Ventimiglia, a charming Italian coastal town found just over the border from France, is well-known locally for its bustling Friday market, but there are lots of other things to see and do in this historic place. Monaco Life’s Stephanie Horsman shares her favourite activities and recommendations.
From prehistoric caves and botanical gardens to medieval architecture and an ultra-modern marina, Ventimiglia is rich with attractions that make it a perfect destination for a day trip from the Principality.
No.1
The shopping, whether that be in the marketplace or out on the streets of the town, is an obvious draw, with excellent bargains to be had on clothes, housewares, leather goods and many other interesting items. Make sure to time your visit for a Friday so you catch the market at its best.
No.2
Go back in time with a trip to the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi e Zona Archeologica. Centred around a series of caves at the foot of a rocky mountainside wall of dolomitic limestone, this site dates back to the Paleolithic Age. Experts believe that the caves have been used as a place of shelter, as well as a burial ground, for around 230,000 years.
The adjacent museum houses exhibitions featuring the fascinating artefacts collected here over the years. It is open every day except Monday from 8.30 am to 7pm. When the weather permits, the caves can also be visited between 11am and noon, and again from 3pm to 4pm.
No.3
Another must-see place is the Giardini Botanici Hanbury, or the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, which are now operated by the University of Genoa, but were founded by Sir Thomas Hanbury after he purchased the property in 1867.
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The estate’s spectacular gardens are an exceptional example of the integration of acclimatising plants, particularly extra-European exotic plants, along slopes and in a rugged Mediterranean landscape. The gardens are often included in lists about Italy’s finest gardens and have been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
No.4
Make sure to find the time to explore the medieval old town of Ventimiglia at length. The Città Vecchia overlooks the newer parts of the town and houses the 10th-century Church of San Michele Arcangelo, as well as a rabbit warren of winding streets that are lined with a jumble of lovely sun-drenched houses.
No.5
For a blend of history and culture, check out the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was first built in the 8th century, but has been in its present Gothic/Venetian Renaissance form since the early 1500s. The interior doesn’t disappoint, with high vaulted ceilings and arches made from cool, light-coloured stone.
No.6
A quirkier place to explore is the Cactusmania di Manera Bruno, a place that is exactly what it says on the tin. This family-run business sells a huge variety of succulents and provides their plants to innumerable international collectors, professional designers and landscapers, as well as the regular passing customer who wants a nice cactus for their desk.
No.7
History buffs will adore the Museo Civico Archeologico Girolamo Rossi. Housed on the ground floor of the Annunziata Fortress, on the former site of the 16th century convent of the Observant Friars Minor, the current building was erected by the Savoy family between 1831 and 1836.
Today, the museum contains more than 700 finds made by Girolamo Rossi, who discovered the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Albintimilium in the 19th century. The diverse collection of items includes everything from cups and jugs to lamps and ornamental paterae.
No.8
Follow a tour of the Museo Civico Archeologico Girolamo Rossi up with a stop at the Area Archeologica di Nervia, where the actual Albintimilium site lies!
No.9
For those with more modern tastes, the gleaming new Cala del Forte marina complex will certainly appeal. A satellite port for the Principality of Monaco, this amazing cross-border collaboration is run on the philosophy of “sustainable port management, ecological responsibility, hospitality, service and security.” With a regular shuttle service for yacht owners and their guests between Monaco’s Port Hercule and Cala del Forte, it’s also incredibly convenient to visit. Top-notch restaurants and boutique line the quays… You’d need days and days here to try them all!
See more: Restaurants in Ventimiglia: a guide to the Italian city’s new dining and leisure scene
No.10
Finally, no trip to Ventimiglia would be complete without a visit to the beach, and the lovely Spiaggia di Latte fits the bill beautifully. A little less well-known than the Spiaggia Le Calandre, this beach features a deceptively sandy-bottomed seabed with a mix of rocks and sand onshore. The shallow shoreline is great for kids, and the water is pristine.
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Photo source: Dan Hadar, Unsplash