San Remo is a famous Italian resort. Sanremo, Italy - "Sanremo is not only a music festival."
It would seem that our tourist has traveled far and wide across Italy. lovers beach holiday travel mainly to the Adriatic coast (Rimini, Ancona, Lido di Jesolo, etc.). But there are places that are almost completely undeveloped by our compatriots. This is, in particular, the Ligurian coast, called the Italian Riviera (north-west of Italy) and is a natural continuation of the famous French Riviera.
True, and the prices here are not much less than in French. Cote d'Azur. And all because among the European elite, Ligurian resorts are no less popular than Nice or Cannes. Random tourists do not come here - the public is increasingly chosen, appreciating comfort and sophistication. The chain of resorts stretches along the coast of Liguria from Bordighera in the west to the Cinque Terre in the east. The beaches here are not as wide and there are not as many of them as, for example, in Rimini. The sea, a narrow strip of pebbles or sand - and mountains at once. So the huge crowds of tourists simply do not fit there. There are few people on the Ligurian beaches, the same select audience basks on them. In addition, most of the beaches are surrounded by fences and an entrance fee is charged. Only a few hotels have their own beaches, free for residents, but not for outsiders. There are very few free beaches for everyone.
In addition to the fact that most beaches are paid, you will also have to pay for the amenities that these beaches rely on, that is, for an umbrella and a deck chair. On a private beach it will cost 20,000 lira per day (almost $12), on public beaches, and there are very few of them, - $5 (for comparison: in Greece - $1.5-2, in Spain - about $3).
The most chic audience is found mainly on east coast Liguria (Nervi, Portofino, Riomaggiori, Santa Margherita). Gambling enthusiasts will most suit the oldest Ligurian resort - San Remo, well known to us as the venue for the famous Italian song festival. There is a casino here, and if you wish, you can wave to your neighbors - in Monaco or Monte Carlo (only half an hour away). In winter, prices in Sanremo are even higher than in summer. The most best hotel in San Remo, and on the entire coast - Hotel Royal. It is located 20 meters from the sea, in the very center of the city, and is surrounded by a subtropical park. But San Remo is still a city with car noise and other "charms" of city life. In general, not the most peaceful place.
The most refined and prestigious is the rest in Portofino - small town in a secluded bay on the east coast, where they relax on their yachts Arab sheiks and other bourgeois. Motorists will have to, having reached Santa Margarita, leave the car in the parking lot and go to the city by bike or on foot. It is forbidden to drive cars, because it is a concern for the environment. And if your pocket does not allow you to stay here for a week or two, you can just spend a few hours in this beautiful place. True, if San Remo and neighboring Bordighera have long become accustomed to the influx of tourists, then small Portofino still tries to isolate itself from the outside world, protecting the cream of society from prying eyes. This is perhaps the most expensive place on the coast.
Now about the service. People here are used to working with the Germans, and the fastidiousness of the Germans is well known. That's why the Italians are trying with might and main: the menu is in German, and the staff speaks German. True, this mainly applies to the west coast. In the east, the French and the British rest, as well as quite a few rich Italians from the north of Italy - from Milan and Turin.
For those who love entertainment, it is best to choose Santa Margarita. There are two elite discos - "Covo di Nord Est" and "Carlion". And in Chirial, for example, there is a water park. Peace and solitude can be found in Spotorno or in Celle Ligure. However, in almost every coastal town you can find everything you need for a pleasant stay. Bars, discos, hotels, as a rule, are located right on the coast, and not in the mountains. All kinds of assortment water activities. Not everywhere, however, you can windsurf - on the east coast, the sea is not too calm.
The climate of these places is warm and mild all year round. Mountains protect from cold and winds in winter (snow falls very rarely), and in summer - from sweltering heat. For example, in Florence and Rome the temperature can reach 38-40 degrees, but here it does not happen above 27-30 degrees, and at night it is even cool. So the absence of air conditioners in almost all hotels should not be embarrassing - they are simply not needed here.
