Casa Valdese di Vallecrosia al Mare The sea, the hills, and the flowers

Not far from Casa Valdese lies Vallecrosia Alta, an ancient village that welcomes those seeking authenticity and tranquility.
Every second Sunday of the month, the village streets come alive with *Il Cantun de l’Antigu*, a charming antique market.
In October, when the weather is still mild, the Pumpkin Festival is celebrated, featuring food stalls and local specialties such as *barbagiuai*, traditional Ligurian stuffed ravioli.
A short bike ride takes you to Bordighera, which invites you to stroll among the seaside vistas that inspired Monet’s paintings.
Today, just as in the 19th century, the town retains the charm of its villas and gardens. Among these is the marvelous Pallanca Exotic Garden, home to one of Europe’s largest collections of cacti and succulents.
Continuing past Ventimiglia, you can visit the Hanbury Garden—a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status—and witness the colorful Battle of the Flowers, one of the Riviera’s most beloved festivals.

In Sanremo, spring bursts forth on the Corso Fiorito, the historic parade of floats and marching bands that celebrates the beauty and scents of western Liguria.
For families traveling together, a visit to Imperia is well worth it. There, the Villa Grock Museum—dedicated to the famous clown—offers an interactive journey through illusions, sounds, and colors that will enchant both adults and children alike.

Nature and sports enthusiasts can set out from Vallecrosia to explore the Riviera dei Fiori Coastal Park, riding along the stunning Ponente Ligure Bike Path: 24 kilometers of breathtaking views between the sea and the mountains, built along the route of the old railway line that connected Genoa to Ventimiglia.
The route, which is fully paved and well-marked, starts in Ospedaletti and passes through Sanremo, Arma di Taggia, Riva Ligure, Santo Stefano al Mare, and San Lorenzo al Mare, with rest areas, places to eat, and bike rentals.
Along the way, you’ll encounter charming villages such as Bussana Vecchia, an ancient artists’ village that was reborn after the 1887 earthquake, and Taggia, famous for its Taggiasca olives and the Convent of San Domenico, home to important works of art.
Further along, Cipressa and Lingueglietta—listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages—offer panoramic views and the unspoiled charm of small Ligurian villages.