Perfect Italian Weekend | Bordighera
A perfect weekend in Italy without the limitations of time, budget, or distance. Every week we ask interesting and inspirational Italians, or Italians at heart, to take us along for a perfect, local weekend. This week creative director and owner of “Bordighera Hideaway” Lucillia Chenel takes us to her beloved Bordighera!
Lucillia
My name is Lucillia Chenel, and I recently renovated an apartment in Bordighera, Italy. As a great admirer of Italy, I feel fortunate to live in Nice and to be able to reach it in just thirty minutes.
Among all the towns along the border, I have developed a particular affection for the old-world charm of Bordighera. Its architecture, lush vegetation, and many small local addresses make it an incredibly pleasant place. Beautifully maintained, the town continues to evolve while preserving its distinctive retro Italian atmosphere.
The apartment I renovated is located in the old town, Bordighera Alta. I tried to preserve the soul of the place and decorate it in a truly authentic Italian style. Less well known than the center, this historic part of the town is absolutely worth discovering.
Here is, in my opinion, a perfect day to enjoy Bordighera.
Start with a coffee in the old town, at Caffè Bastioni or at Dormiusa, two lovely spots for a good breakfast.
Then follow the path that leads down to the beach. Settle comfortably on a sunbed at La Réserve beach, a place with a truly charming retro Italian atmosphere.
For those who prefer exploring the town rather than spending time at the beach, the beautiful Villa Garnier is only a few minutes away. And if you have a car, I highly recommend a short excursion to the river in Rocchetta Nervina, about twenty minutes away, for a swim in the cool river water and afterwards a classic saga pasta lunch.
In the evening, head back up to the old town for a drink at Piccolo Bistrot Gourmet, or at the counter of the Casa Cabane grocery shop.
For dinner, there is a wide choice of restaurants, all equally excellent. I particularly love La Cicala for its sunny terrace, which is very pleasant in winter; Osteria Berlegge for its delicious borage pasta; and Ristorante del Capo for its pasta with bottarga. In summer, the atmosphere in the square at Mangiarge is also wonderful in the evening. There is also Locanda Marinai and Trattoria Garibaldi… I cannot list them all, but every restaurant in the old town is delicious. You can end the evening with a delicious ice cream at Corte Cremeria and take a stroll along the seafront.
I hope these addresses will help you fall in love with this town as much as I have!
Little Gem No. 115: Bordighera Hideaway
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