Despite the fact that prices in Ligurian resorts are an order of magnitude higher than in Rimini, there are still places for people who do not bathe in gold. This is primarily the western coast of Liguria with its sandy beaches, which was chosen by middle-income tourists (San Remo, Alassio, Spotorno, Albisola Marina, Petra Liguri, Varatse). Very good and, most importantly, inexpensive resort- Arenziano 10 kilometers from Genoa. Rapallo, Santa Margarita, Lavagna - the resorts are also inexpensive and, moreover, with a very clean sea.
In principle, nothing will prevent (except for lack of money) to travel along the entire coast, wherever you settle: the entire coast is only 300 kilometers long. From San Remo to the capital of Liguria, Genoa, for example, is less than two hours by train. Faster - by bus, but by train it is more convenient: inexpensive, trains run frequently, service is at a level, and the road passes along the most beautiful places Why not an excursion? It is very expensive to take a car there, and not all towns, by the way, allow car traffic.
Recently, people in Liguria have also begun to speak Russian: a domestic tourist has gone. Appeared and Russian speaking guides. According to the Italians themselves, the Russian tourist is special, he has his own requirements. For example, he is very sensitive to nutrition: he needs as many salads and fruits as possible, but as little pasta as possible, and always sausage and cheese for breakfast (which is not always clear to Italians - they only drink a cup of espresso for breakfast). True, at the same time, Russians do not refuse to taste typical Ligurian dishes. When ordering a hotel at the agency, be sure to specify the menu (for example, a buffet).
In addition to relaxing on the beaches, the Ligurian coast offers a lot excursion routes. Firstly, Genoa is a city of palaces and port pubs, the city of Christopher Columbus and Niccolo Paganini. Despite the abundance of monuments of architecture and culture, Genoa seemed to be in the background after Rome, Venice, Florence. And many believe that in vain it is customary to treat her like that. During the tour, you will be guided along the narrow "sausage" streets of the old city (winding and long, they really resemble sausages), you will be shown the palaces of rich Genoese merchants and the miraculously preserved facade of the house where Columbus was born. With children, it is best to go to the most modern oceanarium in Europe.
Especially for Russian tourists excursions to wineries are organized. From Liguria, you can go to other areas of Italy - there are two-day tours to Rome and Verona or Venice (about five hours drive). Three hours by train to Florence. In general, in Liguria everything is ready to receive guests from Russia. It's up to the guests themselves.
On this page: About the resort, advantages and disadvantages of rest, sights...
Features: Resort with rich history and excellent climate. There are beaches, entertainment, attractions ... But there are also disadvantages ...
This city is sometimes called precious stone Italian Riviera. Its name is well known. It was popular as a health and spa resort two centuries ago, including among the Russian aristocracy. San Remo - the capital of the "Riviera of Flowers" (there is such a site Ligurian coast). It hosts the festival of pop music of Italy - everyone knows about it too. There are beaches, attractions, and hotels here. Many are in love with this city, but you can also find a lot of reviews of those who rested here and were disappointed with the rest.
Map - Attractions:
Pluses, advantages:
The city is quite beautiful, sea view, many flowers, there is where to take a walk: the embankment, parks, central Street Corso Matteo...
Many beaches, for the most part, very good. There are even having special stars beach rating. True, almost all beaches are paid or related to hotels. The fee is often charged only for an umbrella and a deck chair and can be small - up to 10 euros, although it can be 2-3 times higher. But there are also free ones.
Good climatic conditions- natural bay, protection against northern winds mountains. You can relax all year round. Warm during the day, not stuffy at night. Now tourists come here mainly in summer, but earlier the town was considered a winter resort.
The city has a casino - one of the most famous in Italy - Casino di Sanremo. From the inside, it looks like a palace. There are also places to go to the disco. In addition, some holidays or concerts, fashion shows and hype sporting events are constantly held here.
The city has many attractions and interesting places. Among them:
Ariston Theatre, where the Italian Song Festival takes place.
