Flying into Nice, France felt like visiting an old friend even though I was just there last fall! The amount of peace and happy giddiness washed over me as soon as I saw that familiar skyline and sunset. With a pretty smooth flight from Phoenix through British Airways, I had a brief layover in London, England and was soon on my way to my first overnight hotel, safely walkable from the airport even at night. A lot of places will say they have an airport shuttle in both France and Italy so be certain that it actually exists and without hidden fees by doing your research first. If you don’t sleep well (or at all) on planes like me, a clean, safe hotel stay just for sleeping is key. This time it was the Accor brand ibis budget Nice Airport Promenade des Anglais which was about a 10 minute walk each way and breakfast buffet was available for only $9 Euro to get your French crêpe fix in. Make sure to book breakfast the night before or online, they did give me some grief in the morning from some confusion from the overnight shift. After arriving, gobbling down a protein bar and guzzling some water and a nice, hot shower, I was soon asleep and then well rested and on my walkable way the next day to meet the press trip crew for part one of exploring Italy back at the airport! Our group of gals instantly bonded on our ride to the Italian side of the riviera, through tunnels and epic, breathtaking views of where the mountains meet the sea.
Now it’s time to share a true hidden gem on the Italian Riviera! Located in the heart of Sanremo, Italy, an hour away from Nice, France, Europa Palace Sanremo offers an unforgettable and affordable luxury stay overlooking the sparkling waters of the Ligurian Sea across from the iconic Casino di Sanrem. This newly remodeled hotel combines elegance, comfort, and convenience featuring a mix of classic charm and modern amenities including a spa, rooftop restaurant and Rêve Bistrot open to everyone while each room is tastefully decorated, offering panoramic balcony views of either the sea or the vibrant streets of Sanremo. There’s also plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the hills, meandering through the picturesque streets, shopping, or exploring the cycling trails along the coast with the included cruiser bikes as well as exploring charming villages nearby. I’m delighted to be sharing all about this space and the adventures we had as well as all the amazing food we ate – including all the pasta your heart (and waistline) can handle! Make sure to pack your stretchy pants and dresses, your diet can always resume afterwards.
If you’re looking for a place that has the vibes of Nice without the price tag and Italian flair, this is it. If you want to explore Nice, you still can with an easy train ride or better yet, take a boat to explore the coastline if you can swing it (Europa Palace offers this as a day trip by the way). But this city has its own charm, pace and very warm Italian charm. There is a LOT of restoration of other hotels and huge resorts nearby happening currently so it’s only going to get more crowded and chaotic as time marches on. Now is the time to visit, don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Where to Stay in Sanremo, Italy
Checking into my room at Europa Palace, I was happy to see a very comfortable bed.A desk, safe and other delights awaited me at Europa Palace. I attempted to watch TV maybe once and fell asleep for a nap instead.With water replaced each day or by request, snacks and a fashion treat awaited me at Europa Palace.Having unlimited espresso is amazing and yet not at Europa Palace, pace yourself!A small sitting area which was my hot mess luggage area at Europa Palace.A bidet awaits at Europa Palace, try it at least once Americans!The hot shower of my dreams at Europa Palace!Women love good counter space at Europa Palace, we need to set our toiletries in a display on them.Part of the decor at Europa Palace was in all the rooms.The first view of the sea for me at Europa Palace.Looking left at Europa Palace.And to the right at Europa Palace, this was the old train station which would be convenient but probably very noisy.The sea salt in the air immediately relaxes you at Europa Palace.I was a huge fan of this brand that left my hair smooth at Europa Palace.A view from the bottom of the stairs at Europa Palace.Looking in the front doors at Europa Palace.To the right as you enter Europa Palace.And to the left as you enter Europa Palace.A lounge area full of books awaits at Europa Palace.A patio I found myself at often at Europa Palace. Take note of the included bike available to ride for guests!More of the lounge area at Europa Palace.And a whole couch if you really wanted to dig in at Europa Palace.The metal art of the sea of fish was lovely at Europa Palace.Near the entrance, another lounge area toward the restaurant at Europa Palace.
Because I was well rested compared to others who had just flown in, I had the zoomies and was itching to explore the beach. Never in my life has a press trip began with so much free downtime (thank you for that) so I took advantage with my new homegirl Jenny. That’s the thing about journalists, we make fast friends because we share so much common history and knowledge. She also loves the great outdoors so it was an instant travel buddy to explore with walkways of Sanremo with!
Literally right outside the door, impressive architecture in Sanremo, Italy. They do not destroy buildings here, only remodel.Soon we found the walkway in Sanremo, Italy and decided to go to the right from the hotel.A very Italian photo in Sanremo, Italy. They were digging the sand for some reason.Street scenes in Sanremo, Italy never get old.I was itching to get in that sea however it was cold and cloudy in Sanremo, Italy.Spring has sprung in Sanremo, Italy and sometimes being in Arizona, I forget! No allergies here though oddly.A brave family braving the cold sea in Sanremo, Italy.A lone woman dips her toes into the vastness that is the sea in Sanremo, Italy.We kept walking, long and far on the pathway in Sanremo, Italy. Ornate gates spotted the walkway.A little peak through in Sanremo, Italy. Paradise indeed!We were getting close to the end of the walkway in Sanremo, Italy.A very picturesque balcony in Sanremo, Italy.Lots of healthy activity on the walking and biking path in Sanremo, Italy.We spotted this castle but had no way to get closer in Sanremo, Italy.But a zoom lens on a Nikon can always be nosy in Sanremo, Italy. Anyone know who owns this beauty?One of the very impressive resorts in Sanremo, Italy where a child lost his ball and Jenny saved it from stabbing bushes. Bravo!Somehow we kind of popped back out near this sign at Sanremo, Italy. Photoshoot time!Heading back towards the hotel in Sanremo, Italy. These day clubs are probably popping in the summer!I then learned that I can speak Italian seagull and legit was making noises back and forth with this bird in Sanremo, Italy.This is a big deal during cinema season in Sanremo, Italy.We soon learned this woman brought the palm trees to Sanremo, Italy.Along with this huge Russian church to Sanremo, Italy. We didn’t go inside but were in awe.This is Europa Palace from the side in Sanremo, Italy.If you get lost, just look for this sign in Sanremo, Italy.Or look for the huge casino in Sanremo, Italy right across the street.To the other side of the hotel begins the walkway for shops and boutiques in Sanremo, Italy.You could spend hours and days meandering these streets in Sanremo, Italy.Light coastal colors everywhere in Sanremo, Italy.It was siesta time so the streets were light in Sanremo, Italy.A movie theater was spotted in Sanremo, Italy.A beautiful sculpture in Sanremo, Italy.Streets that were great for sore American eyes in Sanremo, Italy.The urge to get lost is strong in Sanremo, Italy.A corner building shaped like a V in Sanremo, Italy.Look at the accents on this building in Sanremo, Italy.Up close to see better in Sanremo, Italy.Soon the zoomies were wearing off in Sanremo, Italy.Arches everywhere in Sanremo, Italy.Very affordable mens clothing as well in Sanremo, Italy.And so many Vespas of all brands everywhere in Sanremo, Italy. Do not ride unless you are very skilled!
Where to Eat in Sanremo, Italy
Dining at Europa Palace Sanremo, Italy is a treat because of Chef Alessandro Schiavon! Starting with aperitifs and prosecco on the rooftop terrace to dining in the very chic Rêve Bistrot, and the impressive breakfast each morning with endless fresh capuccino, we ate our way through most of his amazing menus with pure delight. The restaurant, which is mostly open to the public minus the rooftop terrace, serves a delightful array of Italian, Ligurian and international cuisine, prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Being centrally located across from the casino and the old train station, the hotel offers easy access to Sanremo’s top attractions, rocky beaches and charming boutiques. We highly enjoyed our musicians on jazz night where we somehow got jazzy with cocktails first (they even had mezcal) then delved into a delicious, long and luxurious dinner. If you’re a die-hard foodie, certainly put this place on your radar whether you’re staying there or not!
