Location Guide

The Friday market, around two hundred metres from the hotel, is one of the largest in Liguria, stretching along the river and nearby streets. Stalls sell clothing, leather goods, household items, cheese, salami, olive oil and fresh produce. French visitors arrive by the thousands, so mornings are crowded. Arriving early gives the best selection and fewer crowds.

Ventimiglia Alta, the medieval upper town across the Roja river, is a maze of narrow lanes, stone houses and churches. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the baptistery date back to the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Views from the upper town over the sea and the coast are beautiful. The climb is steep but rewarding.

The Hanbury Botanical Gardens at La Mortola, about six kilometres west toward the French border, cascade down to the sea with exotic plants from around the world. Created by Sir Thomas Hanbury in the nineteenth century, they are among the finest gardens on the Riviera. Allow two to three hours for a visit.

The Balzi Rossi caves at the border preserve traces of prehistoric human life, with a small museum displaying finds from tens of thousands of years ago. The setting at the foot of red cliffs by the sea is striking.

The Roman ruins of Albintimilium, east of the town, include a theatre and remains of baths and houses. They show the importance of Ventimiglia in Roman times.

Dolceacqua, about nine kilometres inland, is a picturesque medieval village with a humpbacked stone bridge painted by Claude Monet and a ruined castle. It is also famous for Rossese wine.

For food, try Ligurian specialities such as trofie with pesto, farinata, a chickpea flatbread, and barbagiuai, fried ravioli filled with pumpkin and cheese typical of the area. Fresh seafood is served along the seafront.