Bordighera sits near the French border on the warmest stretch of Ligurian coast. Claude Monet painted here, Queen Victoria wintered here, and the town still has a faintly belle-époque air. The old town (Città Alta) is a maze of covered passageways and steep stairs above the modern seafront, while below, a palm-lined promenade leads past gardens and early 20th-century hotels. It's gentler and quieter than nearby San Remo, which suits visitors who prefer a calmer pace. We think it's one of the most pleasant year-round bases on the Riviera di Ponente.
Why Stay in Bordighera
- Exceptional microclimate — palm trees grow outdoors here, and the town claims more sunny days than almost anywhere else in northern Italy. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 10°C.
- Old-town character — the Città Alta is one of the best-preserved medieval quarters on this coast, with covered lanes, a Romanesque church, and viewpoints over the sea.
- Proximity to France, Monaco is 40 minutes by car, Menton 20 minutes. You can lunch in France and dine in Italy without breaking a sweat.
- Honest caveat. the beaches are mostly pebbly and narrow. If you want expansive sandy shores, Bordighera isn't the best choice. The town also skews older in demographics; nightlife is minimal.
Things to Do in Bordighera
Explore the Città Alta first. Enter through the Porta del Capo and wind through the covered passageways (some so narrow you can touch both walls). The church of Santa Maria Maddalena sits at the top with views down the coast towards San Remo.
The Giardino Esotico Pallanca, a terraced garden on the hillside, has an impressive collection of cacti and succulents with sea views. It's small but well maintained and pleasantly uncrowded. The Museo Bicknell houses a collection of botanical illustrations and local archaeology.
Walk the Lungomare Argentina, the seafront promenade, in the late afternoon when the light turns golden. It connects Bordighera to the neighbouring village of Vallecrosia and takes about 30 minutes each way.
Day trips to the medieval perched villages of Dolceacqua (20 minutes inland, known for Rossese wine and a Monet-painted bridge) and Apricale are highly recommended. San Remo's market and casino are 15 minutes east. The French border is close enough for a morning in Menton's market.