Beaches in and around Sanremo.
In Sanremo itself you will find extensive sandy beaches. Protected by breakwaters, the sea is calm and therefore suitable for young swimmers. Another sandy beach stretches between the harbours of Porto Vecchio and Portosole. Shingle beaches await you behind the breakwaters of Portosole, and in the Tre Ponti area you can swim on sandy as well as shingle beaches. To the east in the bay of Bussana, you will find a glorious sandy and rocky beach where the water is especially crystal-clear. Besides beaches, play areas complete the range of activities for children.
Europe’s longest beachside bike path.
The old railway line that runs along the coast has been converted into a 24-kilometre-long cycle path and is therefore Europe’s longest bike route by the sea. You can enjoy pleasant bike rides, inline skating, roller skating, jogging or simply admire the view out to sea. You have the option of hiring bikes, tandems, cycle rickshaws and roller skates along the bike path. Cafés and rest areas also invite you to linger awhile.
The artists’ village of Bussana Vecchia.
Bussana Vecchia was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1887. Artists made the ruins habitable again in the 1960s, but left the houses as they were when destroyed by the earthquake. The impression of the effects of the earthquake therefore remains to this day. There are now workshops for arts and crafts, shops, restaurants and bars in Bussana Vecchia.
The old town of “La Pigna” in Sanremo.
Sanremo’s old town of “La Pigna”, which translates as “pine cone”, was given this name because it winds around the hills, which include the Marian shrine of the Madonna della Costa, like the scales of a pine cone. This old part of Sanremo consists of a labyrinth of narrow covered alleyways, idyllic spots and little squares. In this original district, you can easily imagine the former fishing village that it was. The best way to explore “La Pigna” is on foot, looking down from the hill of Santuario and enjoying the view.
