Italy's region of Liguria has no shortage of hidden gems along its hundreds of miles of pristine coastline. If you're on a train from Nice to Genoa, you'd be forgiven for overlooking the first town you'll encounter as you cross the border into Italy.
But you'd also be missing out. Ventimiglia combines a rich historical legacy stretching back to Roman times with the laid-back local vibes you'd expect from a mid-sized town on the Mediterranean. Add to that quite possibly the largest weekly street market in Italy and you've got more than enough reasons to linger a while.
So put off your Genoese pesto for just a bit longer, jump off the train with us, and read on to discover more about this hidden gem on the Italian Riviera.
Image Credit: Getty Images, AigarsR. Image Location: Ventimiglia, Liguria, Italy
What to know about Ventimiglia
Where is Ventimiglia in Italy?
Ventimiglia is a resort town in the province of Imperia, in the region of Liguria, in north-eastern Italy, located 80 miles southwest of Genoa and just 4 miles from the French-Italian border. The town sits at the mouth of the Roya River, which divides the town into the ancient old town and the new town, which is home to the town's train station.
What is the weather like in Ventimiglia?
Ventimiglia is warmest during the summer months of June, July, August and September, with temperatures averaging 70-76oF. Temperatures dip lowest during the winter months of December, January and February, averaging 45-50oF.
What are the best things to do in Ventimiglia?
Market in Ventimiglia, Italy
Ventimiglia is best known for its huge market—the Mercato del Venerdì—where every Friday hundreds of stalls sell a range of food, clothes, leather goods, homewares, baskets and almost everything else you can think of. Concentrated along the riverside from the bridge across the Roya south to Via Ernesto Chiappori, it is particularly popular with bargain hunters from France who cross the border in their droves to fill their boots. There is also an indoor market held daily from Monday to Saturday offering fresh food and wine.
Giardini Botanici Hanbury
The Giardini Botanici Hanbury is a 19th-century botanical garden that is the biggest in Italy and among the finest in Europe, boasting an array of tropical and sub-tropical species of plants that thrive in the warm climate. Established by English businessman Sir Thomas Hanbury, it sits on the road from Ventimiglia to the French border and is now operated by the University of Genoa.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Paolo Negri. Image Location: Roman Theater, Ventimiglia, Liguria, Italy
Roman Theater
The remains of a 2nd-century Roman theater are still visible east of the town center, along with floor mosaics and traces of the ancient city walls and other buildings.
Balzi Rossi Caves
The Balzi Rossi caves are one of the most important archaeological sites of the early Upper Paleolithic in Western Europe and play home to the evidence for the earliest presence of modern humans in Europe. You'll find them just on the Italian side of the France-Italy border along the coast.
Ventimiglia Alta
The medieval old town—known as Ventimiglia Alta—is on a hill above the river across from its modern counterpart and offers a great walking route through one of the remaining gates and up the hill towards the cathedral. Here you’ll spot colorful houses, narrow alleys, chapels and small squares along the way as well as a few shops and bars. You can also take in three architectural highlights: the Romanesque cathedral and its octagonal baptistery dating back to the 11th century, the Church of San Michele Archangel and the Oratorio dei Neri.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alessio Panarese. Image Location: Balzi Rossi Beach, Ventimiglia, Liguria, Italy
Hotels in Ventimiglia, Italy
There are a number of great hotels to choose from in Ventimiglia. Options include the five-star Grand Hotel del Mare as well as the Hotel Sole Mare and Villa Eva Hotel.
Hotel Restaurant La Riserva di Castel D'Appio
Near the ruins of a 13th-century castle complete with outdoor swimming pool is the charming and relaxing Hotel-Restaurant La Riserva di Castel D'Appio. Many rooms come with views of the Mediterranean and private balconies, so you can kick back in privacy with a coastal view stretching all the way to France.
Train from Nice to Ventimiglia, Italy
Traveling from Nice to Ventimiglia by train is a great way to cross the border in style and take in two countries easily. The journey takes just 52 minutes—passing beautiful towns including Villefranche-sur-Mer and Monaco-Monte Carlo—and costs from just under $11.
Mediterranean hidden gem
Download the Trainline App and book your tickets securely online in US Dollars, store your e-tickets on your phone, and access live train times around the clock. Continuing your Ligurian adventure in Genoa? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Genoa.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Ferry R. Tan. Image Location: Ventimiglia, Liguria, Italy