Sanremo has many sides: between the sea and the hills, the character, types of homes and prices change. This guide covers the main areas, using the names residents and property websites use, and helps you understand which one suits you. For an overview of the city, first read Living in Sanremo.
Centro and Marina
This is the liveliest area: the sea, the city beaches, Teatro Ariston, the station, the shops on Corso Matteotti and Forte di Santa Tecla. Homes are mainly apartments in period buildings and apartment blocks, often with sea views on the upper floors. It suits those who want to do everything on foot without relying on a car; in return, there is more noise and traffic, especially on event days. This area has the highest asking prices in the city: around 4,100 euros per square metre (Idealista, first quarter of 2025).
La Pigna, the historic centre
The original heart of Sanremo: narrow lanes and stairways climbing up from the sea, with Giardini Regina Elena at the top. Homes are small and full of character, often without a lift and with parking some distance away. It is the most sought-after area, but not the most expensive: around 2,400 euros per square metre. It suits those who love the charm of old villages, or are looking for a holiday home or an investment at a more affordable price.
Corso degli Inglesi and Foce
The quieter residential part of town, not far from the sea: smaller residential buildings and apartment blocks with homes of various sizes, along with some historic villas. Foce is west of the centre. These areas suit families and professionals who want peace and quiet with amenities close by. Asking prices are around 3,300-3,400 euros per square metre (San Bartolomeo-Corso degli Inglesi and Foce-Capo Nero-Coldirodi in Idealista's figures).
San Martino
East of the centre, this is one of the city's most convenient areas: well served by public transport, with shops, schools and amenities close at hand. Ideal for those who live in Sanremo all year round and want a practical area with good local services. Asking prices are around 3,100 euros per square metre (San Martino-Villetta).
Pian di Poma
Close to the sea, the cycle path and shops: a convenient area for those who want to live near the sea without being in the heart of the city. Excellent for those who get around by bike or on foot.
Borgo, Baragallo and the northern areas
Residential areas further inland that are more affordable, with asking prices around 2,000-2,200 euros per square metre (Borgo, Baragallo and the northern outskirts). They suit those looking for more space for the same budget who do not need the sea on their doorstep. Sanremo's neighbourhoods also include Solaro, Madonna della Costa (with its sanctuary on the hill), Borgo Tinasso, San Lazzaro, San Lorenzo and Polo Nord: if you are interested in one of these areas, write to us and we will tell you what is available.
Coldirodi, Poggio, Bussana, Verezzo and San Romolo
The villages in the hills behind the city: quieter, with more space and often with a garden or terraced olive groves and sea views. A car is needed. Coldirodi is around 3.5 km from the centre and close to the motorway. In Idealista's figures, Poggio and Bussana are among the areas with the highest asking prices after the centre (around 3,500 euros per square metre). In Bussana, Bussana Vecchia is worth a visit: the village was destroyed by the earthquake of 1887 and repopulated by artists, and is more a place to visit than to buy in.
How to interpret the prices
The figures above are asking prices, not sale prices, and reflect the first quarter of 2025 (source: Idealista): they give a sense of price levels, rather than the value of a specific property. Sea views, a recent renovation, an upper floor with a lift and a garage can put an apartment above its area's average; one needing renovation can fall below it. To find out the value of your property, request a free valuation.
How to choose an area with four questions
- Will you use a car? If not, the options are the centre, Foce, San Martino and Pian di Poma.
- The sea on your doorstep or a view from above? Near the sea, there is city life; in the hills, views and tranquillity.
- Floor, lift, garage? In central areas, these have a big impact on value and convenience.
- All year round or only at certain times? A year-round home needs amenities nearby; a holiday home can be in a more secluded village.
Frequently asked questions
What is the quietest area of Sanremo?
Residential areas such as Corso degli Inglesi and Foce, and the hillside villages, are the quietest. The centre is the liveliest, especially during the Festival and other events.
Which areas are the most affordable?
The historic centre of La Pigna and the areas further inland (Borgo, Baragallo, the northern outskirts) have the lowest asking prices in the city.
Where is a good place to buy a holiday rental property?
Generally near the sea and the centre, where there are more visitors; each case needs to be assessed in light of the rules on short-term rentals (including the CIN). If you are considering it, let's talk.
Looking for a home in one of these areas?
Take a look at the Sanremo page and the properties, or write to us with what you are looking for. If you want to sell, the valuation is free and without obligation.
Sources: area divisions from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage; asking prices and distances from Idealista (first quarter of 2025) and property website listings.
