If there is a place that has captured everyone’s imagination, that place is Sanremo. We all assume we know everything about it. Known for the famous Italian Song Festival held since 1951, this small town in Western Liguria becomes very busy for a whole week every year and is the centre of attention for the entire country. But Sanremo is much more than just its festival and a place to visit 365 days a year. So here are some tips to explore its beauty and experience an unforgettable stay.
HISTORIC CENTRE:
Taking a stroll in Sanremo is always a great idea. Here you can breathe in its pleasant atmosphere of tranquillity starting with the beautiful promenade dedicated to the Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna and adorned with the palm trees she donated to the town in 1874. Heading towards the historic centre, you will see the Orthodox Church of Cristo Salvatore, 1913, the Art Nouveau Casino from 1905 and the most recent statue of Mike Bongiorno with his famous motto “Allegria!”. You can take some photos in front of the Ariston Theatre completed in 1963 and then enter the picturesque caruggi, the alleys of the ancient city which go up to the hill. Here among white sheets hanging in the sun and children playing in the square, there are those who still live according to tradition and their roots. There is the spectacular Piazza San Siro with its 12th-century Romanesque Co-Cathedral representing the history of the city, and just behind it, the very busy market where you can buy local produce on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
VILLA ORMOND
There are many 19th-century villas overlooking the sea or located on the main road, some of which have been transformed into public gardens. Villa Ormond (1890) is a beautiful example of a garden with a romantic and exotic style featuring various species of plants and flowers growing next to each other in timeless harmony. Cedars, olive trees, palm trees and large ficus trees as well as flower beds, beautiful fountains and a soft lawn where you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this place.
VILLA NOBEL
This villa in eclectic style was designed in 1870 and named after its last tenant who lived there until his death in 1896, the famous Swedish industrialist, chemist and philanthropist Alfred Nobel. Its rooms adorned with fine materials and frescoes in Pompeian style still preserve traces of his daily life and his studies. It is also worth visiting it for the park and the beautiful view of the sea from the first floor.
CIRCOLO GOLF DEGLI ULIVI
Speaking of panoramas and spectaacular views, the Circolo degli Ulivi is without doubt the best place in Sanremo for golf enthusiasts, but also for their travel companions who can take advantage of the terrace and elegant bar where they can sip an aperitif. The clubhouse and the course was inaugurated in 1931 at a time when golf was still an exotic activity in Italy, known only to those who attended fashionable international events. However, people’s curiosity and the beauty of the hill with the 18 holes surrounded by olive trees did the rest, and today the Club is a fond and popular destination among players of all ages.
APERITIF BY THE POOL
Walking along the promenade, you will see an architectural marvel: the Royal Hotel which since 1872 has been a destination for the most exclusive holidays. Even Empress Sisi stayed here twice. Already in the 19th century, Sanremo was known in Europe for its mild climate in winter and many members of the aristocracy chose it as their fashionable residence. It has been modernised several times over the years but has always maintained its original style. One of the most prestigious additions is the heated salt-water swimming pool designed by Gio Ponti in 1948. A breathtaking location for a truly five-star aperitif.
DINNER AT PAOLO AND BARBARA
To savour traditional dishes and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, the place to go in Sanremo is the Paolo e Barbara restaurant. With its warm and cosy ambience, you will feel at ease and enjoy the friendly welcome of the owners whose business philosophy is authenticity. They produce their own oil and wine, the vegetables come from their organic farm, and the dishes are local recipes with a delicious mixture of flavours and aromas.
CASA LAURA
For sports enthusiasts and outdoor types, our advice is to rent a bicycle and go for a ride on the Riviera dei Fiori cycle path, an easy 24-kilometre route with a view of the sea surrounded by beautiful scenery. This way (or in a few minutes by taxi), you will arrive at Ospedaletti where there is a house which has been open for three years and can be visited thanks to the Italian Environmental Fund. This unique place was the house of the Laura spouses, famous antique dealers from Sanremo who travelled the world collecting items for their private collection: from 17th century inlaid dressers to cars. You can admire a 1954 Rolls-Royce and a 1959 Bentley as soon as you enter. But also mirrors, coffee tables with secret drawers, Egyptian vases, boiseries from ancient English castles, Chinese wallpapers and an endless list of wonders. A must-see place! (Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 40 – Ospedaletti)
Lorenzo Bises, half Roman and half Milanese is an art historian and content creator. His book Milan mon amour is dedicated to his beloved city. On social media, he tells interesting facts about beautiful places of culture all around the world. He is passionate about cycling, and history of fashion and customs. He runs a newsletter called Old letters from the 21st century, a podcast La non(no) moda and a weekly column on the Il Giorno periodical called Giretti Sparsi.
