Vallebona is a small medieval village at about 150 metres above sea level, in the valley of the Rio Borghetto, in the shadow of Monte Nero. It is only a few kilometres from the sea but already feels like another world: stone caruggi, little squares, terraces of olive trees and fields of flowers, with the scent of mimosa and orange blossom.
The Touring Club Italiano has awarded it the Orange Flag for its compact, lively historic centre and its hospitality. From Bordighera it takes about ten minutes by car: it is the ideal outing for a morning or a late afternoon.
The history of Vallebona
The name probably comes from vallis bona, “good valley”, after the fertile land that encouraged its founding in the Middle Ages. Like Seborga, Vallebona was long tied to the monks of the abbey of Lérins; in 1686 it joined the Magnifica Comunità degli Otto Luoghi, the union of the villages of the area – Bordighera included – under the Republic of Genoa. After the Congress of Vienna, in 1815, it passed to the Kingdom of Sardinia and then, in 1861, to the Kingdom of Italy.
For centuries the fields around the village produced wine, oil, citrus fruit and flowers, especially mimosa and broom, which still colour the hills today.
What to see
The historic centre and the caruggi
You explore the village on foot, following the caruggi, the narrow alleys typical of Liguria, among stone houses, arches and small squares. Among the oldest buildings is the Torre Vecchia.
The church of San Lorenzo
The parish church is medieval in origin, with a stone bell tower, and was remodelled in Baroque style; according to the sources it has a 15th-century slate portal and a 16th-century painting.
Piazza XX Settembre and the square of the four elements
In Piazza XX Settembre stand the oratory and the bell tower. Not far away is an unusual square dedicated to the four elements: fire in the centre, a fountain for water, a small wind turbine for air and an olive tree for earth.
Bitter orange blossom water
This is the village’s signature product: a fragrant water distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange, now a Slow Food Presidium, brought back to life by a young local producer. Also try the “bugie”, orange-scented fritters, and the biscuits called “sospiri”.
Events
In early June the Festa del Fior d’Arancio celebrates the village’s product with cooking shows and local produce. In summer there is “L’Ape in fiore”, when three-wheeled Ape vans decorated with flowers parade through the historic centre, and every two years the caruggi host the Vallebon’art art festival.
Tips for your visit
- How long you need: an hour for the village; longer if you stop for lunch or take a walk in the surroundings.
- Getting there: about 5 km by car from Bordighera, around ten minutes.
- For walkers: around the village the Monte Nero park has trails suitable both for walkers and for mountain bikers.
- Combine it with: drive up to Seborga, the “Principality” village, or head for Monte Nero.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Vallebona from Bordighera?
About 5 km, around ten minutes by car.
What is there to see in Vallebona?
The historic centre with its caruggi, the church of San Lorenzo, Piazza XX Settembre with the oratory, and the square of the four elements.
What is Vallebona’s local speciality?
Bitter orange blossom water, a Slow Food Presidium. The bugie, orange fritters, and the sospiri biscuits are also typical.
Is Vallebona an Orange Flag village?
Yes, the village has been awarded the Touring Club Italiano’s Orange Flag.
