Hotel Nazionale is a landmark in the enchanting city of Sanremo, known throughout Italy as the City of Flowers for the Riviera’s long-standing floricultural tradition.
Sanremo is a charming seaside destination on the Riviera di Ponente, where it’s easy to be captivated by the caruggi (narrow alleys) of the old town, known as La Pigna, by its monuments and churches such as the Orthodox Church on the Passeggiata Imperatrice promenade, and by Belle Époque buildings like Bellevue Palace, Villa Ormond, and Villa Nobel. The hotel is just a few steps from one of the four historic casinos in Italy. Sanremo also hosts major cultural and sporting events such as the Premio Tenco, the Rallye Sanremo, and the Milano–Sanremo cycling race.
Sanremo enjoys particular fame thanks to the world-renowned Festival della Canzone Italiana, which every year brings thousands of artists, musicians, producers, industry professionals, and celebrities from Italian cinema to its streets. This is a one-of-a-kind event in Italy, attracting exceptional media coverage: for an entire week, the Festival takes over the City of Flowers, transforming it into a vibrant stage where every corner, every street, every shop, and every person exudes music.
Over the years, we have often had the pleasure of welcoming singers and music producers to the rooms and suites of Hotel Nazionale, just a few steps from the Ariston Theatre and the Palafiori venue.
If you're staying in Sanremo, a must-see is Bussana Vecchia, also known as the “artists’ village” — an enchanting place where art, music, and culture bring the streets to life.
Founded during the Roman era, the village was abandoned after the devastating earthquakes of the 19th century. It remained depopulated until the post-war years, when numerous artists began to see its potential as a cultural and creative hub. The man who truly established rules and set the revival of the artists’ village in motion was the painter Vanni Giuffrè.
Today, Bussana Vecchia is an autonomous artistic community where creativity thrives in every corner: from the ateliers and studios of painters and sculptors, to street musicians filling the air with an authentic bohemian spirit. The Osteria degli Artisti, Casa la Barca, and the garden among the ruins are just a few of the magical spots to discover in this timeless village.
Near Sanremo, you can dive into the beautiful beaches of the Ligurian West Coast. Just a few kilometres from the city, the stunning villages of Santo Stefano al Mare and San Lorenzo al Mare, in the province of Imperia, offer lovely stretches of sand and charming seaside atmospheres. In about an hour’s drive, you can reach Varigotti, in the province of Savona, awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of its waters, and home to crystal-clear beaches and picturesque coves such as the namesake Varigotti Beach, Baia dei Saraceni and Punta Crena.
The Principality of Monaco is an independent and sovereign state, the second smallest in the world after Vatican City, and is renowned for its luxury lifestyle and vibrant nightlife: exclusive hotels, trendy clubs, Michelin-starred restaurants, and the majestic yachts that fill Monaco’s harbour.
Divided into four distinct districts, the most famous is undoubtedly Monte Carlo, home to the iconic Casino that enlivens the Principality’s nightlife, and the venue for one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world — the Formula 1 Grand Prix. This annual event draws around 100,000 spectators and serves as a major economic and social driver for Monaco.
The Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera, is a gem of the Mediterranean coast and a natural geographical extension of the Ligurian Riviera, dotted with picturesque villages renowned for their sea, beaches, cultural prestige, and vibrant nightlife. Nice, with its famous Promenade des Anglais lined with Belle Époque buildings, including the Casino, and its lively Carnival held every February, is an unmissable destination on the French Riviera.
Beyond the nearby towns of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, both stunning seaside destinations, special mention goes to Cannes, home of the International Film Festival, and the colorful Saint-Tropez, with its Mediterranean spirit, frequented by celebrities from the entertainment world and the international jet set. Also not to be missed are Antibes, famous for its beautiful beaches, and Menton, which hosts the historic Lemon Festival every year.
Only two hours from Sanremo, you can visit Genoa, the capital of Liguria and one of the most fascinating cities in Europe from a historical, cultural, and scenic perspective. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, “La Superba” unfolds into a maze of narrow alleys called vicoli and caruggi, weaving through the city centre and its famous districts, known as Sestieri.
Walking through Genoa means experiencing emotions at every corner: from the traditions of humble fishermen to the melodies of Fabrizio De André, and the legacy of Christopher Columbus, who was born here.
Among the main attractions are the iconic Aquarium of Genoa, the enchanting Porto Antico, the prestigious Carlo Felice Theatre, the moving Fabrizio De André Museum in Via del Campo, the panoramic views from Spianata di Castelletto, and the picturesque fishing village of Boccadasse.
If you are staying in Sanremo, a visit to Genoa is a must: a city as vast as it is distinctive and evocative, with the power to tell centuries of history through its intricate alleyways and its kilometres-long seafront promenade.
