Bordighera
Coastal town with palms, Belle Époque villas and the mildest climate on the Riviera
Bordighera is 18 km south-east of Airole, right on the coast between Ventimiglia and Sanremo. Around 10,000 inhabitants, shaped by British winter tourism in the 19th century: the upper town (Bordighera Alta) is medieval, the lower town elegant and flat, with wide promenades, palms and villas.
Claude Monet arrived in 1884 for three weeks — and stayed nearly three months. Around 40 works were painted here, including views of the Via Romana and the garden of Villa Garnier. The town also holds a historic privilege: since 1586 it has supplied the woven palm fronds (Parmureli) for Palm Sunday at the Vatican — according to legend as thanks to Captain Bresca of Bordighera, whose timely advice saved the raising of the obelisk on St Peter's Square.
Bordighera feels quieter than Sanremo and more elegant than Ventimiglia. No nightlife, no parties — rather strolls, gelato by the harbour, coffee in the shade.
Highlights
- Lungomare Argentina — two kilometres of waterfront promenade lined with palms and pines
- Bordighera Alta — medieval upper town with panoramic terrace
- Giardino Esotico Pallanca — over 3,000 succulent species on 10,000 m²
- Thursday market along the Lungomare
- Villa Garnier — winter residence of Charles Garnier (1871–73)
- Capo Sant'Ampelio — the southernmost point of Northern Italy with a Romanesque church (11th c.)
Directions
By car 18 km, about 25 minutes: via the SS20 to Ventimiglia, then the Via Aurelia (SS1) along the coast. By train: Airole → Ventimiglia (about 18 min), change Ventimiglia → Bordighera (about 10 min). Total journey from Airole about 40 min. Bordighera station is central, 5 min walk to the promenade.
Parking at Lungomare Argentina or at the Palanca car park (charges apply in season).
Practical Information
Along the Lungomare mostly bars and gelato shops; for more substantial food head towards the upper town or the side streets of the lower town. Fish restaurants by the harbour, though prices are touristy. Bordighera shares the Ligurian cuisine of the region — specialities are described under Ventimiglia.
Best Time to Visit
All year. The mildest winter on the Italian Riviera — even in January still 12–14 °C. Palm blossom in spring. July and August are crowded, especially at weekends. Thursday is market day.
Location
18012 Bordighera (IM), Italien
Events
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