Holiday apartment in Ventimiglia: History, Coast and Trails

Ventimiglia is a place that combines archaeological depth, an old town extending up a hillside, botanical gardens and the coast. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Ventimiglia, you will find a base for a range of holiday interests: Roman history, trails, nature and markets shape the city.

Roman Traces and Historic Buildings

The Nervia archaeological area preserves the remains of the Roman city of Albintimilium. The site includes the remains of baths that can be visited; the theatre dates from the 2nd to 3rd century AD. The Antiquarium displays an extensive selection of finds from the excavations. The archaeological area is a 20-minute walk from Ventimiglia railway station.

Ventimiglia’s old town can be explored via winding lanes and steep stairways leading from river level up to the hilltop. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built between the 11th and 12th centuries on the ruins of a Carolingian cathedral. Its crypt preserves parts of an early medieval church dating from the 8th century. The Biblioteca Aprosiana was founded in 1648 by Father Angelico Aprosio. The Forte dell’Annunziata was built between the 16th and 17th centuries as a military fortress to defend Ventimiglia. The Church of San Michele was built in the 10th century as a Benedictine priory; its crypt preserves Roman columns, archaeological finds and a military milestone.

Nature, Flora and Coast

The Balzi Rossi archaeological area includes caves at the foot of a wall of dolomitic limestone that were visited by prehistoric people during the Paleolithic period. The Hanbury Botanical Gardens were established near Ventimiglia in 1867 to acclimatise plants from different parts of the world. They comprise 5,800 species of ornamental, medicinal and fruit plants. From Ventimiglia railway station, the Hanbury Botanical Gardens can be reached by taxi or by bus route 1 to the La Mortola stop.

Trails for Different Holiday Ideas

Opened in 2018, the Pelagos cycle path connects Ventimiglia and Camporosso and runs along former railway land. The Via Iulia Augusta follows a route from the Trebbia River to the Var River, passing through Ventimiglia along the way. The different routes can help guide your choice of a holiday apartment in Ventimiglia if you would like to include trails and connections between places in your travel plans.

Seafront and Markets

The shore of Baia Beniamin consists of pebbles and sand. The Mercato del venerdì takes place every Friday along Ventimiglia’s seafront. The Mercato dei fiori brings together local produce, flowers and plants and has existed since 1922. At the water’s edge, regular market dates thus combine with a tangible impression of local produce and plant culture.

For your choice between different holiday interests, Ventimiglia offers clear points of reference: Nervia, the old town, the cathedral and Forte dell’Annunziata represent history; the Hanbury Gardens, Balzi Rossi and Baia Beniamin represent flora, geology and the shore; the Pelagos cycle path and Via Iulia Augusta represent trails. Markets round out this selection with local produce, flowers and plants.

Other Places in the Region

If you would like to consider other places beyond Ventimiglia, you can find Borgomaro, San Romolo, Pantasina, San Bartolomeo Di Caravonica, Praelo, Seborga, Glori and Conio here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Imperia.