Bordighera between gardens, coast and Città Alta

Bordighera is ideal for a trip that combines historic townscapes, distinctive gardens and experiences by the sea. The town reveals different facets: Sant’Ampelio is Liguria’s southernmost headland, while the landscape is characterised by botanical gardens, palms and paths offering views of the sea and town. This allows you to plan your trip around specific interests rather than generalised expectations.

Historic Bordighera

In Città Alta, Bordighera preserves pentagonal fortification walls enclosing a network of narrow streets and squares. The colourful houses are connected by characteristic supporting arches. The Centro culturale inglese was established in 1888 by Clarence Bicknell as a place where the English colony could read or attend concerts. The Museo-Biblioteca Clarence Bicknell has been the seat of the Istituto Internazionale di Studi Liguri since 1937.

Villa Regina Margherita was designed in the neo-Baroque style and was the Queen’s official winter residence. The Monet Gardens are the last surviving evidence of the historic Moreno Gardens. In the park of Villa Mariani, three places can still be seen where Monet set up his easel in 1884.

Gardens and landscape

The Giardino Esotico Pallanca is home to a botanical garden specialising in cacti and succulents. It lies among sandstone rocks on the slopes of the former volcano Monte Nero. The Lowe Gardens are characterised by centuries-old olive trees, shady paths and flower beds. Another special feature is the Phoenix dactylifera palms: Bordighera is the only place in the world at this northern latitude where they grow spontaneously.

Paths, sea and activity

The Béodo Trail follows the route of an old aqueduct that once carried water from the springs of Monte Nero to the centre of Bordighera. The trail is approximately 3 km long and passes through olive groves, along dry-stone walls and pergolas, offering views of the sea and town. The Bicknell Cycle Route begins in Bordighera.

In the Bordighera marine reserve, you can observe the diverse animal and plant life of the seabed with a mask and snorkel. The rocks beside the church of Sant’Ampelio serve as a vantage point for observing marine animals and vegetation.

The variety of these themes makes Bordighera appealing for different travel plans. You can focus on history and art, garden landscapes, activity or nature observation. When choosing accommodation, this classification helps you consciously take your own daily rhythm and personal interests into account instead of giving equal weight to all experiences.

Getting there and local flavours

Many train services from Milan, Genoa and France stop at Bordighera station. In Bordighera, Brandacujun is considered a dish made from dried cod, prepared creamily with potatoes. In this way, practical travel connections and regional cuisine complement the town’s historical, botanical and maritime themes.

Further travel ideas

Further destinations for your trip to Italy include Santo Stefano Al Mare, Olivetta San Michele, Valloria, Costarainera, Triora, Apricale, Terzorio and Ciapin.

To the main travel overview: Imperia.