.

Sanremo golf course spans 5203 metres across the magnificent green hills of the city’s hinterland, with a beautiful view over the sea: 18 holes, par 69, with individual holes of varying difficulty, to suit all tastes and all levels of skill.

Numerous other sports can be practised in the Pian di Poma sports area, at the municipal stadium and on the cycle path.

A number of sports can be practised here, one of the highlights being sailing, as promoted by the Sanremo Yacht Club with its famous Giraglia Regatta. There is also a historic horse racing course and the prestigious Circolo Sportivo Golf degli Ulivi Sanremo, one of the best golf courses in the region. Sanremo golf course spans 5203 metres across the magnificent green hills of the city’s hinterland, with a beautiful view over the sea: 18 holes, par 69, with individual holes of varying difficulty, to suit all tastes and all levels of skill.

Numerous other sports can be practised in the Pian di Poma sports area, at the municipal stadium and on the cycle path.

Ospedaletti borders Sanremo to the west and is a quieter town. A typical family seaside resort, it is enriched by the old motor racing track that hosted racing champions of the calibre of Nuvolari, Ascari, Fangio, Agostini and many more, all of whom are remembered today in the annual Historical Meeting.

Arma di Taggia, to the east, is a seaside town with a wealth of tourist attractions, nightspots and restaurants. It sits at the foot of the magical Argentina valley, with its history, legends and nature, stretching as far as the Alps and Liguria’s highest mountain, Saccarello.