The Lungomare Argentina is Bordighera’s seafront promenade: a straight pedestrian path about two kilometres long that runs between the railway and the beach, from Capo Sant’Ampelio westwards. It is considered the longest pedestrian seafront promenade on the Riviera, and you walk it among rows of araucarias, gardens of succulents and flowers, with the sea always beside you.
It is where the locals walk, jog and stop to watch the sunset, and where in summer everyone heads to the beach. On clear days you can see as far as Cap Ferrat and Monte Carlo.
Why it is called Lungomare Argentina
The name recalls Eva Perón, wife of the Argentine president Juan Perón, who in July 1947, during her European tour, spent a day in Bordighera and opened the promenade. Two years after the end of the war, her visit was seen as a sign of hope for the revival of tourism in the town.
The promenade is much loved beyond Bordighera too: it was nominated several times in FAI’s “I Luoghi del Cuore” (Places of the Heart) survey, from 2003 to 2022.
What to see
The monumental araucarias
The tall trees lining the promenade are araucarias, conifers native to Norfolk Island in the Pacific: their row is listed among Italy’s monumental trees.
The gardens and succulents
Between the promenade and the railway runs a succession of flowerbeds with succulents, palms and flowers, a reminder of how Bordighera’s mild climate has attracted botanists and gardeners since the 19th century.
The beaches
From the promenade you can walk down to Bordighera’s beaches, with free stretches and beach clubs.
The Capo and the view
At its eastern end the promenade reaches the foot of the Capo, with the Church of Sant’Ampelio on the rocks and, above, the pine wood and the Marabutto. From here the view runs along the coast towards France.
Tips for your visit
- How long you need: about half an hour to walk its full length at a relaxed pace, longer if you stop at the beach.
- When to go: at sunset, when the sun goes down over the French coast, or early in the morning in summer, before the heat.
- Combine it with: start from the Capo, with the Church of Sant’Ampelio and the Capo pine wood, and walk up to Bordighera Alta.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lungomare Argentina?
About two kilometres, all pedestrian, between the railway and the beach.
Why is it called that?
Because it was opened in July 1947 by Eva Perón, wife of the Argentine president, during her visit to Bordighera.
What trees grow along the promenade?
Mainly araucarias, conifers native to Norfolk Island: the row is among Italy’s monumental trees.
Can you swim there?
Yes, from the promenade you can walk down to Bordighera’s beaches, both free and with facilities.
