Bordighera Old Town
A charming Ligurian coastal town with a picturesque old town, beautiful gardens, and stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for sunsets
Bordighera Old Town
Best Time
Golden hour for sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Ligurian coastal town with a picturesque old town, beautiful gardens, and stunning sea views.
"Its just like a little maze. I love it and im sure you will too."
🎯 Get Lost in the Old Town
Explore the charming maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and hidden alleys. It's like a beautiful labyrinth!
🍽️ Book Dinner Reservations
Restaurants can close early and fill up fast. Book in advance to avoid disappointment .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bordighera Alta
Old Town
Wander through a charming maze of narrow, colorful streets adorned with flowers and ancient houses.
Lungomare Promenade
Seafront
Enjoy a scenic walk along the coast with beautiful sea views and numerous dining options.
Pallanca Gardens
Near the old town
Discover a diverse collection of succulents and exotic plants with stunning Mediterranean vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Maze
Coastal Charm & Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get Lost in the Old Town
Explore the charming maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and hidden alleys. It's like a beautiful labyrinth!
🍽️ Book Dinner Reservations
Restaurants can close early and fill up fast. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
☕ Coffee & Cornetto
Start your day like a local with a coffee and cornetto at a charming cafe like La Casa del Caffe.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Lungomare
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the seafront promenade with beautiful sea views and dining options.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get Lost in the Old Town
Explore the charming maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and hidden alleys. It's like a beautiful labyrinth!
🍽️ Book Dinner Reservations
Restaurants can close early and fill up fast. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
☕ Coffee & Cornetto
Start your day like a local with a coffee and cornetto at a charming cafe like La Casa del Caffe.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Lungomare
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the seafront promenade with beautiful sea views and dining options.
📸 Capture the Charm
The colorful houses, drying laundry, and flower-adorned balconies make for picturesque scenes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bordighera's old town is widely praised for its charm, with visitors loving the maze-like streets, colorful houses, and beautiful sea views. The restaurants are noted for good value and atmosphere, though some advise booking ahead as places can close early. While some find it less exciting than nearby Sanremo, most agree it's a picturesque and cozy Ligurian gem.
"Its such a cute little city centre, super nice restaurants and such beautiful places to watch the sun set. There are many little streets you can explore. Its just like a little maze. I love it and im sure you will too. I would definitely recommend you checking it out if ur in the area"
Thijs
"We love this charming little town. Great restaurants at good value and a beautiful sea front walk. Good choices along the promenade for food and excellent coffee at La Perugia."
MollyManc
"The city is the prettiest I ever seen in this part of Liguria. Just the atmosphere of colorful houses with their laundry drying outside, brick roads, tiny little streets. Everything is so cosy here. The only and the hugest con here: is people close restaurants too early and they will never make you eat at any cost. Insane doing this after COVID pandemics. So book in advance and eat early otherwise you’ll get hungry and won’t notice charming gems hidden."
Maria (mammamia)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bordighera is easily accessible by train, with frequent services connecting it to major cities like Genoa and Ventimiglia. It's also a short train ride from Monaco.
Parking can be challenging in the old town itself. It's recommended to use public parking areas outside the historic center and walk in.
Yes, Bordighera is very close to the French Riviera. It's only about a 40-minute train ride from Monaco,
Walking is the best way to explore Bordighera Old Town. The narrow streets are best navigated on foot. For the promenade, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Absolutely! Bordighera has a train station that connects it to surrounding towns and cities. Buses also serve the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the old town itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can wander freely through its charming streets.
The old town is always accessible. However, individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, with some closing earlier in the afternoon.
Yes, the Pallanca Gardens and the Hanbury Gardens (just outside Bordighera) typically have an entrance fee. Check their official websites for current pricing.
Yes, Bordighera has a mild climate year-round, making it a pleasant destination any time of year. However, summer offers the most vibrant atmosphere.
While not as common as in larger cities, local tourist information centers may offer information on guided tours or self-guided walking routes.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for colorful houses with laundry drying, flower-filled balconies, narrow winding alleys, and panoramic views of the sea from higher points.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers beautiful light for capturing the town's charm and sea views.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both street scenes and wider vistas. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the narrow alleys.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
Capture the contrast between the ancient architecture and the vibrant Mediterranean sea, or focus on the details of local life like colorful shutters and potted plants.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Enjoy Ligurian specialties like focaccia, fresh seafood, and pesto. Many restaurants offer excellent local dishes at good value.
Explore the narrow streets of Bordighera Alta for charming trattorias and restaurants. The Lungomare also has many dining options with sea views.
While traditional Ligurian cuisine is hearty, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options. Fresh vegetable dishes and pasta without meat are usually available.
You can find a range of prices. Restaurants on the Lungomare might be slightly more expensive, while those in the old town can offer great value.
La Casa del Caffe and La Perugia are highly recommended for coffee. La Reserve is a good spot for an aperitivo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the old town's maze-like streets can be an adventure for kids, turning a walk into a treasure hunt. While dining, look for pizzerias or trattorias that offer simpler dishes that appeal to younger palates. Consider visiting the gardens for a change of pace, offering open spaces and interesting plants to discover.💰 Budget Travelers
Walking the Lungomare promenade and getting lost in the old town are free activities. Opting for accommodation slightly outside the immediate old town or seafront can also save money. Taking the train to Bordighera is generally more economical than driving and parking.💖 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bordighera Alta: A Labyrinth of Charm
Many travelers highlight the unique aesthetic of the old town, with its brick roads and tiny streets contributing to its charm.
+1When visiting Bordighera Alta, it's essential to wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets can be uneven. The best way to experience its magic is to simply wander without a strict plan, allowing the town to reveal its secrets organically. Remember that some restaurants here may close earlier than expected, so planning your meals is advisable.
The Ligurian Coastline: Beaches and Views
While Bordighera itself has beaches, the surrounding area is also known for its crystal-blue waters and Riviera vibes.
For those seeking a beach day, options like Kuku Beach offer cabanas for a relaxing afternoon. The proximity to other coastal towns means you can easily combine a visit to Bordighera with beach time elsewhere along the Riviera.The coastal scenery is a significant draw, with videos showcasing modern villas overlooking the sea
Gardens of Bordighera: Nature and Serenity
Another significant garden in the vicinity is the Hanbury Gardens, located just a short distance from Bordighera. These historic gardens are renowned for their extensive collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants, set within a stunning landscape. They offer a peaceful retreat and a deep dive into botanical history and beauty.
These green spaces provide a wonderful contrast to the charming, bustling old town. They are perfect for visitors looking to connect with nature, enjoy serene walks, and capture beautiful photographs of both plants and sea vistas. The mild climate of Bordighera ensures these gardens are a delight to visit year-round.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit