-

Sanremo - Italian Riviera -

Sanremo is located a short distance over the border from Menton, France. It is approximately 55 kilometres from Nice Airport. Located on the Ligurian sea coast. On the Italian side it is conveniently located for the airport at Genoa - Genova. Since the 1800,s the mild climate has been enjoyed by European visitors from the colder north when aristocracy and royalty started to visit the area.

It has not changed greatly over the years, with splendid buildings and harbour. Sanremo is world famous for the annual Music Festival held in February, however there are concerts throughout the year and many outdoor ones in the summer including a jazz festival in August. The famous casino has musical events on the roof during the summer. It opened in 1905 and is illuminated at night. In addition just walk around the town and stop at a bar. Every summer bars and restaurants organise their own musical evenings.

The real heart of Sanremo is the medieval area known as La Pigna.It dates back to 1038. It is named after a pine cone as it supposed to resemble the old town with golden yellow, pink and stone walls. It is very much un spoilt by tourism and is slowly being modernised.

Visitors go to Sanremo to shop. Most shops do not open on a Monday morning, so time your visit to arrive in the afternoon. There is nearly as much French spoken as Italian, especially as there are numerous visitors from France as the prices are often somewhat lower. There are boutiques in the pedestrianised Via Palazzo and the Corso Garibaldi.

On a Tuesday and Saturday there is a large market in Piazza Eroi Sanremesi. This is located a a short distance from the San Síro Cathedral around the watch tower - Torre della Ciapèla - all that is left of the old town's defensive walls after the town planning of the 1930,s. In the market you can buy leather goods - handbags, belts, shoes and gloves as well as jumpers, ornaments and much much more. The adjoining friut, vegetable and fish market is also well worth a visit.

Stroll down to the seafront to the old harbour - Porto Vecchio and you will find a selection of restaurants and cafés with plenty of seafood and other Italian fare. There are more on the pedestrianised street that takes you from the harbour to the town centre. At night the Piazza Bresca comes alive, although slightly more expensive to eat in.