SHOP

 

For information of shopping in Ventimiglia including the markets click HERE

 

THE BEACH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The promenade in Ventimiglia is a great place to people watch, eat (many restaurants and bars along the waterfront) and the beach is safe to swim in.

There are various inlets that have been created so it's very safe for children. Most of the beach is free, however there is a charge to use the sun lounges if you wish to. The part I frequent the most is the small cove inlet to the left of the sun lounges and volleyboard and there is no charge to lay your towel!

Note: There are rocks...lots of rocks! So you'll often see people wearing rubber type swimming slippers at the beach or even in the water as it's a few steps into the water walking over the rocks till you hit the sand!

 

THE OLD PORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The old Port is over the bridge and has some brilliant seafood restaurants and a nice place to walk around and see a different part of the town.

 

HANBURY BOTANIC GARDENS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Giardini Hanbury" is a wonderful place of gardens, tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views. The gardens were created on a fairly steep hillside around an old Renaissance villa. This means that there is a fair amount of climbing involved, especially as you start at the top, descend to sea level and are then obliged to come back up again - no possibility to sneek out at the bottom! So if you have even slight mobility/health issues - beware!
The collection of succulents - agaves, aloes and such, is particularly impressive but there are other highlights such as the citrus and olive groves and the frequent vistas of the blue Mediterranean.
Some people complain about lack of parking so leave your car in Ventimiglia or Menton! Take the bus from via Cavour to the gardens (No.1 service to Ponte San Luigi passes in front of the gardens)

 

CATTEDRALE DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This ancient cathedral, also listed as a basilica, is surprisingly moving to see. It is located high on the hill of the old town, overlooking the new town below. They advertise that the crypt in the basement dates from the VIII century. The chapel is made of many blocks of carved sandstone from the banks of the Roia River below the old town. The arched ceiling is such a triumph of ancient masonry. Free to enter, but light an electric candle and make a small donation.

 

THE OLD TOWN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Romans conquered this town in the first century BC, but there were native inhabitants here for centuries prior to that. This is one of the oldest populated areas on the coast. Julius Caesar himself is reputed to have traveled through here with his army (there's a museum here depicting his travels). It's a somewhat typical old town and fortress, with an ancient wall surrounding the oldest part. There are unbelievable views of the Mediterranean and the Alps. On a clear day, you might be just able to make out the mountains of Corsica. The town itself seems built on impossible angles and toe-holds in the rocky hillside. Not particularly pretty but really, really old! The cemetary is fascinating look also into local history and has some beautiful gardens within it.

 

 

CHIESA DI SAN MICHELE ARCANGELO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the middle of the old town of Ventimiglia, you find this remarkable church worth visiting. It is very old. The oldesest parts of the church goes back to the pre-roman period. You can see what is left in the crypt and happy to see that the church has been renovated in keeping with it's fine history. Worth a visit.

 

STREET EVENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During Summer especially you may find yourself arriving during one of the many street events that happen. I've seen everything from a Harley Davidson display and festival, religious feast days, street parties and shop sale nights. The mood is always happy and often there is live music on the streets, dancing and more.

 

LAS VEGAS

 

Have children? Las Vegas is on the main strip and has some video games and racing machines. Normally 1 or 2 Euro to play. There is also an enclosed area with around 20 pokies machines but you can only play 1 Euro coin at a time!

 

 

MORE THINGS TO DO

 

As Ventimiglia is on the Riviera you are only a short hop away from hiring a boat for the day in Menton (or if the budget allows in Monte Carlo!) There are many companies that offer chartered services and it's a lovely way to spend some time on calm waters and seeing the hidden parts of the Riviera.

 

THE TRIP GURU'S PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS IN VENTIMIGLIA

 

1. Eat gelato. I personally think the world's best Gelato is sold in Ventimiglia. It is at Voglia di Gelato: Via Milite Ignoto, 13, 18039 Ventimiglia, Italy just across from the park and almost at the corner where the promenade starts. The lines during Summer are always long (but you never have to wait more than a couple of minutes). The flavours and freshness is brilliant. The best!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Shop at the Market. Yes it's what Ventimiglia is known for, but I've timed trips perfectly to ensure I'm always there on a Friday (no mean feat when coming from Australia!). I usually do the market in three stages: Shop, Rest & Eat, Shop, Siesta, Shop. Items I always buy are summer dresses, bags, towels, cheap sunglasses, and gits to take home.

 

3. Play Bingo. Yes. Seriously. There is something hilariously funny about playing bingo in another language and watching everyone so serious want to win the 12 Euro prize. While bingo has closed in Ventimiglia this year (and is in nearby Bordighiera and Sanremo) I am hoping it will be back on next year's trip! 1 Euro to buy a card, snacks and drinks available and all ages attend. FUN!

 

4. Swim. Go and buy a cheap floatie for the water, kick back and relax. Take in the fact you're swimming in the Meditteranean and enjoy watching families spend time together.

 

5. Walk around the town. The best way to live like a local and see the real Ventimiglia is just to walk it. People watch, visit the shops, relax in the gardens and just enjoy the simple things in life.