Travel Destinations — Ventimiglia, Italy.
Region Ventimiglia, Imperia, 18039, Italy
Europe
Country
Italy
Location name
Ventimiglia, Italy
Description of Location
If you are tired of everything touristy and yet want to go some place, Ventimiglia is probably what you are looking for. Silently perched on the french-italian border, it is a small town where common italians live. This can also be a retreat from Rome or Pisa that used to normal towns before tourists innundated them. Ancient Roman theatre from 2nd century is something to look at. Along with old city walls it reminds us the glory of the past. Ruins of Albintimilium, the brave tribe that held off Romans for a long time is only 5 kms from Ventimiglia. They have a good day market. You can find genuine Italian leather quite cheap. Watch a typcial italian signora and learn italin during your stay without being pitched a product as a tourist.
Did you know that Ventimiglia has the highest point on the beach with a stunning view?
Things to do
While there isn’t much touristy to do in town, it surely has a very long beach to bask. Pebbles and blue waters make it such a bookish place to be. Karaoke and outdoor dinners with Italian specialities high on Olive oil and pasta are the serene delights of this beautiful town. Mediterranean delights include a walk along the shore listening to jolly italians sometimes with festivals and youthful cheers. In summer they have this mid-night archery competition in town square including a long march and drums around the city and its hilarious if not intriguing for outsiders. You’d mostly get by speaking English but knowing a bit Italian will definitely win some friends. Only in Ventimiglia Hanbury Botanical Gardens is to be found, the biggest in Italy. Historically, on the ruins of a pagan temple today stands San Michele Arcangelo Church an architectural wonder.
Recommended Travel Descriptions
Most people drop by in Ventimiglia from France and french happens to be the unofficial second language of the town. You can take SNCF (French Railway) from any of the french towns, Nice to be the most pragmatic point of departure. Fare is quite cheap and for students its even cheaper. Cash and cards both are accepted. You can also pay a visit travelling to france from eastern Italy or coming down from Switzerland. Driving is a good option and visually rewarding as well. Take E74 from France and drive by the coastal highway. Train connections from Genoa and Turin can also be made. Hitchhiking can be fun stuff to do although it can be hard without speaking french or italian at times.
Best time to travel
Mediterranean is known for its summer even though winters are quite warm for the Scandinavian or North European standards. People are generally more open and cordial in summers. You can always make your way with talkative italians.
