Friday Market Ventimiglia: What You Need to Know
The Market
Every Friday, Ventimiglia transforms. From 7 AM, vendors set up their stalls along the riverfront promenade at Lungo Roia and Via Rossi. By 8 AM, the market is in full swing. By 5 PM (6 PM in summer), everything has vanished.
The Friday market is considered one of Italy's largest weekly markets. Hundreds of stalls stretch from the Roia riverbank to the beach promenade. French visitors from Nice, Monaco, and Menton come for the lower prices. Italians from the hinterland for the selection. We come for both – and because it's just 15 minutes from Airole.
What's Available
The market has no clear organization. Fruit stands next to leather bags, socks next to Parmigiano, flowers next to underwear. This can be exhausting or part of the fun, depending on your mood.
Food (Towards the Market Hall)
Fruit and vegetables at prices well below France. Tomatoes for 1-2 euros per kilo, zucchini similar. Fresh pasta, cheese, cured meats. Some stands sell local products – Taggiasca olives, regional olive oil, honey. Quality varies. Rule of thumb: those who can name their origin usually have better goods.
Clothing and Textiles (Riverfront)
The largest part of the market. The range spans from cashmere sweaters to polyester piles. Leather bags for 15-25 euros that you shouldn't examine too closely. Italian brand surplus, some unworn.
Household and Miscellaneous
Tools, tablecloths, toys, flowers. Nothing special, but solid selection at good prices.
What's Worth It
We regularly go for three things:
- Fruit and vegetables – fresher and cheaper than the supermarket
- Fresh pasta – the stands near the market hall know their craft
- Browsing – sometimes you find genuinely good items among the textile piles
What we avoid: supposed brand items at suspiciously low prices and pushy vendors who pack more than ordered.
Getting There from Airole
By Car (15 Minutes)
Take the SS20 down to Ventimiglia. Simple, fast, but: parking on Friday is a challenge. Streets along the market are closed. Regular parking spots are full by 9 AM.
Two options:
- Arrive early (before 8:30 AM) and park in the eastern district
- Park on the Roia riverbed (east bank, towards the sea)
By Train (The Better Option)
The railway from Airole to Ventimiglia is one of Europe's most scenic branch lines. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Ventimiglia station is central, 5 minutes' walk from the market.
Our Tip: Take the train, no luggage to carry, no parking to find.
When to Visit
| Time | Description |
|------|-------------|
| 8:00-10:00 | Best time. Full selection, not too crowded |
| 10:00-12:00 | Peak crowds. Busy, but lively atmosphere |
| After 2 PM | Some stalls pack up. Quieter, sometimes bargains |
The Market Hall: Year-Round
Worth a visit beyond Fridays: The Mercato Coperto (Via della Repubblica 7) is Ventimiglia's permanent market hall. Open Monday to Saturday, roughly 7 AM to 2 PM.
No textiles here, only food. Fish straight from the Mediterranean, meat, cheese, fresh pasta, bread, flowers. The vendors also supply the city's restaurants.
After the Market
Old Town (Ventimiglia Alta)
From the market area, a steep path leads up to the medieval upper town. Narrow alleys, 11th-century Romanesque cathedral, restaurants with views.
Espresso
A cappuccino in Ventimiglia costs 1.50-2 euros. In Nice, you'll pay more than double.
Beach
Spiaggia delle Calandre lies east of the center. Pebbles and sand, not overcrowded.
Practical Information
| | |
|---|---|
| When | Every Friday, year-round |
| Hours | approx. 7 AM-5 PM (summer until 6 PM) |
| Where | Lungo Roia Gerolamo Rossi, Via Rossi |
| Distance | 12 km / 15 minutes from Airole |
| Market Hall | Via della Repubblica 7, Mon-Sat 7 AM-2 PM |
Termine
Ventimiglia Weekly Market
One of the largest and most well-known markets in the region with a wide variety of goods, ranging from fresh food to clothing and household items.
