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Liguria's Riviera dei Fiori: A Complete Guide to Organizing Your Trip
- Holiday Home Delo
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Are you planning a stay on the Ligurian Riviera dei Fiori and looking for information? In this article, we'll explain how to get around and what you'll find in the area.
Here you'll find tips on what to see, how to get around, and, above all, how to choose the right place to stay . The goal is to let you experience this part of Western Liguria at your own pace, avoiding stress and crowded areas.
Table of Contents
Riviera dei Fiori: what to expect?
If you're used to the Ligurian Riviera, you'll find a different landscape here. The Riviera dei Fiori is the coastal strip that runs roughly from Cervo to the French border .
It's a land of stark contrasts: the sea on one side, and immediately behind you, rugged mountains punctuated by typical dry stone walls and greenhouses where flowers and ornamental plants are grown . Here you'll find cities that are vibrant year-round and inland villages where you can experience the true Ligurian way of life , made up of agriculture, fine olive oil, and winding roads.
What to see on the Riviera dei Fiori?
To understand this area, you need to divide your time between the coast and the hilltop towns. Here are the stops that are worth the trip .
Imperia and Porto Maurizio
Imperia is a dual city, formed by the union of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. Our advice: don't just stroll along the harbor: climb up to Parasio, Porto Maurizio's historic center (a labyrinth of "caruggi," typical Ligurian alleyways, perched on a promontory). From up there, you have a panoramic view of the entire gulf, making it perfect for a sunset stroll .
Sanremo
Beyond the casino and the Festival theater, there's much more. The most interesting and authentic part is "La Pigna," the medieval historic district . It's made up of covered passageways, irregular squares, and steep climbs. It's the lesser-known, but definitely the most authentic, Sanremo.
Dolceacqua
Moving inland, you'll encounter this village bisected by the Nervia River . It's dominated by the Doria Castle and connected by a humpbacked stone bridge that even fascinated Claude Monet. Stop here to purchase an excellent bottle of Rossese, the local red wine.
Deer
A pedestrian village built literally overlooking the sea . Leave your car outside and walk up through cobbled streets, past artisan workshops and small squares, until you reach the Corallini Church. The church square offers one of the most beautiful sea views in the area.
Bordighera
If you're looking for a quiet and elegant stroll , Bordighera is the perfect choice. It's famous for its palm groves and pedestrian promenade ( Lungomare Argentina ), ideal for strolling in the sun even in the winter months thanks to its particularly mild microclimate.
The Cycle Path
It's not just a road, it's a piece of infrastructure that has changed the way we experience the coast. Created from the old railway line, it's a completely paved and flat path that runs for 24 km along the sea, far from cars .
What to do on the Riviera dei Fiori?
In this area, days can be organized by mixing activities different :
Going to the seaside : you will find sandy beaches (especially towards Diano Marina and Sanremo) and cliffs or pebble beaches perfect for those seeking clearer water;
Exploring the hinterland : Just a 15-minute drive from the coast will take you to hiking trails and villages nestled among olive groves;
Experience food and wine : Stop at a local bakery. Buy Ligurian focaccia, torta verde, or Sardenaira (a typical pizza from the west with tomato, anchovies, Taggiasca olives, and garlic).
Outdoor activities : Rent a bike for the cycle path, or explore the mountain bike trails that descend from the hills to the sea.
Where to stay on the Riviera dei Fiori?
Choosing where to stay can make the difference between a relaxing vacation and a stressful one . In Liguria, space is limited: hotels on noisy streets or a lack of parking are common problems. Choosing a vacation rental means guaranteeing independence, space, and the freedom to cook your own dinner with produce purchased at the local market.
At Holiday Home Delo, we manage our properties directly, without intermediaries. If you're looking for a strategic base away from the hustle and bustle, our vacation home in Imperia on the Riviera dei Fiori is the ideal solution .
We designed it to offer you exactly what you need to feel good :
✅ Hillside location : you are in a quiet residential area
✅ Proximity to the sea : the beaches can be reached in just a few minutes by car
✅ Private parking : a true luxury in Liguria, which saves you hours of searching for a parking space
✅ Terrace : the perfect space for having breakfast outside or relaxing in the evening
Why choose Imperia as your base?
Imperia is perhaps the smartest choice for exploring the area. Compared to Sanremo, it's more liveable and less congested. It's centrally located: by car, you can easily reach the villages to the east (like Cervo), the French border to the west, and the valleys of the Taggiasca olive oil hinterland . You have all the amenities of a city, but at a decidedly more relaxing pace.
Practical tips for visiting the Riviera dei Fiori
Best time : Spring and autumn are perfect for cycling and exploring the hinterland. Summer is the beach season, but temperatures are tempered by the breeze.
Getting around : A car is essential if you want to visit the inland villages. For travel between coastal towns (Sanremo, Bordighera, Imperia), the regional train is an excellent option, avoiding traffic problems on the Via Aurelia.
How to organize your days : dedicate your mornings to the beach or the cycle path, and take advantage of the cool afternoons to climb up to the hilltop villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Riviera dei Fiori?
The name derives from the intense horticultural production that characterized the area in the 20th century. The hills are still dotted with greenhouses where flowers and ornamental foliage are grown, exported throughout Europe.
What to do on the Riviera dei Fiori?
You can cycle along the coastal cycle path, relax on the beaches, stroll through the narrow streets of medieval hilltop villages, or hike the trails of the Maritime Alps.
Where is the Riviera dei Fiori located?
It is located in Liguria, in the province of Imperia. It is the stretch of the western Ligurian coast that starts from the municipality of Cervo and reaches Ventimiglia, bordering the French Riviera.
What is a typical dish of the Riviera dei Fiori?
In addition to the classic focaccia, you must try the Sardenaira (focaccia with tomato, Taggiasca olives, anchovies and garlic), Ligurian-style rabbit and dishes seasoned with local Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil.
What to see on the Riviera dei Fiori?
Highlights include Sanremo's historic center (La Pigna), Imperia's Parasio, Bordighera's seafront, and inland villages like Dolceacqua and Apricale.
What to visit on the Riviera dei Fiori?
In addition to the main towns, the Hanbury Botanical Gardens in Ventimiglia, the village of Cervo, and Bussana Vecchia, a village destroyed by an earthquake and reborn thanks to artists, are also worth a visit.
Where is the "Riviera dei Fiori" cycle path located?
The main route runs along the coast between San Lorenzo al Mare and Ospedaletti. Having been created from the old railway line, it runs along the sea, passing through Sanremo and other coastal towns.
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