Just a few steps down the road from Villa d'Artisti is Angela Padrone’s “Alimentari”, a local delicatessen right beside San Giacomo’s village church. Angela offers freshly wood-baked bread from San Romolo and vegetables.
Further down towards the city, Sanremo’s domed church of the “Madonna della Costa” dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and fishermen is highly visible. Right beside it, a picturesque trail leads hikers through a park and to the beautiful labyrinth of the “Pigna” — the old town — down to “Piazza Eroi Sanremesi” and the covered market. Have a cut of “Sardenaira“ at “Tavernetta” — one of the best places to taste it. This typical Sanremese Focaccia is topped with tomato sauce, garlic, Taggiasca olives, anchovies and oregano. The sea breeze draws everyone to the harbour, where early in the morning, fishermen offer fresh fish from the day’s catch right at the pier.
Golf
The golf course is only a five-minute’s drive from the Villa d’Artisti and stretches across several terraces covered with ancient olive groves and a lake. It was established in 1931 upon request by Sanremo’s local authorities to support tourism. The 18-hole hilly terrain is often described as offering a sporty challenge that requires strength and precision. But even beginners will enjoy a game. The breath-taking view over the hills is in itself reason enough to stop by the English bar for an afternoon tea.
Cycling, Downhill, Hiking, Riding
A fifteen-minute drive by bus or car takes you to San Romolo (787 MSL). Since the cable car line was closed in 1981, the former hermitage from which Sanremo took its name is virtually abandoned. But there's a good restaurant, and many downhill trails can be cycled. Passionate road cyclists can follow famous routes, like the Milano-Sanremo. Or you might want to enjoy a horse ride through the mystical chestnut and oak forests or explore the magic valleys walking down old mule trails, right beside the mountains.
East of Sanremo
is the Argentina valley, whose steep hills are covered with olive groves that produce the aromatic “Taggiasca” olives. Badalucco and Taggia, small medieval towns, are renowned for their premium olives. The genuine landscape is represented in the local cuisine, rich with vegetables, fish and wild boar. The so-called “Poor Cuisine” only consists of locally grown products.
West of Sanremo
the picturesque old town of Bordighera is enchanting, and its clean waters offer a perfect swim in the sea. More swimming areas with sandy beaches are available in Ospedaletti and Sanremo. In the hinterland of the Val Nervia, the so called “Laghetti” (small lakes) are turquoise little swimming pools deep in the forest. Ventimiglia borders France and that's where the famous “Hanbury Gardens” are located. They are home to a spectacular collection of exotic plants that thrive in the extraordinary microclimate of this region.
