Why visit Sanremo and surroundings-Alessandro Vecchi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The most beautiful villages for the Valentine’s weekend or the Carnival holidays are not far from Milan.
There is nothing better to start the working week in the right spirit than thinking about the next trip out of town. The approach of Valentine’s Day, however, is a great excuse to book a weekend somewhere, in Italy and abroad. Of course, you always have to keep an eye on your wallet and therefore perhaps it is better not to go too far.
About that, especially those who live in and around Milan could take advantage of it for a small getaway to the sea, perhaps in Sanremo. It is the city of Italian music par excellence, but in reality there is not only the Festival: these are the reasons for visiting Sanremo, which could prove to be a smart move.
Dolceacqua takes its name from the bubbling stream-Dongio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Walking among the most beautiful villages in Liguria
The charm of the Ariston theater and the city casino are indisputable, just as it would be a shame not to stroll along the Sanremo seafront. Butif we go towards the city of the Festival, it would be a real shame not to take advantage of it to visit the adjacent villages as well. Even if we are in the middle of winter, in fact, a weekend at the beach is ideal to fill up on vitamins and energy. The milder climate and sea air, as well as good food, are the perfect ingredients to face the work week ahead.
You don’t even need to make big moves: there are very few kilometers that lead from Sanremo to Apricale. It is a village of medieval origins which stands on a pretty hill and boasts therefore an extraordinary panoramic view of the Maritime Alps. A quiet place, perfect for those who want to get away from the frenzy of routine and stroll peacefully through the narrow streets and squares.
Also noteworthy is the characteristic historic center: one of the reasons why Apricale was awarded the prestigious Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club. Art lovers will also find it particularly interesting the Castle of the Lizard, site of frequent exhibitions, cultural events and theatrical performances.
There is not only the Festival: let’s find out why to visit Sanremo and the other seaside villages
Then there is another village that stands out for its medieval charme and is always located a short distance from the capital of Italian song. Dolceacqua it takes its name from the bubbling stream that runs through it and is so pretty as to have been painted by an artist like Monet. In addition to walking through the typical alleys, we visit the Doria Castle and sit at a table in a bar to taste Rossese, a typical local wine.
The village of Bussana Vecchia deserves a special mention- Samuel on English Wikipedia Samuel in the Italian Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In the end, the village of Bussana Vecchia deserves a special mention, which is only 8 kilometers away from the more famous Sanremo. What makes it attractive is its unique history, which oscillates between the past and the future. It was the late nineteenth century when a violent earthquake destroyed the townbut this calamity did not hinder its rebirth. Several artists, painters and craftsmen decided to move to this arearehabilitating abandoned houses e gradually rebuilding the village.
Walking through the streets of the town one therefore has the sensation of walking along an open-air museumdotted with small shops. The surrounding panorama perfectly frames the village, making it even more fascinating. Therefore, there is not only the Festival in Sanremo, but also these delightful villages not to be missed!
