The city of Sanremo is the unofficial capital of the Western Italian Riviera. Italians associate it with fun, music and beach holidays. Everywhere in Italy, people smile when they hear you live in Sanremo, and tell you how lucky you are. But what makes it so special? Here are Riviera Route's top ten reasons to love Sanremo.
The Weather
The Maritime Alps shield this coast from the clouds and winds of European winters. It is therefore one of the sunniest spots of the Mediterranean, with mild and pleasant weather year round. In summer, it tends to escape the sweltering heatwaves that affect other parts of Italy. Sanremo's climate is just right.
The Sea
Sanremo is truly a seaside resort town. Its gracious palm-lined Promenade, stretching from the beautiful Russian Church to the luxurious 5-star Miramare The Palace Hotel, runs parallel to the sea. Sanremo is dotted with pretty pebble beaches, and nearby is the long sandy beach of Arma di Taggia. Out to sea, mega-yachts and humble sailing boats all enjoy the views, and quite often you can spot dolphins and even whales playing in this official sea sanctuary. The Sanremo coastline is dotted with villas, gelaterie, hotels, restaurants and swimming pools - both public and private.
The Size
Sanremo has just 55,000 people, but is the commercial and cultural capital for the whole province of over 200,000 people - and it swells in summer with holiday-makers and visitors, especially from the nearby French Côte d'Azur. Sanremo is small enough to be a safe, stress-free, human-scaled city, but large enough to offer everything from fine dining, world-class shopping, and hotels for every budget.
The Cycle Path
Originally planned in the 19th Century, the Riviera's railway line was built to hug the coastline. Since then, the main railway line was moved underground and the old line was converted into a traffic-free cycle path, with over 24 kms of almost uninterrupted sea views. It is lined with palm trees, gardens and beachside cafés, and it buzzes with rollerbladers, cyclists, walkers and joggers all enjoying this car-free seaside road. There are countless places to rent a bike in Central Sanremo, making the city a perfect destination for cyclists of all levels.
The Gardens
Sanremo is famous for its lush, beautiful gardens. Many used to be part of aristocratic Villas which have since been open to the public. Thanks to the city's unique mild weather, you will find sub-tropical and exotic species that are not commonly seen in Europe.
The Old Town
Sanremo became a major tourist destination in the late 19th Century, but the city actually dates back to the Middle Ages. Evidence of this is easy to see in the Old Town, or la Pigna, as locals call it. Lose yourself in this rabbit-warren of streets and alleyways to experience an authentic Medieval town.
The Culture
There's always something going on in Sanremo. A vibrant Carnival parade brightens up winter, and is followed closely by the official Festival of Italian Song, the Sanremo Festival which each year chooses Italy's Eurovision entrant. The Milan-Sanremo cycle race is one of world's most important, and each year top athletes dash to the finish line along the historic Via Aurelia. Throughout the year, but particularly in the summertime, Sanremo offers an endless choice of concerts, performances and exhibitions of all kinds.
The Casino
Sanremo's Casino is one of only five in the whole of Italy, and the country's oldest after Venice's. It's an elegant, imposing building that has provided thrills and excitement to the city's visitors since 1905. Stepping into its palatial rooms and trying your luck is simply a must-do experience!
The Food
Sanremo Market is a treasure-trove of locally-produced food, whether the celebrated taggiasca extra-virgin olive oil, delicious sweets and delicacies, or the finest Mediterranean vegetables and fruits, much of it grown organically. Sanremo has some amazing restaurants for every budget, and seafood is definitely king here. Enjoy fried-calamari, caught and served on the same day. And have we mentioned the Baci di Sanremo yet? No visit would be complete without trying the totally indulgent chocolate macaroon that is the city's pride.
The Shopping
Enjoy a little retail therapy? This is the place for you. Central Sanremo is full of independent boutiques, jewellers, perfumeries and hundreds of specialist shops proudly embracing the "Made in Italy" brand. And just outside the city, a short shuttle ride away, lies the Mall Sanremo, the largest and best Outlet shopping centre on the Riviera with just about every Italian luxury brand you can think of, from Gucci to Dolce & Gabbana, and from Bottega Veneta to Versace... at discount prices!
Come visit Sanremo for yourself and fall in love with it, like we did!
Thinking of your next retreat? Choose the Riviera as your next destination.
Photos: Scorcio.it
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