Bordighera divides into four distinct areas, each with its own character: the medieval hilltop old town, the Belle Epoque seafront district, the residential upper hillsides, and the marina zone. None of these neighbourhoods are more than a 20-minute walk from each other. Here is how to pick the right one for your stay. See our for more details. See our for more details. See our for more details. For more information, read our complete Bordighera travel guide.
Bordighera Neighborhoods: Bordighera Alta (Old Town)
Bordighera Alta sits on the Sant’Ampelio hill about 800 metres inland and 60 metres above the sea. This is the medieval core: stone lanes (caruggi), vaulted passageways, and small piazzas connected by stepped paths. The neighbourhood is car-free by necessity (streets are too narrow for vehicles), and it is almost entirely residential with a handful of bars, small restaurants, and artisan shops tucked into the ground floors of centuries-old buildings. Prices here are the lowest in Bordighera , apartments rent for 50-80 EUR per night in summer compared to 120-200 EUR on the seafront. The trade-off: no sea views, and you will climb stairs every time you leave and return. Suits budget-conscious couples and solo travellers who do not mind an uphill walk. Not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or heavy luggage. See our for more details. See our for more details. Check our Bordighera weather guide for more details.
Bordighera Neighborhoods: Lungomare and Corso Italia (Seafront District)
This is Bordighera’s most desirable area, running along the Lungomare Argentina promenade and the parallel Corso Italia one block inland. It covers roughly 1.5 km from the Marina in the east to the western edge near the Bordighera stream. The seafront side has Belle Epoque villas and hotels, many built in the late 19th century when Bordighera was a winter resort for British and German aristocracy. Corso Italia is the commercial spine: gelaterias, cafes, restaurants, and small supermarkets line the street. Hotel rates here run 120-250 EUR per night in summer at beachfront properties; apartments cost 100-180 EUR. The area is flat, fully accessible, and walking distance to all beaches. Best for first-time visitors who want to be in the centre of everything. Families appreciate the flat terrain and proximity to the promenade. See our for more details. See the best time to visit Bordighera for detailed information.
Bordighera Neighborhoods: Sasso and Upper Hillsides
The Sasso district sits above Bordighera Alta on the lower slopes of the Ligurian hills, about 1.5 km from the seafront. It is semi-rural, with olive groves, terraced gardens, and detached villas scattered along winding roads. The area has a handful of agriturismi (farm-stay accommodations) and holiday apartments with panoramic views , from the upper reaches you can see across the sea to the French coast on clear days. The Giardino Esotico Pallanca is in this zone. A night here costs 60-100 EUR at an agriturismo. You will need a car or strong legs; the bus (line 2) connects Sasso to the centre but only runs 4-6 times per day. Suits couples looking for peace, nature, and sea views. Not suitable for travelers relying on public transport. See our for more details. Our things to do in Bordighera has the full breakdown.
Bordighera Neighborhoods: Marina and Eastern Coast
The Marina di Bordighera is a small fishing harbour at the eastern edge of town, near Capo Sant’Ampelio. This area has a handful of seafood restaurants on the water, a small pebble beach, and a more local, less touristy atmosphere than the central Lungomare. The walk into town takes 10-15 minutes along the promenade. Accommodation here consists mainly of apartments and a couple of small family-run hotels. Prices run 70-110 EUR per night in summer. The Marina is the starting point for the coastal path to the town of Vallecrosia (3 km east). Suits travelers who want to be near the water without the Lungomare crowds, and anyone arriving by boat , there are about 80 berths for visiting yachts. The Bordighera train station and the Bicknell Museum are a 5-minute walk inland from here. Read the Bordighera events calendar for more. Also see our where to stay in Bordighera. Also see our Bordighera travel tips.
