Drew & Thomas's Wedding
Things To Do
St. Ampelio Church
This church was originally built in the 11th Century by the Romans. It was enlarged in the 15th & 16th Centuries and sits right on the edge of the Mediterranean. There are several glass panels in the floor, so you can view the original Romanesque architecture.
Outdoor Market
Market Day in Bordighera is on Thursdays, starting at around 8am and going until about 1pm. This is an outdoor market that runs along the main road next to the ocean (starting at the entrance to Hotel Piccolo Lido). There is about a mile of stalls filled with everything from food, leather, clothing, and housewares.
Bordighera Alta
Bordighera Alta is the medieval portion of the village and sits atop a mountain. It features several small churches, colorful old buildings with large shutters, and narrow winding cobblestone streets. Sit in the Piazza with a glass of wine and Prosciutto e Melone! There is plenty of public parking available just on the outside of Bordighera Alta, so you can park for several hours and take your time walking around!
Swimming
Swimming All beaches in this area of Italy are public (therefore free to access!). Along the edge of the Grand Hotel Del Mare is a path with a public "park" where you can lay a towel out on the grass and there is a ladder into the sea (pictured). Any beach in general, you can lay a towel out and just hop in. * All beaches are stone beaches, not sand beaches. For this reason we highly suggest beach shoes or rubber flip flops that can go in the water. For guests of the Grand Hotel Del Mare: There is a pool and access to sea side beach chairs. For guests not staying at the GHM: Pool access at the GHM is €50pp. Oceanside beach chairs are available for an hourly rate both at the hotel as well as at many beach side restaurants on Lungamare Argentina (the same street as the market, Hotel Parigi, and Hotel Piccolo Lido).
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
This is an amazing villa built by Beatrice Rothschild in 1905 with stunning gardens that run over the hilltops of Cap Ferrat. Drew visited this villa when Drew was studying abroad in Paris at the age of 21 and was blown away by the fountains perfectly timed to music. This is about a 30-45 minute drive away from Bordighera. We HIGHLY recommend if you plan on renting a car and have an extra day in your travel plans.
The Medieval Village of Èze
This clifftop village sits between Nice and Monaco (a 30-45 minute drive from Bordighera). If you're looking to explore the charming old world of the Riviera, this is the place to go. Settled as early as 2000BC, Eze later became the stronghold of the Savoy family in 1388 when they built the stone city there. I highly suggest going to lunch at the Michelin starred Chevre D'Or (pictured here).
Hanbury Botanical Garden
Located just a 15-20 minute drive from Bordighera, this botanical garden was built by British businessman, Sir Thomas Highbury in 1867 ground of the Villa Orengo. The villa and gardens (both currently run by the University of Genoa) are open to the public.
Shopping - San Remo
For Shopping, we suggest going to Via Giacomo Matteotti in San Remo. It has everything from local leather goods stores, to Italian made cashmere, cafes and gelato, etc. It's an easy bicycle/vespa/car ride from Bordighera.
Il Quartino - pizza o panino
For great (and cheap!) pizza, this is a great local spot that just opened in downtown Bordighera. Highly recommended. We suggest to book a reservation if going for dinner.
Amarea Ristorante
Right on the beach, this is one of the Barbo family's favorite places to dine. For high end fresh seafood and crisp cool wines, this is the place to go! During the day, they also rent our beach chairs. Just across the street from Hotel Parigi and Hotel Piccolo Lido. Reservations suggested.
Ristorante Pizzeria La Piazzetta
Located in Bordighera Alta, this pizza and pasta restaurant has been a Barbo favorite for 15+ years. Run by the same family since it's opening, it's the mainstay of Bordighera's old town.
Ristorante La Reserve
Walking Distance from Downtown Bordighera, La Reserve is a lovely restaurant right on the water, with local daily seafood specials.