Imagine cycling along the Ligurian coast on tracks where trains once ran, the sea on one side and the hills of the Riviera dei Fiori on the other. That’s the Riviera dei Fiori cycling path — one of the longest car-free cycle routes in Europe, built on the old Genoa–Ventimiglia railway line, closed since 2001. As of 2025, it runs for around 33 km, from Imperia and Diano Marina in the west, through Sanremo, all the way to Ospedaletti in the east.
The route
It’s completely flat, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians and no real climbs — genuinely suited to families, casual riders, and anyone after a scenic walk rather than a workout.
Where to start
Dodici and Sedici are a few minutes’ walk from one of the path’s access points in the Foce area of Sanremo. If you’d rather not tackle the whole 33 km, the stretch closest to Sanremo — along Corso Imperatrice towards Arma di Taggia — is the most scenic and manageable in half a day.
What to see along the way
- Corso Imperatrice, Sanremo: the path runs right past this famous seafront promenade, lined with palm trees planted over a century ago for the Russian aristocracy who used to winter here — you’ll spot the golden domes of the Russian Orthodox church nearby too.
- Capo Nero tunnel: a long, atmospheric tunnel decorated with quotes and memorabilia from the Milano–Sanremo cycling race, one of the oldest classics in the sport.
- Arma di Taggia and Riva Ligure: smaller towns with their own old railway stations, now repurposed as rest stops with cafés.
- San Lorenzo al Mare and Santo Stefano al Mare: quieter, more rural stretches, olive groves on one side and open sea on the other.
Practical tips
With children: the flat, traffic-free surface makes it genuinely manageable with kids — better to do it in short stretches than the whole 33 km in one go.
Best time to go: spring and autumn, when temperatures are mildest. Summer works too, but there’s very little shade outside the tunnels — bring water and sunscreen.
Bike hire: rental points, including e-bikes, are dotted along the whole route — several within a few minutes of Dodici and Sedici.
Parking: free and paid parking is available near most access points, including Sanremo’s old railway station and Ospedaletti.
Book Dodici or Sedici and reach the cycling path on foot in just a few minutes.
FAQ
Yes. The route is flat, traffic-free, well signposted, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians — ideal for children and casual riders. You can also do it in short stretches rather than the whole path.
Hire points are dotted along the whole route, including several in Sanremo itself, a few minutes’ walk from Dodici and Sedici. Most also offer e-bikes.
Spring and autumn, when temperatures are mildest. Summer works too, but shade is limited outside the tunnels — bring water and sunscreen.
Yes, free and paid parking is available at several access points, including near Sanremo’s old railway station and in Ospedaletti.