The Riviera Journal · Towns and destinations
Sanremo and Dolceacqua from Nice
Market, old town, gardens and a medieval village: plan a Nice–Sanremo–Dolceacqua day without underestimating border travel.
All Riviera Guide adviceAt a glance
- Suggested time
- A full day
- Best for
- Italy, markets, gardens, villages and food
- Access and getting around
- The train links coastal towns, but inland Dolceacqua needs a connection. Carry the required travel documents and check current timetables.
Local selection
Stops worth keeping
Medieval lanes
La Pigna, old Sanremo
Sanremo · Liguria, Italy · 1–2 hrs
Beyond Porta Santo Stefano, La Pigna unfolds the lanes and vaulted passages of old Sanremo. This medieval quarter is explored on foot, with stairs and steep slopes.
Ligurian escape
Dolceacqua’s old lanes
Dolceacqua · Liguria, Italy · 1–2 hrs
The old stone bridge links Dolceacqua’s two quarters. In the Téra district, the carugi, Liguria’s characteristic narrow lanes, climb towards the Doria Castle.
Botany in Italy
Hanbury Botanical Gardens
La Mortola · Ventimiglia, Italy · 2–3 hrs
At La Mortola, the Hanbury gardens gather plants from several continents overlooking the Mediterranean. The route descends over sloping ground; check access conditions before visiting.
Garden by reservation
Maria Serena Garden
Menton · Garavan · 1.5–2 hrs
Near the Italian border, Maria Serena shelters palms and exotic plants. Visits are guided and require booking, with slopes and steps along the garden route.
The colourful one
Colours, gardens & lemon trees
Menton · Half day
A warm-coloured old town, subtropical gardens and a distinctly Italian atmosphere beside the water.
Secret garden
Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden
Menton · 1.5 hrs
A calm, luxuriant exotic garden only minutes from colourful Old Menton.
Adult €8 · reduced €6 · family pack €24
Itinerary advice
How to organise your visit
Leave early, keep Sanremo for the morning and lunch, then choose Dolceacqua or Hanbury Gardens for the afternoon if time is limited.
Practical questions
Plan this outing well
How much time should you allow?
A full day
What is the best way to get there?
The train links coastal towns, but inland Dolceacqua needs a connection. Carry the required travel documents and check current timetables.
What order works best once there?
Leave early, keep Sanremo for the morning and lunch, then choose Dolceacqua or Hanbury Gardens for the afternoon if time is limited.