Sanremo

Sanremo is a Riviera di Ponente resort city famous for the annual Italian Song Festival and its Belle Époque casino. Surrounded by flower farms, it is known as the 'City of Flowers.'

Things to do

• Visit the Casino Municipale — One of Italy's oldest and most beautiful Art Nouveau casinos, open to visitors.
• Explore La Pigna old town — The medieval hilltop quarter offers maze-like alleys and panoramic views.
• Walk the Lungomare — The palm-lined seafront promenade is perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.
• Visit the flower market — Sanremo's Mercato dei Fiori is one of Europe's largest wholesale flower markets.
• Day trip to Bussana Vecchia — A nearby ghost village reborn as an artists' commune, fascinating to explore.

Food to try

• Sardenaira — A local pizza-like flatbread topped with tomatoes, olives, anchovies, and capers.
• Coniglio alla Sanremese — Rabbit braised with olives, pine nuts, and white wine in the local style.
• Pasta e Fagioli — A hearty pasta and bean soup enriched with local olive oil and herbs.
• Taggiasca Olives — Small, sweet local olives from the Taggia valley, eaten or pressed into fine oil.

Local customs & good to know

• Book ahead for the Festival — The Sanremo Music Festival in February draws huge crowds — book accommodation early.
• Try the local olive oil — Taggiasca olive oil is a prized regional product — pick up a bottle to take home.
• Explore beyond the seafront — The hilltop La Pigna district is often missed by tourists but holds the city's soul.