On a map of Sanremo pay particular attention to the old town — here it is called La Pigna. The name can be translated from Italian as 'lump' or 'bunch of grapes' — in the XI century there were strong fortifications built to protect against the Saracens.
Today La Pigna on the map of Sanremo is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, arches and staircases that take you down to the seafront from the hill — it really does resemble the scales of a cone or bunch of grapes. However, unlike in mainland European cities, the best hotels on the map in Sanremo are not in the centre, but in the western part of the city and around the main avenue, Corso Matteotti.
Sanremo can conventionally be divided into three areas where it's best for tourists to stay:
The central district of Sanremo along the main avenue Corso Matteotti (the main shopping street with boutiques and restaurants).
The adjacent quarters of the Old Town, La Pigna (almost all of Sanremo’s main attractions are located here).
The western part of the city, known as the Centro area (walking distance to the sea, with a mix of historic villas and modern apartment buildings).
For tourists unsure where to stay in Sanremo, we recommend hotels along the seafront or close to Corso Matteotti. While there are no dangerous areas in Sanremo, stay alert in La Pigna during high season — pickpockets tend to be more active there.