First views from the rooftop at Europa Palace!The sun was setting slowly but surely on the rooftop of Europa Palace.The town of Sanremo, Italy in the other direction from Europa Palace.They made excellent use of this indoor outdoor space at Europa Palace.If you would rather sit inside with views at Europa Palace.Or sit outside among the olive trees growing on the rooftop of Europa Palace.Every direction was beautiful at Europa Palace.Maybe a cozy couch is more your speed at Europa Palace.A better view of the city at Europa Palace.Imagine some wine here at Europa Palace.This was my favorite table at Europa Palace.Each drink comes with snacks in Italy at Europa Palace.I miss having endless olives at Europa Palace!Focaccia bread with prosecco is a treat at Europa Palace.Who ever thought a carrot could taste so good at Europa Palace?Lovely ladies who are also journalists glowing in the sunset golden hour at Europa Palace.You can see the Russian church top from here at Europa Palace.Soon the sun was setting and it was time to dine at Europa Palace.Inside the dining room downstairs at Europa Palace, open to the public.Our dinner in a private room at Europa Palace.Starting with more delicious local wine, don’t sleep on Italian wines at Europa Palace.Even the owner of this olive oil made an appearance at Europa Palace later that night.A pre-selected menu for us included this egg over asparagus at Europa Palace.The winning plate of the night, pea infused risotto at Europa Palace.And a light and delightful dessert to follow at Europa Palace.Chef Alessandro and our GM Sirio who aimed to please caught in a happy, smiling moment at Europa Palace.The bartender Niccolo Binachi with the magical mixes of amaro at Europa Palace explains digestivo.The traditional digestivo (digestive) lineup at Europa Palace, my favorite was on the left and I think I found it in Arizona!Back on the patio near the lobby, I joked about loving limoncello and it arrived immediately at Europa Palace.Then the bartender brought this tea tasting digestivo he made himself and I was in love at Europa Palace. And ready for bed!Our trusty steed for the group that took us on exploring the countryside tours at Europa Palace. I’ll be sharing those separately!Back to dinner that night and I was a half hour early because my brain said 7 p.m. for some reason at Europa Palace.It was jazz night so I thought a cocktail was in order and this custom made mezcal cocktail was fresh and light at Europa Palace.Chef then sent small plates of fresh delicious seafood for me to enjoy at Europa Palace.I love fresh sushi so much at Europa Palace and was in heaven with pickled vegetables!Soon a new to me bartender was crafting cocktails for the whole group to enjoy at Europa Palace.The musicians playing familiar tunes made me happy at Europa Palace and we decided to eat in the main dining room.Another small plate of a pea infused nugget of great textures and flavors at Europa Palace.We fell in love with this drink at Europa Palace. It’s either the Japanese Mule or Riviera Di Ponente, try both!At the dining table across from the singers, the prosecco began flowing at Europa Palace.The closest to champagne taste you will get in Italy right here at Europa Palace. Outstanding!Of course more snacks came to enjoy together at Europa Palace.Tortellini made fresh with fish was unlike anything I’ve had before at Europa Palace. So fresh!And the perfectly seared octopus at Europa Palace was divine. I always feel a little bad because of the My Octopus Teacher series!Guests to my right enjoyed this piled high pasta with truffles at Europa Palace.Always chocolate for dessert if I choose it at Europa Palace. So decadent and dreamy!Breakfast at Europa Palace was elevated European style.Still or sparkling water was always available at Europa Palace.The juice bar of my dreams at Europa Palace, I worked though all of them.The pastry and nut station at Europa Palace.We called this tomato pie in Philly at Europa Palace.Fresh honey from the honeycomb was a nice touch at Europa Palace.Fresh fruit each morning at Europa Palace was appreciated.A whole display of meat and cheese protein, I leaned into the fresh smoked salmon at Europa Palace.Even a salad for breakfast was amazing at Europa Palace.I must have drank countless cappuccino at Europa Palace. Fresh made each time!I assume this is the Europa Palace version of guac toast with salmon which you could order on the menu.A huge, fluffy omelet was also available made to order at Europa Palace.
It was a good thing we had a walking tour that day as I needed to move my body to burn off all the many delicious flavors I was enjoying. We met up in front of the hotel and began our journey to explore Sanremo full of espresso and excitement.
Back to the Russian Church we went in Sanremo, Italy and found it is open most of the time with a small fee to go inside.This is a healing place for the founders of the church in Sanremo, Italy.Walking back, you can see Europa Palace which spans many blocks in Sanremo, Italy.This was the store that gifted us beautiful scarf bracelets which I have yet to wear but love in Sanremo, Italy.The Daphne store also had unique fashions and many fabrics in Sanremo, Italy.Soon we were exploring the streets of Sanremo, Italy.We learned how these help keep the structure in tact in Sanremo, Italy.And everyone was very fit climbing all these steps in Sanremo, Italy.A pasta display in Sanremo, Italy. The weirder, the more touristy by the way!Beautiful walkways abounded in Sanremo, Italy.The cutest little lilac chairs in Sanremo, Italy.Alleyways that yearned to be explored in Sanremo, Italy.A very musical cow fountain in Sanremo, Italy.One of the landmarks near the hotel, you can’t miss it or get lost in Sanremo, Italy.Churches everywhere as the city is mostly Catholic in Sanremo, Italy.Fashion designs for men abounded in Sanremo, Italy.At the very other end near the market in Sanremo, Italy.Walking inside, all the fresh produce you can want in Sanremo, Italy.An Italian man saw me shooting with my Nikon and insisted I take a photo of his squash thus the blurry thumbs up in Sanremo, Italy.Strawberries unlike what we see in America in Sanremo, Italy.Perhaps your souvenir is a huge block of cheese in Sanremo, Italy?We then wandered the streets in Sanremo, Italy. Always look up!An outdoor table setting in Sanremo, Italy.Pharmacies where anyone can seek help and drugs in Sanremo, Italy.Some of the many fabulous fashions in Sanremo, Italy.Yet another street was calling me to explore in Sanremo, Italy.I snuck a quick photo before it got too crowded inside in Sanremo, Italy.The mix if smells and visuals is intoxicating in Sanremo, Italy.Follow your nose to this popular pastry shop in Sanremo, Italy.The archways everywhere make for great photos in Sanremo, Italy.A delicious photo of the church peeking out in Sanremo, Italy.Craftsman and women hard at work in Sanremo, Italy.Clothing is usually hung as dryers don’t fit in small places in Sanremo, Italy.Steps leading to more exploring in Sanremo, Italy.I was psyched to see Tupac in Sanremo, Italy on the way up.Another cow fountain where locals hung out in Sanremo, Italy.People were relaxing and chatting here in Sanremo, Italy.It’s my plaza in Sanremo, Italy!There was a flower festival a few weeks ago and these were holding on strong in Sanremo, Italy.We then meandered upon a folklore festival in Sanremo, Italy.People from all over the world wore their garb for this in Sanremo, Italy.My people although I don’t know what this says in Sanremo, Italy. Anyone speak German?The energy was contagious in Sanremo, Italy.The procession that went past us in Sanremo, Italy.I actually saw someone carrying this dragon head around at the airport in Sanremo, Italy!Dancers lined up to perform in Sanremo, Italy.It was full cultural immersion and we all loved it in Sanremo, Italy.Back to the streets in Sanremo, Italy and I was eyeing fashion trends.My friend was in love with this look and me the other in Sanremo, Italy.Walking down to the pier where we had our last dinner in Sanremo, Italy.A beautiful sigh to see in Sanremo, Italy.Looking back toward the winding streets in Sanremo, Italy.Next time I will take a boat ride for sure in Sanremo, Italy.Soon we were walking back to the hotel in Sanremo, Italy.A couple strolls the streets of Sanremo, Italy.Fresh fish of the day on display in Sanremo, Italy.A very cool statue as we walked by in Sanremo, Italy.I found this amusing in Sanremo, Italy.Oranges hung above us as we walked in Sanremo, Italy.More fresh fish waiting to be devoured in Sanremo, Italy.Falling in love with more fashion in Sanremo, Italy.Perhaps next time, a bag just for some new looks in Sanremo, Italy?
Things to Do in Sanremo, Italy
Besides all the many walking adventures you can have above, there are also bucket list things to do to get your body moving. Burn off some calories on the scenic Riviera dei Fiori Coastal park bicycle path! Move your body in the City of Flowers on the walking path or grab a cruiser included from your stay at Europa Palace Sanremo for a day of exercise adventure on the Italian Riviera. For cycling enthusiasts or those that dabble, zoom through bridges and cool, water dripping tunnels to small villages and the sea. Twenty-four kilometres (almost 15 miles total) starting in San Lorenzo al Mare and ending in Ospedaletti will leave you breathless on this beautiful and scenic Ligurian cycle path. Our route started right outside of Europa Palace Sanremo and we went up the hill and ended in the town of Arma di Taggia and turned around as the bike path seemed to have ended. If you’re a diehard biker, start the route from San Lorenzo al Mare, a small, colorful fishermen’s village surrounded by the mountains. The tunnel then crosses to the Aregai di Cipressa, where you will find a spot to catch your breath while admiring the landscape all around. After the Costarainera tunnel, the route turns towards Santo Stefano. Then, in Riva Ligure, the cycle path goes through the old town centre. One then enters Arma di Taggia and finally arrives in Sanremo (where we started), along the Empress’ promenade past the famous Russian Church with its golden domes. My motto is if you move more, you burn more calories therefore you can eat more delicious pasta!
Our first stop while biking the Sanremo, Italy coastline. I didn’t know this was on my bucket list until we began!Facing the other direction, a very familiar to me painting in Sanremo, Italy.I was huffing and puffing to get here as you can see in the video above in Sanremo, Italy. There were stops to play along the way!A lot of rest stops for food, drinks and lounges dotted the bike path in Sanremo, Italy.We thought this meant no scrolling your cell phone in Sanremo, Italy!And who would want to at this place in Sanremo, Italy?I appreciate lounge chairs with shades for your face always in Sanremo, Italy.The German gentlemen who tried to save the day and my deflated bike tire in Sanremo, Italy. Thanks again fellas!
The Spa at Europa Palace
After you’ve gotten in your 25K steps for the day in Europe, it’s time to wind down at the spa. Located on the first floor of Hotel Europa Palace or basement to Americans, Anemoi Spa is a 4,305 square foot sanctuary designed in a very clean, minimalist way. Upon entering, the friendly team gave us a cup full of delicious smelling scrub with hints of cinnamon and ginger to scrub and polish our bodies. We had time blocked off for our group which was very much appreciated. Every design element has been thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious, multi-sensory escape from travel stress. We ended our spa ritual in a peaceful relaxation lounge with aromatic teas, flavored waters, the most delicious little coconut sugar cubes and tranquil music designed to help you unwind. I didn’t see it with my own eyes but heard Anemoi is equipped with a gym that has free weights, isotonic machines and cardio equipment for those that need a quick exercise fix.
Walking in, there is a steam room, hot sauna, hammam, and many hot and cold showers spraying aromatics at Anemoi Spa. The glowing orb at the end is ice cubes trinkling down for your face.The swimming pool at Anemoi Spa was body temperature with some fun bubbling jets.The hot tub that wasn’t that hot at Anemoi Spa. I like is scalding my skin off!The magic elixir that made my skin buttery soft at Anemoi Spa.We found out the Sothys brand upon leaving that evening at Anemoi Spa.The lineup of refreshments with tea that always brings me peace at Anemoi Spa. We also heard you can pop down anytime really for a swim!
