Sanremo in One Day: What to See on Foot Between the Sea, History, and Ligurian Cuisine.

Articolo del May 24, 2026. Pubblicato in

Sanremo in One Day: What to See on Foot Between the Sea, History, and Ligurian Cuisine

Visiting Sanremo in one day means discovering the many different souls of the Riviera dei Fiori: the sea and palm-lined promenades, the medieval alleys of La Pigna, elegant Belle Époque squares, local markets, the Casino, and of course Ligurian cuisine.

This itinerary is designed to be explored entirely on foot, starting and ending at Sanremo’s old railway station, now connected to the Riviera dei Fiori cycling and pedestrian path. It is a relaxed route, perfect for travelers who want to experience the city slowly, combining panoramic views, local culture, and food stops along the way.

Starting Point: The Old Railway Station

The old railway station of Sanremo, located near the tourist harbor, is today one of the main access points to the seaside promenade and coastal cycle path. From here, the city center can easily be reached within minutes, with a pleasant walk along the waterfront offering an immediate glimpse of Sanremo’s special relationship with the Mediterranean: beaches, palm trees, yachts, and the mountains rising behind the city.

From the station square, head toward Porto Vecchio, one of the city’s most authentic areas. Here, small fishing boats, historic cafés, and everyday local life coexist. Continuing toward Corso Imperatrice, you will reach the famous seaside promenade lined with tropical gardens and grand historic hotels built during the era when European aristocracy chose the Ligurian Riviera for winter holidays.

The Russian Orthodox Church and Corso Imperatrice

The Russian Orthodox Church is one of Sanremo’s most photographed landmarks, built in the late 19th century for the Russian community that spent winters on the Riviera. Its colorful domes and Orthodox architecture create a fascinating contrast with the Mediterranean landscape. A small €3 contribution is requested to support restoration work.

Corso Imperatrice takes its name from the dedication made by the municipality in 1875 to the Tsarina, wife of Alexander II, after her long stay in the city and her gift of the palm trees that still decorate the promenade today.

The Casino and Via Matteotti

The Casino di Sanremo is only a few minutes away on foot. This majestic Liberty-style building, inaugurated in 1905, remains one of the city’s architectural symbols. Even without gambling, it is worth stepping inside to admire the historic interiors and experience the glamorous atmosphere of early 20th-century Sanremo. Entrance to permitted areas is free.

Walking back down toward the center leads to Via Matteotti, the city’s most famous pedestrian street, lined with boutiques, historic cafés, and shops. Here stands the legendary Teatro Ariston, home of the Italian Song Festival. Even outside the festival season, it remains an essential stop for visitors.

La Pigna: The Medieval Heart of Sanremo

Leaving the elegant center behind, the itinerary enters the oldest part of the city. La Pigna is a maze of narrow carrugi, arches, stairways, and tiny squares built on the hillside to defend against pirate attacks. It is probably the most authentic and fascinating area of Sanremo.

Here, the best advice is simple: wander slowly and get lost among:

• Piazza Santa Brigida

• The Oratory of San Sebastiano

• Medieval arches

• Panoramic sea views

Climbing higher, you eventually reach the Santuario Madonna della Costa, the city’s most beautiful panoramic viewpoint. From here you can admire the entire city: the harbor, the sea, the cycling path, and the inland hills.

Where to Eat Traditional Food in Sanremo

After so much walking, it is the perfect time to discover the flavors of Western Liguria.

Pizza Bresca is one of the places where visitors can taste local specialties such as Sanremo prawns, brandacujun, seafood pasta, and excellent local wines including Pigato and Vermentino.

In the heart of La Pigna, among the medieval alleys, Camelot serves traditional Ligurian cuisine in a particularly atmospheric setting. Recommended dishes include Ligurian-style rabbit, sardenaira, and torta verde.

Other excellent options for discovering local products and fresh regional cuisine include trattorias serving focaccia ligure, anchovies, fresh pesto, and Taggiasca olives.

For truly authentic street food, the small bars and tavola calda along Via Palazzo are famous for farinata, sardenaira, and stuffed vegetables.

For local gastronomic shopping, the city market near the center is also worth visiting.

How Long Does It Take to Visit Sanremo on Foot?

This itinerary requires approximately 6–8 hours including breaks, covering a total distance of around 8 km. The most demanding section is the uphill walk toward La Pigna and the Sanctuary of Madonna della Costa, but overall the route remains accessible for most visitors.

Why Visit Sanremo Slowly

Many people know Sanremo only for the Festival or the Casino, but its true charm emerges when wandering slowly between the sea and La Pigna.

Within just a few kilometers, visitors move from Liberty-style elegance to medieval alleys, from the scent of fresh focaccia to panoramic terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. This unique combination of sea, history, and everyday Ligurian life is what makes Sanremo one of the most distinctive towns on the Western Ligurian Riviera.