MONACO NEIGHBOURHOOD
Fast forward to today and Bordighera is the same delightful seaside town on Italy ’ s Ligurian coast where the Alps plunge into the Mediterranean , just over the border from France . It sits peacefully on a lush promontory with panoramic views across the northern part of the Italian Riviera and to Monte- Carlo . The popular resort of Sanremo is a few kilometres to the east of here .
A promising way to start your exploration of this jewel of a resort is to walk along the seafront which , at two kilometres long , is one of the longer promenades in Liguria and is lined on one side by mature Mediterranean plants and trees . All four seasons beckon . And in winter twin a visit with Monte-Carlo for an enhanced cultural , dining and upscale shopping experience .
PROMENADING IN WINTER , SPRING AND AUTUMN
Not all promenades are born equal . Stroll down Bordighera promenade and you will feel the magic . It is the magic of authenticity — of a promenade that is quintessentially Italian , but so special it has attracted painters like Monet , British , European and Russian royalty and today Hello Monaco . Take any Sunday ; choose a sunny day , of course . We have many of them even in late autumn and winter . And you can feel that almost unique Italian family atmosphere of warmth , and friendliness bubbling in anticipation of engaging anyone they meet to share their weekend joy .
© Wikipedia . com
Architect Charles Garnier ( 1825 – 1898 ) Архитектор Шарль Гарнье
© HelloMonaco
Lungomare Argentina , the famous coastal promenade of Bordighera Знаменитая набережная Лунгомаре Аргентина
“ Am I in Buenos Aires ..?” you ask yourself , as you stroll past signs saying Lungomare Argentina . This coastal wonder wears its beautiful disguise well . You can imagine yourself singing “ Don ’ t cry for me , Argentina ” as it was indeed Eva Peron who inaugurated the promenade in 1947 and named it Lungomare Argentina . This promenade should not exist in such a pure unspoiled form . It basks radiant against the pull of gravity of exotic Riviera development . It is exotic but natural and relatively undeveloped — no high rises , no rows of brand name boutiques — just natural beauty , the vista of the sea , the curve of the bay , the backdrop of the lower Alps . All an unspoiled feast for the senses .
EXPLORING GRAND ROYAL PALACES
The promenade if not the eighth wonder of the world always delights . What else is there here to charm my senses ? Let ’ s explore where those aristocratic adventurers first built their nests starting our short journey on foot in Corso Italia in the centre of the town and not far from the shoreline . Corso Italia runs north to the places where the Grand Royal Palaces of the 19th century overlook the town . And it is exactly where Corso Italia joins Via Romana that the origins of Bordighera as an aristocratic resort can best be seen . Via Romana has that relaxed royal feel to it and is indeed a very pleasant road with shady trees and lots of turn of the century villas , including Villa Regina Margherita , built as the Winter Residence for Queen Margherita of Savoy . Pretty streets with palms and bougainville run off it with romantic names that evoke Queen Victoria and Shakespeare .
VISITING CORSO ITALIA
And now back from the tranquillity of the palaces on Via Romana to Corso Italia in the centre of town . Corso Italia is both a pretty street and a more lively street , with all the expected attractions , teahouses , restaurants , boutiques , festivities and occasionally themed markets . It is a welcoming venue during the day for coffee , tea and pastries ( you have to try La Casa Del Caffee ) and shopping and depending on the season the welcome continues at night . The street is so popular it is often cordoned off and is a pedestrian paradise , sometimes with music and diners reveling in their good fortune with the weather , Italian cuisine and ambiance .
ENJOYING BORDIGHERA ALTA
Last but by no means least for you to take in the best this gem of a town has to offer is Bordighera Alta . You would be forgiven sometimes on the coast
126 / Hello Monaco Winter 2021 – 2022 www . hellomonaco . com