5 Days in the Liguria of the Festival: Taggia – Bordighera – Cervo Ligure – Sanremo

February is undoubtedly the month that shines the brightest on Liguria and its wonders.

Sanremo, with its beauty and its legendary Festival della Canzone Italiana, takes center stage — yet the province of Imperia offers a perfect five-day journey through some of Italy’s most enchanting landscapes. You can stay in Sanremo while exploring three charming nearby towns: Taggia, Bordighera, and Cervo Ligure.

Here’s your perfect 5-day itinerary through the Liguria of the Festival!

Day One: Taggia

The first stop on your five-day journey through the Liguria of the Festival is Taggia, located on the Riviera di Ponente. This town offers both coastal beauty and medieval charm, divided between its two hearts: Valle Argentina and Arma di Taggia.

Valle Argentina is the historic core, founded between the 10th and 15th centuries, and home to countless monuments that tell the story of the region. Chief among them is the Ponte Antico, a 275-meter-long medieval bridge with 15 arches, built in the 13th century. It offers breathtaking views of hills, valleys, and the sea, and along its path, stone benches invite visitors to pause and admire the landscape.

Another highlight is the Castle of Taggia, which offers panoramic views of the Riviera di Ponente. Today, it serves as a natural theater for performances and events that bring its history to life.

No visit to Taggia is complete without tasting dishes featuring the region’s famous Taggiasca olives, known for their rich, aromatic oil. Don’t miss local specialties like canestrelli (fennel-flavored savory taralli) and figassa, a focaccia topped with peeled tomatoes, anchovies, olives, and garlic.

After a delicious meal, head to Arma di Taggia, a charming seaside village with calm, shallow waters and sandy beaches. For a more active experience, cycle along the Ponente Cycle Path, which follows the route of the old Genova–Ventimiglia railway and passes by the Grotta dell’Annunziata and the small harbor. Bikes, e-bikes, and rollerblades are available for rent, and there are plenty of kiosks for snacks and refreshments.

Day Two: Bordighera

On your second day, visit Bordighera, a true gem just a short drive from Sanremo and a few kilometers from the French border.

Founded in Roman times, Bordighera has long captivated artists, royalty, and travelers. Queen Margherita of Savoy made it her residence, building the elegant Villa Margherita, while Claude Monet stayed here to capture the town’s radiant Mediterranean light in his paintings.

The town’s mild climate also drew many English visitors, some of whom made it their permanent home. One of Bordighera’s highlights is the Lungomare Argentina, the longest seafront promenade on the Riviera di Ponente — a two-kilometer walkway perfect for strolling by day and enjoying the vibrant nightlife after sunset.

The old town, with its pastel-colored houses, narrow alleys, and flower-filled balconies, embodies the essence of Ligurian beauty. Bordighera is also famous for its flower cultivation, which has earned it international acclaim.

A must-see is the Pallanca Exotic Garden, a private yet accessible 10,000-square-meter oasis of rare succulents and cacti, offering panoramic views of the coastline.

For music lovers, a short trip to nearby Vallecrosia brings you to the Museum of Song, founded by Elio Tripodi and inaugurated by Luciano Pavarotti in 1987. Located inside an authentic early 20th-century steam train, it displays musical memorabilia such as Puccini’s passport and Adriano Celentano’s guitar.

Day Three: Cervo Ligure

No Ligurian journey would be complete without Cervo Ligure, recognized as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. Less crowded than other destinations, Cervo offers a harmonious blend of history, art, and nature.

Explore the Clavesana Castle, home to the Ethnographic Museum and contemporary art exhibitions. Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, known as the Church of the Corallini because it was built with funds from the coral trade, and the Oratory of Santa Caterina, now a cultural and music venue.

Don’t miss tasting local dishes such as freshly caught fish and the Pestun di Fave, made with fresh fava beans, pecorino cheese, garlic, mint, and extra virgin olive oil.

A walk along the scenic seafront is unforgettable — from Cervo to Diano Marina, about 12 km round trip. Along the coast, you’ll find beaches like Le Ciappellette (rocky), Porteghetto Beach (mixed sand and rocks), Spiaggia dal Pilone (pebble), and Bagni Restano (sandy).

Day Four: Sanremo

The heart of the Liguria of the Festival is, of course, Sanremo — home to the famed Festival della Canzone Italiana. Yet beyond the glitz, Sanremo is a city steeped in history and elegance.

Start at the Co-Cathedral of San Siro, the city’s oldest building, dating back to 811 A.D., a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture with three naves and pointed arches.

Then visit Villa Nobel, the 19th-century residence of Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite. The villa now hosts a museum showcasing major scientific discoveries of the era and exhibitions on Nobel’s life. The Nobel Prize ceremony still features flowers from Sanremo as a tribute to the city.

Don’t miss a stroll along the Passeggiata dell’Imperatrice, named after Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna. This palm-lined promenade runs along the sea, ending in a garden adorned with statues — the Primavera by Vincenzo Pasquali and the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi by Luigi Bistolfi.

Day Five: The Casino and the Festival

Your five-day journey through the Liguria of the Festival concludes at Sanremo’s historic Casino, the original venue of the Festival della Canzone Italiana from 1951 to 1976, before it moved to the Teatro Ariston.

Built in elegant Art Nouveau style, the Sanremo Casino is more than a gaming hall — it’s a cultural institution that hosts concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and literary events. Its “Biribissi” restaurant offers refined seafood dishes, and guided tours reveal the Casino’s glamorous history.

If your visit takes place between February 11 and 15, 2025, you can experience the excitement of the Festival firsthand — join the crowd outside the Teatro Ariston, soak in the energy of the DopoFestival, and feel the thrill of Italy’s most beloved music celebration.

The Liguria of the Festival awaits you — five unforgettable days of art, music, and Mediterranean beauty!