It's evident that San Remo is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its food, beaches, historical sights, and family-friendly activities.
The most historic part of San Remo is La Pigna, named the Pinecone for how the streets and buildings are packed tightly into the hillside. Dating back to medieval times, La Pigna is topped by a sanctuary called Madonna della Costa Sanctuary. A cobblestone mosaic dating from 1651 leads the way to the hilltop sanctuary, which can be seen from almost everywhere in San Remo. The sanctuary itself has become a symbol of the city, dating from the 17th century. It houses an ornate altar, organ, and beautiful paintings and statues from the 17th to 19th centuries. San Remo's Russian Orthodox Church, though more recent (1913), is another notable religious sight.
San Remo is also known as the City of Flowers, and being so has a number of stunning gardens worth visiting. The Gardens of Queen Elena are on top of the hill above La Pigna, while the gardens of Villa Zirio, Villa Ormond, Villa Nobel, and Palazzo Bellevue are on the east side of town, close to the Porto Sole. The Villa Nobel itself, once the home of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, is also open for guided tours. Nobel, known as the inventor of dynamite, spent the last few years of his life in this villa overlooking the Mediterranean.
Beyond shopping and sightseeing and exploring San Remo's busy streets, the Casino is a major draw for people visiting the city. Located right in the center of town, it is an architectural masterpiece as well as a source of entertainment for many. San Remo Casino has become particularly well known for its hosting of the three times yearly Italian Poker Tour and the European Poker Tour.
As far as festivals and events go, the most famous is the annual San Remo Music Festival, or Italian Song Festival, hosted by the Ariston Theatre in February. There is also a European music festival in June, Rock festival in July, and Jazz in August. Shows and concerts are held throughout most of summer. From October through May, the Opera Theater at the Casino holds performances by the Symphonic Orchestra, New Year's Eve is celebrated with music and a big fireworks display by the sea at Porto Vecchio, and the Sanremo Flowers parade is held at the end of January.
Other activities include water sports, swimming, and bicycling as well as a few tennis clubs and sporting events held throughout the year.
Beaches:
Many come to San Remo specifically to enjoy the beach life. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.
Historical Sights:
The old town's rich history brings in numerous tourists. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.