Riviera dei Fiori Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Sanremo - Riviera dei Fiori
The dreamy Riviera of Flowers is famous for its blooms, natural beauty and the picturesque resort town of Sanremo.

Soak up the sun and smell the perfumed air in the Riviera dei Fiori, one of the most beloved stretches along Italy’s northwestern coastline approaching the French border.

Like that of its surrounding regions, the Riviera dei Fiori’s mild climate and relaxed approach to life have attracted tourists for centuries. It has traditionally been a flower-growing region, known for mimosas, buttercups and lavender. Enjoy splashing around on pebbly beaches and strolling through the wooded hills behind them. Laze in the sun eating olives and gaze out at the shimmering sea.

The focal point of the Riviera dei Fiori is the resort town of Sanremo, whose nicknames “Pearl of the Italian Riviera” and “City of Flowers” reveal its loveliness. Sanremo is also famous for olive oil production. It has a historic port, still used for boat trips and cruises.

The Sanremo town center is a pedestrian-only, preserved medieval precinct called La Pigna, where you can stroll through centuries of Riviera life. Try your luck at the town’s lavish art nouveau-style casino and gaze at the stunning interior of the Madonna della Costa Sanctuary. Get dizzy with color and perfume at Sanremo’s Flower Market, where you can find gorgeous local blooms.

In the bushy wilderness behind Sanremo is the Valle Argentina, perfect for hiking or cycling along the unique Riviera landscape under a big blue Mediterranean sky. This region is dotted with lush public gardens to wander through on a warm day, including those at the Villa Nobel, a gorgeous old house made into a museum of human achievement. Alfred Nobel spent the last part of his life here.

Outside Sanremo itself, visit the fortified old town center of Ventimiglia, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) away. Drive between the regional centers in the Riviera dei Fiori or use the Trenitalia, which provides regular rail services along stunning vistas.

Where to stay in Riviera dei Fiori

Sanremo showing general coastal views and a city

Sanremo Centre

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Sanremo Centre is noteworthy for its casinos, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Sanremo Market and Ariston Theatre.

Sanremo Centre
Sanremo showing general coastal views and a city

Sanremo Old Town

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Sanremo Old Town. You might want to make time for a stop at Giardini Regina Elena or Museo Civico.

Sanremo Old Town
Default Image

Old Town Ventimiglia

Travellers to Old Town Ventimiglia praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral and Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo.

Old Town Ventimiglia
Default Image

Oneglia

Travellers like the historical sites in Oneglia, and Villa Grock is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Oneglia
Default Image

Regione Ronchi

While Regione Ronchi isn't home to many top sights, Porto Marina Aregai and Pista Ciclabile della Riviera Ligure are some notable places to visit nearby.

Regione Ronchi
Royal Hotel San Remo
Royal Hotel San Remo
5 out of 5
Corso Imperatrice, 80, Sanremo, IM
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sanremo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (732 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, amazing service and helpful, friendly staff. Soundproofing could be improved but that’s the only « negative » comment we have!"

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2024

Royal Hotel San Remo
Best Western Hotel Nazionale
Best Western Hotel Nazionale
4 out of 5
Corso Matteotti 3, Sanremo, IM
The price is NZ$210 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
NZ$210
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sanremo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Casino Sanremo and Chiesa Russa ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (523 reviews)
"Hotel is located right next to the casino and everything is easily accessible by foot. Room was clean and bed was comfortable. Parking was easy to find on the street."

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2024

Best Western Hotel Nazionale
Villa Sylva & Spa
Villa Sylva & Spa
3 out of 5
Via Privata Garbarino 2, Sanremo, Imperia
The price is NZ$185 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
NZ$185
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sanremo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (509 reviews)
"Villa Sylva is a lovely old property with a gracious golden-age vibe. Staff were helpful and our room was incredibly large and accomodating. Unfortunately, the spa was out of order at the time of our stay, so we weren't able to fully enjoy."

Reviewed on 24 Sep. 2024

Villa Sylva & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence dei Due Porti
Residence dei Due Porti
4 out of 5
Corso Trento Trieste 21/23, Sanremo, IM
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Sanremo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (195 reviews)
"perfectly located, staff is amazing"

Reviewed on 23 Sep. 2024

Residence dei Due Porti
Small house by the sea
Small house by the sea
Imperia
Stay at this apartment in Imperia. Enjoy balconies, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (31 reviews)
Kleine Wohnung mit wenig Ansprüchen ok
"Die Wohnung ist wirklich sehr sehr klein und geht über 2 Etagen. Die Küche unten ist eine "Einbahnstraße". Beim Kochen war es sofort sehr heiß in der Wohnung. Das Bad war winzig, aber ok, hätte sauberer sein können. Die beiden Schlafzimmer oben sind geräumig. Das eine ist ein Durchgangszimmer mit ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2024

Small house by the sea
Villa Isabella: relaxation, calm, pool and beautiful beaches nearby
Villa Isabella: relaxation, calm, pool and beautiful beaches nearby
Ventimiglia
Stay at this villa in Ventimiglia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Hanbury Botanic Gardens and Plage Capo Mortola are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Beautiful property
"Immaculately clean and well-equipped apartment with good internet and smart TVs in all rooms. Good quality (and quiet) air conditioning throughout and was much needed. Pool was clean and well looked after. Hosts live upstairs and were kind and helpful. Only drawback is the A8 motorway which can obscure ..."

Reviewed on 29 Aug. 2024

Villa Isabella: relaxation, calm, pool and beautiful beaches nearby
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Riviera dei Fiori