Discover the City of Flowers, the Famous Music Festival & One of Liguria’s Most Underrated Coastal Destinations
If you’ve never heard of Sanremo, you’re not alone.
Many travelers head straight to Cinque Terre or Portofino, completely overlooking this elegant city on Italy’s western Riviera.
And honestly?
That’s part of its charm.
Sanremo (sahn-REH-moh) is a place where palm trees line the Mediterranean, Belle Époque architecture tells stories of a glamorous past, locals gather for aperitivo overlooking the sea, and winding medieval streets lead to breathtaking viewpoints.
It’s also a city that has become incredibly special to me.
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Sanremo several times while working with a local tour company based here, and every trip has left me wanting to come back. Some of my favorite memories aren’t the famous landmarks—they’re the evening walks along the waterfront, lingering over a spritz with a tagliere, and discovering quiet corners that make the city feel wonderfully lived in.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or using Sanremo as a base to explore western Liguria, here’s everything I think you shouldn’t miss.
At a Glance
📍 Region: Liguria (lee-GOO-ree-ah)
🌺 Known For: The Italian Music Festival, flowers, Belle Époque architecture, seaside promenades, cycling, and the Riviera dei Fiori
🚆 Best Transportation: Walking + train
🗓️ Ideal Stay: 2–3 days
👩 Solo Traveler Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☀️ Best Time to Visit: April–June & September–October
🍷 Signature Wine: Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC
Why Visit Sanremo?
Sanremo feels different from many Italian coastal towns.
It’s elegant without feeling pretentious.
Historic without feeling crowded.
And lively without losing its relaxed rhythm.
Whether you’re strolling the Lungomare, climbing through the medieval streets of La Pigna, or enjoying an aperitivo overlooking the sea, Sanremo invites you to slow down and savor every moment.
➡️ Related Post: The Ultimate Liguria Travel Guide
From My Travels
The first time I came to Sanremo was for work, and what started as a business trip quickly became one of my favorite places in Italy.
I found myself returning to the same cafés, walking the promenade after dinner, and discovering little spots that made me feel less like a visitor and more like a local.
That’s one of the reasons I always recommend spending at least a couple of days here instead of simply passing through.
Personally Tested by Sondra
These are places I’ve personally experienced and happily recommend:
⭐ Grand Hotel des Anglais – I’ve stayed here several times while working in Sanremo. Its historic charm, beautiful architecture, and location make it a wonderful base for exploring the city. It’s considered a 4-star hotel, and I have only stayed in the, shall we say, “unrenovated” rooms on the top floor. But generally, expect fancy cars, and sweeping views of the sea.
⭐ SanSci – My favorite spot for a relaxed aperitivo. A €5 spritz paired with a generous tagliere included became one of my favorite Sanremo traditions. They also offer a fantastic 15 euro dinner with three courses (one of which is their delicious tiramisu).
⭐ Seven Rooftop Bar & Lounge – Come here around sunset for panoramic views over the city and the Ligurian Sea. It’s the perfect place to toast another beautiful day in Italy.
Experience the Festival di Sanremo
Every February, Sanremo becomes the center of the Italian music world.
The Festival di Sanremo, first held in 1951, is Italy’s most famous music competition and has helped launch the careers of many of the country’s biggest artists.
Fun fact: the Eurovision Song Contest was inspired by the Sanremo Music Festival.
Even if you’re visiting outside festival season, you’ll notice how proud the city is of its musical heritage.
Visit the Russian Orthodox Church
One of Sanremo’s most recognizable landmarks is the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Savior.
Built in the early 1900s for the Russian aristocracy who wintered along the Riviera, its colorful onion domes stand out against the blue Mediterranean sky.
Step inside to admire the peaceful interior before continuing your walk through the city.
Climb Through La Pigna
La Pigna is Sanremo’s medieval heart.
This maze of narrow alleyways, staircases, stone arches, and quiet piazzas feels like stepping back in time.
Take your time exploring.
The climb to the top is absolutely worth it.
From the upper viewpoints, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of terracotta rooftops, palm trees, and the sparkling Ligurian Sea beyond.
Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll earn the view!
Stroll the Lungomare
One of my favorite ways to spend an evening in Sanremo is simply walking along the waterfront.
Palm trees sway in the sea breeze, locals gather for an evening passeggiata, and cafés slowly begin filling with people enjoying aperitivo.
Sometimes the simplest experiences become the most memorable.
Wander Porto Vecchio
Sanremo’s Old Port is a lovely place to slow down.
Watch fishing boats come and go, enjoy fresh seafood at a nearby restaurant, or simply sit on a bench and take in the view.
It’s a quieter side of the city that many visitors miss.
What to Eat
Sardenaira
Often called the “pizza of Sanremo,” this local specialty is topped with tomato, anchovies, olives, garlic, oregano, and olive oil.