Villa Nobel - very beautiful and interesting, built in the Renaissance style.
Villa Ormond - famous for its gardens with amazing plants.
Villa Khanburi is a botanical garden.
urban vintage Cathedral San Siro and the ancient square in front of it.
Myself Old city with its narrow steep streets.
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior belonging to Russia.
Temple of the Madonna de la Costa - located in the upper part of the city, it is worth visiting also because it offers a breathtaking panorama of the entire city and the bay.
Embankment Corso della Imperatrice (in honor of the wife of the Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna, who loved to spend the winter here).
There are, of course, museums, for example, Palazzo Borea d'Olmo.
One of the pluses is the proximity of France. An hour and a half by train - and you are in Menton, Monaco or Nice. With your own car, such trips will be even more convenient. By the way, your own or rented car will be useful for trips to the beach you like. And in the city itself, it is not needed.
Mountains begin outside the city. You can also go on an excursion there, in the mountainous part of Liguria there are small towns awarded with a special “orange flag” for their originality and history.
Cons, disadvantages:
The beach of the hotel can be located far from it, so that walking is almost impossible. decent free beaches are located on the outskirts of the city.
All the same, it is a relatively large and noisy (during the day) city, with its noticeable everyday life; here, for example, there are trolleybuses, a lot of cars. Not everyone will like to relax in the city.
To some, on the contrary, it seems that it is somehow quiet here (in the evenings) and boring. Yes, there are casinos and nightlife, but this is not at all the kind of nightlife that is understood by this concept in large Russian cities. Indeed, in fact, the beautiful Sanremo is a small and provincial Italian town.
More about Sanremo
The area of the same name with the city is located in the northwestern part of Italy, in the western part of the Liguria region, on the coast mediterranean sea at the foot of the Maritime Alps. Since the 2nd half of the nineteenth century, it has become one of the most popular tourist resorts on the Italian Riviera.
In the culture of sunbathing, there is a clear influence of France and its azure coast - women here are very fond of sunbathing topless.
Sometimes there is a statement that this is a "global" tourist seaside resort and spa. The city is also famous for its legendary Casino di Sanremo. Here, in concert hall Ariston annually host the most famous Italian song festival.
The front part of the city is a seaside area, as well as an elegant Corso Imperatrice promenade.
One of the most important and original monuments of the city is the Church of Christ the Savior, Catherine and Seraphim of Sarov, whose construction began in 1912. Colored domes inspired by the traditional old Russian architecture give the city an exotic charm.
Tourists should also visit the villa where Alfred Nobel lived for many years. At present, there is a very interesting museum, where you can see elegant rooms with antique furniture, restored laboratory, conference room, frescoes on the walls. In the garden, on open areas, various solemn ceremonies are regularly held here.
It is also advisable for tourists to look into the baroque Palazzo Borea d’Olmo, where the city museum is located. There you can see frescoed rooms with numerous archaeological artifacts, art gallery XVI-XIX centuries and, of course, an outstanding collection of exhibits and personal belongings of Giuseppe Garibaldi, for whom San Remo has become a real homeland.
Just needs to be done walking tour to the historic old town. There you can plunge into a completely different world. The streets are so narrow that you can accidentally get into someone's house, because there is almost no one closes the door to the castle. There are flower pots on every window and cats purr, squinting in the sun, and blankets and pillows are ventilated in the free windows.
Sanremo is the most luxury resort west coast Liguria, which is also called the "City of Flowers". This city can give you a real rich vacation. The atmosphere here is conducive to this - well-equipped beaches, luxury hotels, numerous boutiques, luxurious casinos and amazing parks with exotic plants. In addition, San Remo is known worldwide for the song festival that takes place here every year in mid-February.
Geographical position
The Italian Riviera is a narrow coastal strip located between the Ligurian Sea and mountain range formed by the Maritime Alps and the Apennine mountains. Resort area located on the northwest coast, washed by the Ligurian Sea. The Riviera can be roughly divided into two parts: the Riviera di Ponte from the west and the Riviera di Levante from the east. The area of San Remo is 54 square kilometers.
