Why you should add this Ligurian town to your travel wishlist…
Ventimiglia is a small charming town on the coast of the Italian Riviera, located just across the border from Menton, Cote D’Azur France. Being just a stone’s throw from the larger city of Nice, France, Ventimiglia is a popular day trip destination for tourists to the French Riviera, despite being just over an hour away by train the town offers a glimpse into Italian culture and cuisine
A visit to Ventimiglia Alta is a must-see when visiting the Ligurian town as the scenery boasts a stark difference to that of the French Riviera’s towns and cities due to its medieval architecture it offers an escape from the modern world and makes you feel as though you have been taken back to a time in history you only see in films. The views from Ventimiglia Alta showcase the perfect contrast of land and sea, with the panoramic views of the coast in one direction and the mountains in the other.
On our trip to Ventimiglia Alta, we took our time getting lost in its labyrinth streets, narrow alleys and ancient buildings. Many of the buildings have intricate architectural details so be sure to look up and have your camera at the ready.
My top tip for visiting Ventimiglia Alta is to wear comfortable shoes as the old town is quite hilly and steep. I suggest taking a bottle of water on the journey into the old town with you during the summer months as shops in this area are few and far between and it can be thirsty work walking up the steep hills of Ventimiglia Alta.
Visiting the market on Via della Repubblica is a must see in Ventimiglia offering fresh produce such as local Olive Oil, Meats, Cheeses, fruits and vegetables, honeys and more. On the Saturday we visited there was an adjacent local makers market selling vintage items, souvenirs, jewellery etc.
Before the train back…
Enjoy an aperitivo at one of the many local outdoor cafes/bars before returning to the French Riviera. Unwind after a day on the tranquil Italian coast with a glass of local wine or Aperol Spritz before dinner.
We visited AL6 Ristorante & Wine-Bar (Via Sir Thomas Hanbury, 6, 18039) for some traditional Ligurian and wider Italian delicacies, this would be one of my biggest recommendations for your visit to Ventimiglia as the food was delicious, the staff were very welcoming and open to giving their recommendations on what to order from the menu. We opted for the Carbonara and the Bolognese, which were beautifully made with fresh pasta and bread on the side. If you have any room left for dessert, I suggest the Cannoli and the Lemon Sorbet.