Things To Do in San Remo, Italy

San Remo Things to Do

The jewel of the Italian Rivera, San Remo sits on a crescent bay surrounded by hills and headlands that gives the city its mild climate.  Considered the capital of the Italian flower markets, San Remo is full of gardens, great architecture and gorgeous vistas.

The Old City of Pigna

The district of La Pigna dates back to the 11th century.  A labyrinth of secret shortcuts, stacked houses, tunnels and narrow passages, leading to the highest point of the city, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa.  An enjoyable walk during the day, passing by plazas with wonderful little shops, churches and cafes.  Bring good walking shoes as the streets are cobbled and the stairs are steep.

Gardens & Architecture

San Remo is the floral capital of Italy and the public gardens reflect that title.  Many of the villas built between the 19^th and 20^th century are Baroque and Belle Époque style with ornate architecture and rambling gardens.

Palazzo Borea d’Olmo is considered one of the most important Baroque edifices in Europe.  The actual structure, though, dates from medieval times. Above the entrance is a 16th century sculpture of the Madonna & Child, while the exaggerated sculptures around the windows date from the 18th century.

One of the largest public gardens is located at the Villa Ormond. Filled with fountains, pathways, and a secret Japanese garden that honors their sister city, Atami. Groupings of citrus trees, olive groves and large bowed Phoenix palms grow beside the fragrant oleanders, bougainvillea, jasmine and rose bushes.

The Moorish style of the Villa Nobel, once owned by Alfred Nobel, has a classic garden filled with old growth trees and wandering pathways.  An ancient and somewhat neglected canon sits near one of the walls among the daisies and cornflowers.

Casino

Built in the age of Belle Époque, the Art Nouveau style of the Casinò Municipale di Sanremo is one of the signature works of Parisian architect Eugène Ferret. Originally built as a theater, it was converted in 1928 to a casino. There are two floors of slot machines and an elegant salon that requires jackets after sundown. Headquarters for the annual Italian Music festival and the Italian stop on the European Poker Tour, the casino sits on a wide promenade overlooking the harbor. The promenade is lined with palm trees, benches and is a great place to take a sunset stroll or watch the colorful sailboats docked at their moorings as they rise and fall with the tide.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in San Remo.