It’s simple, flavorful, and unique to this part of Liguria.
Pesto Genovese
Even in western Liguria, you’ll find incredible pesto made with fragrant local basil.
Fresh Seafood
From grilled fish to calamari and octopus, Sanremo’s coastal location means seafood is always a good choice.
Tagliere
One of my favorite aperitivo traditions.
A beautifully arranged board of local cheeses, cured meats, olives, bread, and seasonal accompaniments pairs perfectly with a spritz or a local glass of wine.
Sondra’s Table
Favorite Aperitivo
If I had one recommendation, it would be to order a spritz and tagliere at SanSci.
It’s one of those places that keeps drawing me back every time I’m in Sanremo.
Best Sunset
Head to Seven Rooftop Bar & Lounge.
Watching the sun sink over the Mediterranean with a cocktail in hand is one of my favorite Sanremo memories.
Slow Morning
Grab a cappuccino, wander toward the promenade, and let the city wake up around you.
No itinerary required.
If You Loved Sanremo…
Explore Santa Margherita Ligure
If Sanremo’s relaxed Riviera atmosphere captures your heart, make time for Santa Margherita Ligure.
Its elegant waterfront, colorful harbor, and slower pace make it another of my favorite places in Liguria.
➡️ Related Posts:
🌊 The Ultimate Liguria Travel Guide
⚓ The Ultimate Genoa Travel Guide
Worth the Detour
Bussana Vecchia
Just outside Sanremo lies one of Liguria’s most fascinating hidden gems.
After an earthquake devastated this medieval village in the late 1800s, it remained abandoned for decades.
Today, artists have transformed Bussana Vecchia into a thriving creative community filled with galleries, workshops, cafés, and restored stone buildings.
It’s one of the most unique places I’ve visited in Liguria and well worth the short trip.
Solo Traveler Confidence Meter
🚆 Getting Around: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚶 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🍽️ Dining Alone: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📱 Navigation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌙 Evening Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Instagram & TikTok Worthy Moments
⛪ The Russian Orthodox Church
🌅 Seven Rooftop views
🌊 The Lungomare
⚓ Porto Vecchio
🏛️ La Pigna viewpoints
🌴 Palm-lined boulevards
🎨 Bussana Vecchia
Sondra’s Packing Tip
Bring comfortable walking shoes.
Sanremo is wonderfully walkable, but La Pigna’s steep streets and staircases are part of the adventure.
Memory Lane
Every time I return to Sanremo, I find myself falling into the same rhythm.
Checking into the Grand Hotel des Anglais.
Walking the promenade after work.
Stopping for a spritz and tagliere at SanSci.
Watching the sunset from Seven Rooftop.
It’s become one of those places that feels familiar in the best possible way, and I hope you’ll discover your own favorite traditions here, too.
Italian Phrase of the Week
“Facciamo un aperitivo?”
Pronunciation:
fah-CHAH-moh oon ah-peh-ree-TEE-voh
Meaning:
“Shall we go for an aperitivo?”
A phrase you’ll have plenty of opportunities to use in Sanremo.
Wine of the Week
Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC
Pronunciation:
rohs-SEHS-seh dee dohl-cheh-AHK-kwah
This elegant red wine is produced just inland from Sanremo and is one of Liguria’s oldest native wines.
Taste Like a Sommelier
👀 Appearance: Light ruby red
👃 Aroma: Wild berries, violets, herbs, and gentle spice
👄 Palate: Fresh, elegant, and silky with bright acidity
❤️ If You Enjoy…
Pinot Noir, Gamay, or lighter Sangiovese wines, you’ll love Rossese.
Pairs Perfectly With:
🍕 Sardenaira
🧀 Taglieri
🐟 Grilled seafood
🍝 Ligurian pasta dishes
Order Like a Local
Try saying:
“Uno spritz e un tagliere, per favore.”
Pronunciation:
OO-noh spritz eh oon tahl-YEH-reh pehr fah-VOH-reh
Meaning:
“A spritz and a charcuterie board, please.”
Continue Exploring Liguria
🌊 The Ultimate Liguria Travel Guide
⚓ The Ultimate Genoa Travel Guide
🚶 The Ultimate Cinque Terre Hiking Guide
Continue Exploring Italy
🚆 The Best Train Trips in Italy
🌿 Ultimate Puglia Road Trip Guide
🌋 Ultimate Sicily Road Trip Guide
Coming Up Next
The Ultimate Piemonte Travel Guide
From Alpine villages and mountain lakes to world-class wines and unforgettable hiking, we’ll explore one of Italy’s most underrated regions -including one of my favorite places, Alpette, where I had the opportunity to teach English camps and experience everyday life in the Italian Alps.
Leave a Reply