After the Sanremo Marathon: Ospedaletti

The Route: Sanremo → Ospedaletti → Sanremo Logistics: Ospedaletti is the next town west of Sanremo, a few kilometres along the coast. Buses run along the main road, and taxis are easy to find. The cycle path may be restricted on race day, so check whether it is open again before you plan a walk. Marathon Month: December Duration: Day trip

Sanremo ──(bus or taxi, about 10-15 mins)──> Ospedaletti seafront
                                                    │
                      Parco Marsaglia ── cycle path along the old railway
                                                    │
                                 café stop, return by bus or on foot

For most of the twentieth century a train ran along this stretch of the Ligurian coast, with a station at each small town. In the 2000s the railway was moved inland into a tunnel, and the old route along the shore became a path of about 24 kilometres between Ospedaletti and San Lorenzo al Mare, called the Pista Ciclabile della Riviera dei Fiori. It is flat, mostly paved and bordered by palms, pines and, here and there, the sea.

A path with no gradient is just what legs need on the day after a marathon, and the stretch around Ospedaletti is one of its prettiest.

December in Ospedaletti: this is a winter-quiet coast. Days are mild by northern standards, usually 12 to 15 degrees by day, with sun on a good day and rain showers on a bad one. Beach clubs are closed, but cafés on the front stay open, and the light is low and clear.

Getting there

Take the local bus from central Sanremo, which follows the coast road, or a taxi. Check the timetable for Sunday and Monday, and the last bus back. If you are on the cycle path, walking or hiring a bike in Sanremo are options, though the stretch from Sanremo to Ospedaletti is a few kilometres.

The seafront and Parco Marsaglia

Ospedaletti has a small sea front with a promenade and a strip of beach. A park, Parco Marsaglia, behind the front has gardens and paths. The town is compact, and a coffee and a walk will fill the morning.

The cycle path

The path runs along the old railway, close to the sea, and it passes through former stations that are now cafés or bike hire points. Walk as far as you like and return. The surface is flat. Bike hire shops operate seasonally, so check availability in December.

Back in Sanremo

If you have energy in the afternoon, the old town, the Pigna, is a maze of steep alleys on the hillside above the port. It is a climb, and you can look at it from below. The Casino, in the centre of town, is a Liberty-style building from the early twentieth century. The Teatro Ariston, home of the song festival, is on Via Matteotti. Check opening days for visits.

Lunch

Ligurian food leans on seafood and olive oil. Look for trofie with pesto, stuffed vegetables, a plate of anchovies or fish soup. Taggiasca olives and olive oil from the hills are local products. Check which restaurants are open in the off season, and book on a Sunday.

Getting back

Take the bus or a taxi back to Sanremo, or walk along the cycle path in the other direction. Allow a margin for the last bus.