Location Spotlight: San Remo, Italy

December 12, 2022

Location Spotlight: San Remo, Italy

Founded in Roman times, San Remo is a magnificent coastal town on the Italian Riviera. The city has a mild, warm climate, which makes it an attractive destination to visit all year round. In the mid-19^th century, it became an important social centre and a popular resort for European exiles, such as Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and aristocrats, such as Alfred Nobel. Many of the grand houses, ostentatious villas and hotels you will see in San Remo date from that period.

Often referred to as Italy’s own Monte Carlo, Casinò Sanremo is an elegant building in Art Nouveau style located right in the heart of the city. It has two towers at the front, arched gates on the ground floor, columns on the upper floor, and a beautiful red carpet on the stairs outside, which leaves many tourists intrigued and tempted to walk in and try their luck.

We suggest you start exploring San Remo with a stroll around the old harbour, Porto Vecchio. It’s a small, yet scenic walking area with a few restaurants, offering fresh seafood, Italian cuisine and of course, fine wine and Aperols. At the end of the harbour you will find a 24/7 Carrefour supermarket, which is extremely convenient considering most shops in the city close before 8 pm. If you are craving some authentic Italian pizza, we recommend visiting Pizzeria Friggatoria Al Sessantuno just a few minutes away from the port.

Behind the harbour on the hillside is the medieval centre of the city, known as La Pigna, which is lovely to explore, full of narrow and picturesque streets to wander through. As you explore San Remo, you will notice many orange and lemon trees, but do not be enticed to try them until winter season, otherwise you might be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Whether you visit in the summer or in the winter, the best way to end your day in San Remo would be to have a sunset picnic on the beach. However if you visit in the summer, you can also go for a dive in the remarkably clear waters of the Mediterranean sea. And to end your day, grab a delicious sandwich at Crikkot café near the beachfront, smell the sea breeze and enjoy the magical sunset the Italian Riviera has to offer.