Converted from a former railway line, the Riviera dei Fiori takes its name from the flower cultivation lining this stretch of Ligurian coast between San Lorenzo al Mare and Ospedaletti. The cycle path now following the disused track has become one of the busiest family routes on the Italian Riviera.
A former railway turned coastal path
From San Lorenzo al Mare, the path hugs the Mediterranean toward Sanremo and then Ospedaletti, passing through former railway tunnels that offer a shaded break in the height of summer. Expect around 24 km for a full out-and-back, on a near-flat route that makes it one of the most accessible entries in the Italian catalogue.
Getting the ride right
The surface, fully paved and separated from traffic, works particularly well for a family outing. The tunnels, lit but cool, sometimes catch younger children by surprise — a good opportunity to explain the site’s railway history before carrying on.
When to go
April to October, with spring and early autumn best for avoiding the heat and tourist crowds of the Riviera in high summer.
Good to know
Sanremo, the best-known town on the Riviera dei Fiori, has a wide choice of accommodation year-round, with convenient access to the nearby French border to extend the trip along the Côte d’Azur.