Highlights
Sights
In the mid-19th Century, Sanremo became something of a haven for wealthy Russian emigres. As a result, a Russian Orthodox church was built following Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna’s wishes, who herself was fond of the city. Dating back further, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Costa, located at the top of the old city, began construction, as it is now, in the 17th century and houses a collection of paintings and religious statues. Also of interest is the Cathedral of San Siro, which is the oldest religious building in western Liguria.
Gardens and Villas
Sanremo, known as the ‘City of Flowers’ is celebrated for its perfectly manicured garden displays. The Pallanca exotic gardens are filled with botanical brilliance, housing over three-thousand species of plant and one of Europe’s best cactus collections. There are also plenty of villas to admire, many with prestigious former owners and residents, which also boast exquisite floral features. On the last Sunday of the month, you can also visit the vibrant flower market, though you can wander the colourful flowerbeds and flourishing town parks at any time of year.
Casino
Casino Sanremo is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. With a splendid white exterior, framed by the area’s characteristic palm trees, the casino was built in the early 1900’s, back in the heyday of Sanremo when European dignitaries would head to the sun-kissed shores for a flutter at the tables. Today, Casino Sanremo maintains its prestigious heritage, with its elegant bar and restaurant and noble theatre, where the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra plays around one-hundred concerts a year. So important was the cultural significance of this casino, it was the only one to survive when dictator, Benito Mussolini, ordered the closure of all of Italy’s gambling halls.
Corso Matteotti
Known locally as Pigna, which translates to ‘pine cone’, the tightly wound streets of this pedestrianised Medieval town centre offer plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to pass some time at. Now a renowned seaside resort, the perched houses are a reminder that this glamourous spot was once a humble fishing town.
Leisure
Sanremo is a great place to take it easy. Its bustling seafront offers a prime spot to lay your sun lounger on golden sands, while the Pista Ciclabile coastal path follows a traffic-free route of an old railway track which is perfect for cycling. There is also the Circlo Golf degli Ulivi 18-hole golf course, nestled amongst olive trees with beautiful sea views, located just a forty-minute drive outside the city. On the waterfront, the Portosole marina, one of the largest ports in the area, is where you can arrange a boat trip, while if you would also like to head into France to see the Côte d'Azur, Monaco and Nice are only around a one-hour drive away.