San Remo

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

The Italian Riviera

A July 2001 trip to San Remo by Tombrew

San BasilioMore Photos

San Remo is good for a day or two's amusement, probably not a destination in itself. The people, food, and scenery are wonderful. You can reach San Remo by train from Nice in two hours, and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful along the ride.

  • 6 reviews
  • 4 photos

The Italian RivieraBest of IgoUgo

Overview

The Town
Walking, eating, and gambling are the three pastimes which stick out in my mind. While it is a small town, it is somewhat urbanized and almost overrun with Vespas and other scooters. The sound drives you crazy at first, but you get used to it.

Quick Tips:

I hate to write in terms of cliches, but the efficiency level of services here is not as high as in neighboring France. Buying stamps at the post office is an adventure - I think I was mailing the world's first postcards from San Remo to the USA, based on the confused reactions of the employees. Also, eating in the cafes is done at a leisurely pace.

Best Way To Get Around:

You can see all the highlights on foot in a day or two. Watch out when crossing the street.

Dick TurpinBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I had the most wonderful calzone of my lifetime at this small, oddly-named cafe on the water. It was a hot day, and I sat outside and enjoyed a relaxing lunch. The prices were very reasonable, and they had a good variety of cold beers - Moretti, Beck's, etc. The cheese in this thing was a wonder, and the herbs were subtle yet pronounced. I also fell in love with the beautiful, classic Italian waitress.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Tombrew on January 28, 2001

Dick Turpin
On the Waterfront San Remo, Italy

San Basilio Russian Orthodox ChurchBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

San Basilio
This beautiful structure is a legacy of the Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna. The Russina nobles of the 19th century used to vacation here, many building homes here. It is well worth a visit, if only to photograph. Quite imposing!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Tombrew on January 28, 2001

San Basilio Russian Orthodox Church
Corso dell'Imperitrace San Remo, Italy

PromenadeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Promenade along the waterfront"

Promenade View
On the day trip to this town, this is a must-do to get the character of the town. This is a really wonderful walkway along the water, where you can see the beach as well as the fishing boats. There is really neat old iron benches, and intricate wrought-iron fencing along the way. It's fun to sit and people watch for a while in this leisurely location. The view of the mountains behind the town from here is quite nice.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Tombrew on January 28, 2001

Promenade
Along the Waterfront San Remo, Italy

San Remo CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Casino
I enjoyed the architecture more than the activities. It is really a great example of Art Nouveau. The activity itself seemed a bit stuffy to me, mainly older European tourists. This place is a little shopworn, but is worth a look.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Tombrew on January 28, 2001

San Remo Casino
Corso Inglese San Remo, Italy

La PignaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a really cool and physically taxing area to walk. It is the old part of town, and consists of winding and hilly alleyways. There are a lot of local craft type shops, with the tourist stuff not really in sight. There are a number of very quaint cafes here as well.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Tombrew on January 28, 2001

La Pigna
Old San Remo San Remo, Italy

About the Writer

Tombrew
Tombrew
Marina del Rey, California

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