Ever heard of Ventimiglia? Most people haven’t. This Italian gem is as under-the-radar as European cities get, but it’s worth a trip to explore the stunning old town, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in dazzling Mediterranean views. If you want to discover it, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to things to do in Ventimiglia.

Things to Do in Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia, Italy

Just across the border from the French Riviera, Ventimiglia is a vibrant coastal city in Italy’s Liguria. Divided in half by the Roia River, the old town is on one side and the new on the other.

Old Town in Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is best known for being home to a famous market that attracts locals and visitors from all over. It also has beaches and a colorful old town to round out the scene.

The city is a great day trip from Nice or Monaco. It’s fun to spend time soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring the narrow streets, and enjoying a meal on the waterfront. In fact, that’s what I’m doing today.

View of Ventimiglia

How to Get to Ventimiglia

It’s easy to get to Ventimiglia, too. A direct train line runs between Nice and Ventimiglia (it also stops in Monaco). Trains from Genoa and other parts of the Riviera of Flowers stop here, too.

Ventimiglia’s train station is located in the heart of the city and is a short walk from the waterfront and the old town.

Train to Ventimiglia

Where to Stay in Ventimiglia

Once in the city, there are so many things to do in Ventimiglia that you’ll be tempted to stay a night. There are a lot of accommodation options and hotels in Ventimiglia, so you’ll have plenty of choice.

If you’re looking for a hotel, Le calandre is just the place. It has balconies with great sea views, colorful room decor, and friendly staff.

If you want an apartment rental, Carso 10 is ideal. Located right in the center of town, this stylish studio comes complete with Italian food and wine from the owners.

River in Ventimiglia

Things to Do in Ventimiglia

Whether you choose to visit for a day trip or overnight, you’ll find a wealth of things to do in Ventimiglia. From important libraries to beautiful gardens, pebble beaches to bustling markets, this city has a lot to offer.

If you like visiting for big occasions, there’s a festival called Battaglia di Fiori, or Battle of the Flowers. Taking place every other June, it features a big parade with floats and performers (and of course, flowers).

Street in the Old Town in Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia Old Town

One of my favorite things to do in Ventimiglia is explore the old town. Called Ventimiglia Alta due to its position on a hill, this part of the city is home to narrow streets, stunning views, and tunnels cut through rock.

Buildings and houses are painted in bright hues, making exploring exciting. From pinks and yellows to reds and greens, you can find every shade here. Some even have faded paintings on their facades.

Colorful Street in the Old Town in Ventimiglia

Historic Landmarks

But it’s not just streets. The old town is also home to some important historic landmarks. From oratories to convents, there are a lot of them dotted around.

On this visit, I duck into the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful 11th-century church with an octagonal Romanesque baptistry housing a 13th-century limestone basin.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Ventimiglia

I also visit the Chiesa di San Michele church. Established in the 11th century, it originally served as the chapel of the Counts of Ventimiglia.

Chiesa di San Michele, Ventimiglia

Elsewhere in the old town, the Biblioteca Aprosiana is a Baroque public library founded by Augustinian monk Angelico Aprosio in 1648.

Housed in the city’s old theater, the library holds Italy’s second-largest collection of 17th-century books and manuscripts. There’s also a 6th-century Christian sarcophagus inside.

Markets in Ventimiglia

While the old town is beautiful, one of the most popular things to do in Ventimiglia is visit the Friday market.

Located on the boardwalk by the waterfront, the market features stands selling everything from fresh produce to flowers. There’s also clothing, furniture, and local Italian goods for sale.

There’s a limited market on other days of the week apart from Sunday, so you can still enjoy the market if you’re not in town for the main event.

When I studied in Nice as a teenager, the mother of my host family used to come to the market to buy citrus fruit every week. I still remember the clementines being the best I’ve ever had.

There’s also a covered market near the train station in Ventimiglia that sells local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and fish. It’s open all week, so it’s a good place to visit if you want another market experience.

Old Town in Ventimiglia

Restaurants in Ventimiglia

And speaking of food, there are a lot of good restaurants in Ventimiglia. I head to the waterfront to eat at Ristorante Stella Marina, where an outdoor table overlooking the beach is the perfect place for lunch.

Zucchini and prawn pasta goes down a treat as I sit looking out across the Mediterranean.

Zucchini and Prawn Pasta

Beaches in Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is also home to some great beaches. The city center itself is fronted by wide pebble-studded shorelines on both sides of the river, so it’s easy to get to the beach as soon as you arrive.

Slightly further afield, the Spiaggia delle Calandre is another good choice. It’s known for its wide stretch of golden sand and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Over towards the French border, the Spiaggia dei Balzi Rossi is a beautiful beach surrounded by red cliffs and wild flowers.

Beach in Ventimiglia

Things to Do in Ventimiglia and Beyond

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Ventimiglia. There’s so much going on here, and even more to see in the wider area.

The Castello di Doria castle is just 15 minutes away, and the nearby Hanbury Gardens have over 2,000 species of Mediterranean plants to go with their stunning views.

Whenever you visit and however you choose to spend your time, I hope you find as many exciting things to do in Ventimiglia as I have.

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Things to Do in Ventimiglia

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