Theme
The sea in Bordighera
Rocks, beaches and a two-kilometre promenade shaded by araucarias, with the Côte d’Azur on the horizon.
The sea at Bordighera is the natural continuation of the Côte d’Azur: on clear days, from the seafront, you can see all the way to Cap Ferrat and Monte Carlo. The coastline alternates pebble beaches, rocky shores and small coves, with fully equipped beach clubs and free stretches. Since 2003 it has held the FEE Blue Flag every year, and since 2021 the marina has had it too.
At the heart of it all is Capo Sant’Ampelio, the southernmost point of Liguria: a Romanesque church on the rocks, a pine wood climbing up to the old town, and crystal-clear water for snorkelling. Offshore lies the Pelagos Sanctuary, where a half-day trip offshore can bring you face to face with dolphins and, with a little luck, whales.
2 km
of pedestrian promenade between the beach and the araucarias
11th c.
the church of Sant’Ampelio on the rocks of the Capo
24 km
of cycle path along the old railway line at the water’s edge
since 2003
Blue Flag every year for the coastline, since 2021 for the marina too
Beaches and seafront
The Lungomare Argentina is the longest seafront promenade on the Riviera: a straight walk of about two kilometres between the railway and the beach, past succulent gardens and a row of monumental araucarias. It is named after Argentina because it was inaugurated by Evita Perón in July 1947.
From here you step down to the beaches: along the promenade, beach clubs alternate with free public beaches, convenient for families too. The shore is made of small pebbles and coarse sand, so bring water shoes. The Liguria Region rates the water in six of the seven stretches of coast as excellent.
Capo Sant’Ampelio
At the tip of the promontory, the church of Sant’Ampelio is a small 11th-century Romanesque church built where, according to tradition, the hermit who is the town’s patron saint lived; below it you descend into the crypt, with windows opening onto the water. All around are the flat rocks where locals sunbathe and swim: the water is crystal clear, and a mask and snorkel are all you need to watch fish and sea plants. It is suitable for children and less confident swimmers too.
Above the church, the pineta del Capo (the Capo pine wood) climbs towards Bordighera Alta, with the Marabutto viewpoint and its cannons: one of the finest panoramic spots in town.
Kayaking, sailing and the Cetacean Sanctuary
The sea can also be discovered from the water: by kayak along the rocks below the Capo, perhaps at sunset. Clubs and associations offer courses in sailing, canoeing and kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, diving and catamaran sailing.
The triangle of sea between the Ligurian and French coasts is the Pelagos Sanctuary, created by an agreement between Italy, the Principality of Monaco and France to protect marine mammals: a half-day trip offshore, from nearby ports such as Sanremo and Imperia, may reward you with dolphins and, with a little luck, fin whales, sperm whales and pilot whales. And on land, the Riviera dei Fiori cycle path runs for 24 km just a few metres from the waves.
Along the coast
To the west, at the border, the red cliffs of the Balzi Rossi drop into the sea with their prehistoric caves, and just before them the Giardini Hanbury descend in terraces right down to the water. Across the border lie Menton and the Principality of Monaco; to the east, Sanremo, with the medieval Pigna and the palm trees of Corso Imperatrice.
Ideas for 1, 2 or 3 days by the sea
Three days to experience the sea in different ways.
Beach and sunset at the Capo
A beach day along the Lungomare Argentina. In the late afternoon, the Capo: the church of Sant’Ampelio on the rocks, the pine wood and the Marabutto viewpoint.
From the sea, on the sea
A kayak trip below the Capo or a boat outing into the Pelagos Sanctuary. In the afternoon, the cycle path from Ospedaletti towards Sanremo, right by the water.
Towards the border
The Balzi Rossi and the Giardini Hanbury, then Menton for a stroll along the French seafront.
When to go
Summer
The season for the sea: the hot hours on the beach, walks at dawn and sunset.
Autumn
The sea often stays inviting for a long time, with fewer crowds.
Spring
Bright days for the seafront, the pine wood and the first swims.
Winter
Sunny walks along the promenade and clear sunsets towards the French coast.
The month-by-month climate is on the page The climate in Bordighera.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bordighera have the Blue Flag?
Yes: the coastline has held the FEE Blue Flag every year since at least 2003, including 2026, and since 2021 the marina has had it too.
Are Bordighera’s beaches sandy or pebbly?
Small pebbles and coarse sand, alternating with rocky shores and small coves. Water shoes are recommended.
Are there free beaches in Bordighera?
Yes: along the Lungomare Argentina and towards the east, equipped beach clubs alternate with free public beaches.
Where can I go snorkelling in Bordighera?
Below Capo Sant’Ampelio, among the rocks: the water is clear and full of life, and with a mask and snorkel even children and less confident swimmers can enjoy it.
Can you see dolphins from Bordighera?
The sea off the coast is part of the Pelagos Sanctuary, protected by Italy, Monaco and France: on a half-day trip offshore you may spot dolphins and, with a little luck, fin whales, sperm whales and pilot whales.
How long is the Lungomare Argentina?
About two kilometres, entirely pedestrian, between the railway and the beach, running west from Capo Sant’Ampelio.
Plan your seaside holiday
The beaches, how to get here and the climate: everything you need to set off.
