Bordighera Travel Guide – History, Travel, Hotels, and More!

Nestled between the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and the lush hills, Bordighera is a hidden gem on Italy’s Ligurian coast. This charming seaside town offers a perfect escape featuring stunning views, beautiful beaches, and vibrant gardens.

Its beauty has inspired artists like Claude Monet, making it a must-see on the Riviera dei Fiori. Bordighera provides a unique blend of relaxation and cultural exploration, ideal for travelers seeking both tranquility and inspiration.

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Bordighera is just a short distance from the French Riviera, offering easy access to the Côte d’Azur, while providing a more tranquil alternative. Its pastel-hued buildings and historic villas add to its undeniable charm. You can stroll through the Old Town’s narrow streets, visit grand 19th-century villas, or simply enjoy the mild climate.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Bordighera is known for its vibrant cultural scene. From local cuisine to traditional festivals, every visitor finds something captivating. With easy train connections from major Italian and French cities, Bordighera is an accessible and alluring destination waiting to be discovered.

How to Get to Bordighera

Traveling to Bordighera is simple and convenient. Many visitors choose to drive. From Genoa, take the A10 Genoa-Ventimiglia motorway. This route offers a scenic drive, especially near the Bordighera tollbooth. It provides beautiful views as you approach the town.

By Train: Bordighera’s train station is well-connected. Trains from major cities like Milan, Genoa, and even Nice in France stop here. The train route is comfortable and offers stunning views of the Ligurian coast.

By Car: Renting a car gives you flexibility. Explore nearby towns like Sanremo and Ventimiglia. With your own vehicle, it’s easy to hop from one charming seaside town to another. We recommend renting from Booking.com.

By Air: For international travelers, the nearest airports are in Nice, France, and Genoa, Italy. Both airports offer convenient connections to Bordighera via train or car rental. If you want your arrival to be hassle-free, rent a private taxi from Booking.com in advance.

What to See in Bordighera

A must-visit is Bordighera Alta, the old town, with its quaint streets like Via Dritta and Via Lunga.

Stroll along the Lungomare Argentina, the longest promenade in Liguria. It offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Don’t miss the Capo Sant’Ampelio, where you can see the Church of Sant’Ampelio.

Nature enthusiasts will love the Pallanca Exotic Garden. It features a vast collection of succulents and provides great views of the coast. Nearby, explore the beautiful Hanbury Botanical Gardens at Villa Hanbury.

Visit Villa Garnier, known for its architecture, and Villa Regina Margherita, rich in history. Villa Mariani and the Bicknell Museum are also worth a visit.

Enjoy delicious local seafood and Italian classics like ravioli and gnocchi at restaurants. Try the local wine, Rossese, to complement your meal.

For day trips, the medieval village of Dolceacqua and the charming town of San Remo are nearby. Discover more in villages like Sasso, Apricale, and Bussana Vecchia.

Check out our articles on the best things to do in Bordighera, Italy and best restaurants in Bordighera, Italy for even more ideas!

Where to Stay in Bordighera

Read our article on hotels near Bordighera, Italy for the best options for your stay. Here’s a short list of some options:

If you’re looking to stay in a vacation home, apartment, BnB, or VRBO in Bordighera, Italy, we recommend you search on VRBO, Hotels.com, and Booking.com for up-to-date options.

History of Bordighera

Bordighera is a charming town with a vibrant history. Its origins trace back to Roman times when it served as an important outpost along the Via Julia Augusta, a key Roman road. This road connected Italy with southern France, making Bordighera a strategic location.

During the 19th century, Bordighera experienced a cultural bloom. It became popular among English tourists, who often stayed in the beautiful 19th-century villas hidden among olive trees.

Claude Monet, the famous French painter, found inspiration here. He visited Bordighera in the 1880s and painted its stunning landscapes and vibrant gardens. Monet’s works help capture the town’s unique light and beauty.

The town also features pentagonal walls from ancient times, adding to its historical allure. These walls showcase Bordighera’s architectural and defensive past.

If you walk down the elegant Via Romana, you’ll feel the historical influences. This road, once a Roman trade route, is shaded by trees and lined with historic villas. It offers a picturesque journey showcasing Bordighera’s rich past.

Nearby Towns to Bordighera

Bordighera, located on the Ligurian coast, is surrounded by several larger towns that offer a variety of attractions and experiences. Here are five of the closest big towns to Bordighera:

Sanremo: Sanremo is renowned for its annual music festival and the elegant Casino di Sanremo. This coastal town offers a mix of cultural events, beautiful gardens, and a picturesque old town.
Imperia: Imperia is a vibrant town formed by the union of Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, each with its unique character. The town boasts beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and lively markets, making it a delightful destination on the Ligurian coast.
Ventimiglia: Ventimiglia is a historic town near the French border, known for its medieval old town and vibrant weekly market. The town also features the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, showcasing a vast collection of exotic plants.
Savona: Savona is a port city with a rich history, featuring landmarks like the Priamar Fortress and the Sistine Chapel of Savona. The city combines historical attractions with modern amenities, making it an interesting stop along the Ligurian coast.
Albenga: Albenga is a historic town famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and ancient Roman ruins. The town’s charming old center features narrow alleys, historic towers, and the beautiful Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo.