La Pigna Old Town Experience
A guided walking tour of Sanremo’s medieval old town
- FormatHalf-day or late-afternoon walking tour
- DurationAbout 2 h 30
- Group size10–100 guests
- DepartureSanremo town centre
La Pigna is the historic heart of Sanremo, a medieval quarter of narrow lanes, covered passages, small squares and stairways rising above the modern city. This guided walking tour explores its historic streets and leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa, with views across Sanremo and the bay.
The route takes approximately two and a half hours and starts from the town centre, making it easy to incorporate into a conference or incentive programme without additional transport. On request, the experience can follow a literary theme inspired by Italo Calvino, who spent his childhood in Sanremo and drew on the city in his writing.
The programme
Stop 1
La Pigna: the medieval heart of Sanremo
The walk explores La Pigna, Sanremo’s historic quarter, where buildings from different periods reflect the development of the town over the centuries. Its distinctive layout of narrow lanes, stairways, covered passages and small squares follows the hillside above the modern centre.
As the route winds through the neighbourhood, the guide introduces the history and character of this part of Sanremo, highlighting its architecture, historic buildings and everyday local life. Occasional openings between the buildings reveal views towards the sea.
Stop 2
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa
The route continues uphill to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa, one of Sanremo’s most recognisable landmarks. Set above the old town, the sanctuary offers panoramic views over the rooftops, coastline and bay.
The climb is an integral part of the experience, bringing together the historic streets of La Pigna and the wider landscape of Sanremo.
Stop 3
An optional literary route inspired by Italo Calvino
For groups interested in literature, the walk can be adapted to include an introduction to Italo Calvino, who grew up in Sanremo. His connection to the city provides another perspective on its streets, landscapes and cultural identity.
The guide can incorporate selected passages and literary references connected with Sanremo, adding a more personal and interpretative dimension to the walk.
Ideal for
- Short cultural social programmes during conferences in Sanremo.
- Partner programmes and welcome activities for international delegates.
- Late-afternoon walks before a group dinner.
- Groups interested in medieval architecture, local history and Italian literature.
Combine with
Dinner in La Pigna
Complete the walk with a meal at a restaurant in Sanremo’s medieval quarter, featuring local Ligurian specialities. Restaurant selection and arrangements subject to availability.
Sanremo Villas and Botanical Gardens
Combine the medieval old town with the city’s Belle Époque villas and gardens for a fuller exploration of Sanremo.
Extend the cultural experience with a hands-on introduction to Ligurian cuisine and local ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Is the tour suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
The standard route is not recommended for guests with significant mobility limitations, as it includes steep climbs, steps and uneven surfaces. We can suggest an alternative Sanremo city tour with a more accessible route.
Can the tour be arranged in the evening?
Yes. Late-afternoon and early-evening departures are possible, subject to the season and available light. During summer, this can be a pleasant way to explore the old town before dinner.
Can the tour include Italo Calvino’s literary connection to Sanremo?
Yes. A literary version can be arranged on request, incorporating selected passages and references to Calvino’s childhood and connection to the city.
Can the tour finish with dinner in La Pigna?
Yes. The walk can be combined with dinner at a local restaurant in the old town, subject to availability and group requirements.
How does this corporate activity support our company’s ESG and sustainability goals?
This excursion focuses strictly on low-carbon logistics, cultural heritage preservation, and hyper-local economic support. As a fully pedestrianized walking tour through Sanremo’s historic La Pigna quarter, the itinerary operates with a zero-carbon transportation footprint. By guiding international delegates into the oldest, culturally sensitive parts of the city and incorporating regional historical and literary education (such as the optional Italo Calvino route), your company actively supports the preservation of vulnerable municipal heritage. Furthermore, the walking route channels corporate presence directly into independent, neighborhood-level micro-businesses, ensuring a measurable, positive social impact within the local community.
Fact sheet
- Format
- Half-day or late-afternoon walking tour
- Duration
- Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- Group size
- 10–100 guests; one guide per 25 guests
- Departure
- Sanremo town centre or central hotel
- Transfers
- Not required
- Languages
- EN, IT, FR, DE
- Season
- All year; late afternoon and sunset particularly attractive in summer
- Fitness level
- Moderate; steep climbs, steps and uneven surfaces
- Included
- Cultural guide
Request a proposal
Discover the medieval streets of Sanremo with your group. Contact us with your preferred date, group size and language requirements to request a proposal.
Planning a conference or incentive in Sanremo?
Discover the medieval streets of Sanremo with your group. Contact us with your preferred date, group size and language requirements to request a proposal.