Story
The beginning of the history of Sanremo as resort can be considered the 19th century, when the city became popular place rest among foreign tourists with above-average income levels. By the way, it was in the 19th century that San Remo became a favorite vacation spot for representatives of the Russian aristocracy: the wife of Nicholas I, Alexandra Feodorovna, came here especially often.
The climate of Sanremo
San Remo has a remarkably mild climate due to geographic location cities: the mountains reliably protect the Riviera from precipitation and cold winds. Throughout summer season average temperature air temperature is +25 °C, which makes the local rest even more comfortable.
The beaches of Sanremo
Sanremo is a resort that can please you with great entertainment and wild nightlife. However, the beaches here, unfortunately, are not the best. They are well equipped, but cleanliness or blue flag cannot boast.
For holidays with children, San Remo, like almost all resorts in Liguria, is also not suitable because of its rocky terrain and pebble beaches.
How to get there?
San Remo can be reached by train from Turin or Genoa. It will take you no more than three hours, and the ticket will cost about 10 euros.
What to see?
The sights of San Remo are his gorgeous beaches, but besides this, there is something to see.
- The main attraction here, oddly enough, is the Russian Church or the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, which was built at the beginning of the last century by a Russian architect.
- Since Italy is a country of contrasts, not far from the temple is the main casino of San Remo, which, by the way, is more than a hundred years old.
- Alfred Nobel once lived in San Remo. Now his villa is open to the public, and admission is absolutely free.
Every year the resort hosts the Sanremo Italian Song Festival. Its history began more than 60 years ago - back in 1951. The competition is held annually in mid-December and this is one of the most significant Italian events, because it is broadcast not only throughout the country, but also abroad.
Few people know, but it was this festival that became the prototype of the modern Eurovision Song Contest, and such famous performers as Eros Ramazzotti and Andrea Bocelli began their careers with it.
What to try in San Remo?
- The cuisine of San Remo is rich in seafood dishes, so we recommend ordering pasta with shellfish.
- For dessert, you can try pear pie.
- It is customary to dine in Italy with a glass of wine, do not miss the opportunity to try the local red wine Pornassio.
What to bring from San Remo?
The best souvenirs from Sanremo are local delicacies such as pesto, olives, original wines or liqueurs. Well, of course, do not forget about parmesan, olive oil, mozzarella and balsamic vinegar.
This summer I was in Nice, my journey started in Turin, then I went to San Remo and Nice. - incredible place I want everyone to be here. Well, for those who have already gathered, I hope my advice will help to get there comfortably.
By car
From Sanremo to Nice, drive about 60 km.
Usually I recommend my friends to travel in Italy toll roads, in this case, I mean the A10 highway. You need to climb the mountains to reach it, and then it goes straight to Nice. The fare costs a few euros. The road is cool, it goes straight through the mountains, without much ups and downs, and turns are generally rare. This route is the fastest, it only goes in the mountains, it enters the cities, but far from the sea.
Another thing is a trip along the sea, you directly find yourself in the thick of the resort life, but driving along the embankments is still a pleasure. There are many cars, the road is narrow, but beautiful, especially in. I do not think that with all the traffic jams, the road will take more than 2 hours.
By train
To find the timetable for trains from San Remo to Nice, you need to go to the Trenitalia website or and enter the San Remo departure station and the Nice-Ville arrival station.
It is interesting that the train often travels in the tunnel, it seems that you are going to the subway, even some stations are located underground.
Where can I buy a ticket
A ticket to Nice can be bought on the website or at the station in the terminal. You can read more about rail communication in Italy.
Fare
The ticket costs 12 euros.
Conclusion
The train in this region is the main mode of transportation, there is a bus station in Sanremo, but it is mainly focused on long-distance international routes.
It is still possible to get to Nice by sea, only there are no group transportations, but only private rentals.
