Riviera dei Fiori

In late spring we visited Odette, the owner of a very charming nature home in Liguria, just across the border from France (one hour drive from Nice). Odette is not only a foodie, she also has expert, local knowledge of this area. She shares with us all her insider tips in this beautiful little corner of Italy. Stay at her super charming place and visit all her favorite spots, I can highly recommend it!

Airole: A Hidden Gem in Liguria

Nestled in the verdant hills of Liguria, Airole is a picturesque village that offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and Italian charm. Just a short drive from the French border, this quaint village is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Italian countryside.

Fun Fact:

Airole is known for its annual "Sagra delle Castagne" (Chestnut Festival), a lively event held every autumn where locals and visitors gather to celebrate the harvest of chestnuts with traditional music, dancing, and delicious regional dishes featuring seasonal nuts.

Eat

Restaurant U Veciu Defisiu, Marco is de John Cleese achtige eigenaar . Simpel eten , altijd vol of toch gezellig . Wij houden ervan ! 10 min rijden 

Address: Piazza SS. Giacomo e Filippo, 7, 18030 Airole IM, Italy | Phone: +39 0184 200041

Michelin-star restaurant Casabuono

s unexpected Ligurian gem is situated in Trucco, a small village in the Val Roia just inland from Ventimiglia. There’s no à la carte here, just the “Orto e Mare” tasting menu to which guests can also add a meat dish and a selection of cheeses from the well-stocked cheese trolley. Although the dishes are occasionally influenced by Ligurian traditions, they are for the most part creative, surprising, and beautifully prepared. Given its success, the restaurant has recently been extended while at the same time retaining its simple, colorful, and welcoming ambiance. The high-quality service comes courtesy of the chef’s friendly wife, ably assisted by her professional and capable staff. 

Address: Corso Cuneo 28, Ventimiglia, 18039, Italy

Beach

Bagni Guiseppe, rent a sun chair, order a Spaghetti Vongole and a glass of Pigato for lunch, and life is perfect! 

Address: Piazza Marconi, 14/A | 18039 Ventimiglia (IM) | +39 0184 34169 | reservations@ristorantesangiuseppe.com

Shopping

Visit Doriana in her fabulous shop Exnovoshop. Luxury second-hand clothing and accessories store, this is the time to stock up on some unique designer items

Ventimiligia Food Market

Ventimiglia’s Covered Market is a small gem in the heart of the border town. Unlike the Friday Market on the waterfront, Ventimiglia’s indoor market is open daily from Monday to Saturday. If you are interested in excellent quality produce, this is the place to go! Many French people (who arrive from the French Riviera) shop here mainly because of the incredible convenience of prices and the higher quality of the products compared to France.

Bordighera

Bordighera is a charming coastal town, renowned for its picturesque views, mild climate, and vibrant botanical gardens. Situated along the Italian Riviera, Bordighera has beautiful beaches and a rich history reflected in its quaint old town and elegant villas. Bordighera has always been a beloved destination for artists and writers, including Claude Monet, who painted several of his famous works inspired by the town's stunning landscapes and light. Monet's time in Bordighera left a lasting legacy, making it a significant spot in the world of art history.

Eat 

Amarea Bordighera: Situated in a private beach club facing the sea, this restaurant combines a relaxed atmosphere with an elegant feel. It is a bit pricy but they have a delicious pasta Ricci di Mare and excellent wines

Bagni Caranca: Next to Amerea, molto sympatica ! The prices are much friendly than next door and the 

Visit

Bordighera Alta, Perched on a hill, this ancient part of the city is a maze of narrow, winding streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque squares that offer a glimpse into Italy's rich past. Walking through Bordighera Alta, you'll be transported back in time. The area is characterized by its stone houses, vibrant bougainvillea, and quaint piazzas where locals gather to socialize. One of the highlights is the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, a beautiful baroque church that dates back to the 17th century. The church's stunning frescoes and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit. From the hilltop, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline.  

Ospadeletti

Ospedaletti is a picturesque seaside town known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and charming atmosphere. With its origins dating back to the 14th century. It was founded by the Knights of Saint John, who built a hospice ("ospedale" in Italian) to provide shelter for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. This hospice gave the town its name. Over the centuries, Ospedaletti developed into a quaint fishing village and later, a relaxed beachside town,

Ospedaletti is also famous for its lush gardens and parks. The town's mild climate allows for a variety of exotic plants to thrive, creating verdant public spaces filled with palm trees, flowers, and fragrant blooms. The Giardini Botanici Hanbury, located nearby, is a botanical garden that showcases a diverse collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants.

Fun Fact

Ospedaletti is known for hosting the first-ever Italian car race in 1947, the Circuito di Ospedaletti. The racecourse, though no longer in use for racing, is still a point of interest for motorsport enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Eat 

Beachside restaurant: Playa 79, Slow Food restaurant right on the beach. You can also rent sunbeds here and spend the day. 

Address: Via XX Settembre, 153, 18014 Ospedaletti IM | +39 0184 688045  | +39 333 7921690

San Remo

Founded in Roman times, San Remo has grown from a small fishing village into a bustling resort town. Its historical center, La Pigna, is a maze of narrow streets, steep staircases, and picturesque squares. This medieval quarter is perfect for strolls, offering a glimpse into the town's past with its ancient churches, stone arches, and charming houses.

Famous Landmarks:

Casino di Sanremo: Opened in 1905, this grand casino is one of the oldest in Italy and a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture. It hosts a variety of games, shows, and events, including the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival.

Sanremo Music Festival: This annual event, held since 1951, is one of Italy's most famous music competitions, attracting top Italian and international artists. It has launched the careers of many renowned musicians.

Villa Nobel: Once the residence of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes, this villa is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The villa's beautiful gardens are also worth a visit.

Cycle: One thing you should do in San Remo, is rent a bicycle and cycle along the beach. The Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure is a 24-kilometer bike path that runs along the coast, offering stunning sea views and easy access to nearby towns.

Food market: the Mercato Annonario is a lively market where you can find fresh local produce, seafood, and Ligurian specialties.

Flowers: San Remo is also famous for its flowers. The town's mild climate and fertile soil make it ideal for growing a wide variety of blooms

Dolceaqua

Dolceacqua is a charming medieval village in Liguria, Italy. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delightful wines. The village is divided into two parts: the older, medieval section called "Terra" and the newer part known as "Borgo." The two sections are connected by the iconic Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), a graceful stone arch bridge that spans the Nervia River and was famously painted by Claude Monet in 1884.

Wine and Cuisine

Dolceacqua is renowned for its production of Rossese di Dolceacqua, a high-quality red wine with a distinctive flavor. You can visit local wineries to sample this unique wine and learn about the region's viticulture.

Back to Nature

The surrounding Nervia Valley offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling trails wind through the lush landscapes, providing breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. The nearby mountains and river also offer spots for picnicking

Restaurant La Rampa of Casa di Bottega

Address: Via Barberis Colomba, 18035 Dolceacqua