{"id":2540,"date":"2026-09-27T16:54:46","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T14:54:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitbordighera.com\/?page_id=2540"},"modified":"2026-10-03T13:21:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T11:21:13","slug":"the-sea","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visitbordighera.com\/en\/the-sea\/","title":{"rendered":"The sea at Bordighera"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Theme<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The sea in Bordighera<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Rocks, beaches and a two-kilometre promenade shaded by araucarias, with the C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur on the horizon.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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The sea at Bordighera is the natural continuation of the C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur: 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<\/strong> every year, and since 2021 the marina has had it too.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

At the heart of it all is Capo Sant\u2019Ampelio, 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.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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2 km<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

of pedestrian promenade between the beach and the araucarias<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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11th c.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

the church of Sant\u2019Ampelio on the rocks of the Capo<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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24 km<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

of cycle path along the old railway line at the water\u2019s edge<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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since 2003<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Blue Flag every year for the coastline, since 2021 for the marina too<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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Beaches and seafront<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The Lungomare Argentina<\/strong> 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 Per\u00f3n in July 1947.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Bordighera Blue Flag: what it means and where to swim<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Bordighera\u2019s coastline has held the Blue Flag every year since at least 2003, and its marina since 2021: what it means, how it is awarded and what it means for your swim.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Lungomare Argentina<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Two kilometres of pedestrian promenade between the railway and the beach, among araucarias and gardens, opened in 1947 by Evita Per\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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The beaches of Bordighera<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Blue Flag every year since 2003: the rocks below Capo Sant\u2019Ampelio, the beach clubs and free beaches along the seafront, water quality and tips for swimming.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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The row of Norfolk Island pines on the Lungomare Argentina<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

More than fifty Norfolk Island pines, listed as monumental trees, that shape the Lungomare Argentina.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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Capo Sant\u2019Ampelio<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

At the tip of the promontory, the church of Sant\u2019Ampelio<\/strong> is a small 11th-century Romanesque church built where, according to tradition, the hermit who is the town\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Above the church, the pineta del Capo<\/strong> (the Capo pine wood) climbs towards Bordighera Alta, with the Marabutto<\/strong> viewpoint and its cannons: one of the finest panoramic spots in town.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Bordighera Alta<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The fortified village of 1470: old gates, caruggi with arches, little squares and the church of Santa Maria Maddalena.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Church of Sant\u2019Ampelio<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

On the southernmost headland of Liguria, the 11th-century chapel dedicated to Bordighera\u2019s patron saint.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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The Capo pine wood<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

More than 230 trees between Bordighera Alta and the sea: shady paths, the Marabutto and monuments to the town\u2019s great figures.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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The Marabutto<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The old domed powder magazine in the Capo pine wood, with its three cannons and a viewpoint high above the sea.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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Kayaking, sailing and the Cetacean Sanctuary<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The triangle of sea between the Ligurian and French coasts is the Pelagos Sanctuary<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> runs for 24 km just a few metres from the waves.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Riviera dei Fiori cycle path<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

24 km by bike or on foot along the sea, on the route of the old railway, from Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo al Mare.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Sunset kayaking below the Capo<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Guided paddle along the coast at sunset, with a swim stop below Capo Sant\u2019Ampelio.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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Along the coast<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

To the west, at the border, the red cliffs of the Balzi Rossi<\/strong> drop into the sea with their prehistoric caves, and just before them the Giardini Hanbury<\/strong> descend in terraces right down to the water. Across the border lie Menton<\/strong> and the Principality of Monaco<\/strong>; to the east, Sanremo<\/strong>, with the medieval Pigna and the palm trees of Corso Imperatrice.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Balzi Rossi<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The red cliffs above the sea on the French border and the caves inhabited in prehistoric times, with their museum.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Hanbury Botanical Gardens<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The great botanical garden on the Mortola promontory, created by Thomas Hanbury from 1867 with plants from all over the world.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Menton<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The ochre-coloured old town by the sea, the Cocteau museum and the F\u00eate du Citron, just across the border.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Principality of Monaco<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The Rock with the Prince\u2019s Palace, the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum perched above the sea.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Sanremo: the Pigna and Corso Imperatrice<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The old town of the Pigna, climbing up to the Madonna della Costa, and the Belle \u00c9poque promenade of Corso Imperatrice.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Discover \u2192<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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Ideas for 1, 2 or 3 days by the sea<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Three days to experience the sea in different ways.<\/p>\n\t\t

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Beach and sunset at the Capo<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

A beach day along the Lungomare Argentina. In the late afternoon, the Capo: the church of Sant\u2019Ampelio on the rocks, the pine wood and the Marabutto viewpoint.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

\n \t\t\tDay 2<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t

From the sea, on the sea<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Towards the border<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The Balzi Rossi and the Giardini Hanbury, then Menton for a stroll along the French seafront.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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When to go<\/h2>\n\t\t
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Summer<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The season for the sea: the hot hours on the beach, walks at dawn and sunset.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Autumn<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

The sea often stays inviting for a long time, with fewer crowds.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Spring<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Bright days for the seafront, the pine wood and the first swims.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Winter<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Sunny walks along the promenade and clear sunsets towards the French coast.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t

The month-by-month climate is on the page The climate in Bordighera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n

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Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t
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Does Bordighera have the Blue Flag?<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n

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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.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/details>\n

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Are Bordighera\u2019s beaches sandy or pebbly?<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n

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Small pebbles and coarse sand, alternating with rocky shores and small coves. Water shoes are recommended.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/details>\n

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Are there free beaches in Bordighera?<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n

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Yes: along the Lungomare Argentina and towards the east, equipped beach clubs alternate with free public beaches.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/details>\n

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Where can I go snorkelling in Bordighera?<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n

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Below Capo Sant\u2019Ampelio, 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.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/details>\n

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Can you see dolphins from Bordighera?<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n

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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.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/details>\n

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How long is the Lungomare Argentina?<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/span>\n

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About two kilometres, entirely pedestrian, between the railway and the beach, running west from Capo Sant\u2019Ampelio.<\/p>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/details>\n\n<\/div>\n