Location: Ventimiglia
Top Things to do in Ventimiglia
- 1. Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
- 2. Giardini Botanici Hanbury
- 3. Ventimiglia Old Town
- 4. Cactusmania Di Manera Bruno
- 5. Le Calandre Beach
- 6. Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi
- 7. Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
- 8. Il Mercato del Venerdi
- 9. Area Archeologica della Citta Romana di Albintimilium
- 10. Museo Civico Archeologico Girolamo Rossi
What to do and see in Ventimiglia, Italy: The Best Places and Tips
Ventimiglia (Italian: Ventimiglia [ventiˈmiʎʎa], Intemelio: Ventemiglia, French: Vintimille [vɛ̃tiˈmij]) is a city, comune (municipality) and bishopric in Liguria, northern Italy, in the province of Imperia. It is located 130 km (81 mi) northwest of Genoa by rail, and 7 km (4 mi) from the French-Italian border, on the Gulf of Genoa, having a small harbour at the mouth of the Roia River, which divides the town into two parts. Ventimiglia's urban area has a population of 55,000.
Restaurants in Ventimiglia
1. Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By Byroenius - Seattle, Washington
I love how this Cathedral sits way up high on a hill. It is very old and historic. There's also a crypt dating back from the VII century. Although this Cathedral was as ornate as other Italian Cathedrals, it is definitely worth the visit.
2. Giardini Botanici Hanbury
Overall Ratings
4 based on 611 reviews
Reviewed By Luc B - Ottawa, Canada
We took a special bus (not the local one) to get to the garden, less than 30 minutes from the train station. (limited time schedule) to be coordinated with your return.
This place was spectacular. We were given a small booklet which explained step by step different corners of the garden and the origin of the plants or trees.
There garden is well kept and maintained. Being on the top of the small mountain, you have to be in a relatively good shape to do it, but I didn't have any problem to reach the ocean and slowly walked back taking pictures and breaks occasionally. A place to visit if you are in Ventimiglia.
3. Ventimiglia Old Town
Overall Ratings
4 based on 550 reviews
Reviewed By Luc B - Ottawa, Canada
Right after we crossed the bridge, we saw the difference of scenery, we turned right and started climbing toward the church and walked to all the possible small streets . Every person we came across said the world well known :Buon giorno'' Ciao for the younger ones. We took a lot of pictures, the view of the port and all the stairs in between the houses.
It didn't take that long to discover a clean little village, nice people and great scenery. A place to see, for sure.
4. Cactusmania Di Manera Bruno
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Pier G - Ventimiglia, Italian Riviera
I can only say positive things about this place. They are very fond of their job and justly proud of their specimens. Working with an extremely skilled know-how, their nursery is probably the one in the area where you can turn to for the best species, service and counseling, when cactus are the issue. Worth a visit anyway
5. Le Calandre Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By John C - Rozzano, Italy
This beach is much worse than the pictures lead you to believe... its really hot with no respite from the sun and the wicked undertow can really be dangerous to small children and adults alike... the smell of weed in the air is not from the bamboo canes... will not miss this place at all! The hike to get to the beach is the best part while the limited services once you arrive are not up to standard for such a place... highly overrated and not recommended for young families!
6. Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi
Overall Ratings
4 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By Pijlmans - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Balzi Rossi caves are located between Menton in France and Ventimiglia in Italy.
When we arrived at the museum, it turned out that you only could pay with cash, not with a bank- or credit card. Entree fee was only a few euros per person, but we did not have cash on us at that moment.
Because we wanted to see the "caves", we went back to the car and out of our way to find a cash machine nearby.
Back at the museum, the "caves" were really a disappointment, just shallow holes in the wall with an overwhelming smell of bird-excrement.
The "caves" are special because they have been used as prehistoric shelters, and this story is what the neighboring museum is trying to explain. Unfortunately, most of the descriptions are in Italian only, so quite useless for tourists.
Since the entrance fee is only a few euros it does not hurt to visit the caves, but in retrospect it certainly was not worth the trouble of finding a cash machine and coming back.
BTW, if you just want to have a peek at the caves, you can do so from the road that passes them. For free. See the pictures.
7. Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Lynge T - Frederiksberg, Denmark
The church is just a part of what the old part of Ventimiglia has to offer. This church is very old and parts date back to the time before the Romans. Now the church is restored but in a ristic style. you can see some of the old remains they have found while restoring the church.
8. Il Mercato del Venerdi
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By OutnAbout007 - Arundel, United Kingdom
Every Friday, the market stalls overtake the streets close to the sea.
Plenty of local produce, as well as clothing, shoes, electronics, gadgets, household fare.
A fair bit of repetition, with lots of stalls selling the same merchandise at the same prices.
Also lots of one off sales people peddling hats and sunglasses from suitcases along the streets but not via stalls.
For bargains, go visit but don't expect top quality.
9. Area Archeologica della Citta Romana di Albintimilium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By SarahCorell - Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Its not often you can wander about real roman remains. Architecture is not my strong subject but I found it really interesting.
There are some areas that could do with restoration as it looks like it is being neglected.
Very quiet and a good place to reflect and take a time out.
10. Museo Civico Archeologico Girolamo Rossi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By ULSTERFREE - Bordighera, Italy
Come da titolo: il museo è appena interessante, ma la vista sul mare dalle finestre al piano alto della costruzione è decisamente meglio. Si potrebbe fare di più? Certamente sì, ma comunque una visita la si consiglia, costa anche poco.
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