When visiting Liguria, I totally recommend discovering the Riviera dei Fiori by bike, riding on the Ponente Ligure Cycling Path (Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure in Italian). This scenic route stretches along the western coastline of the Ligurian Sea and follows the path of an old 19th-century railway. Cycling from Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo al Mare, you’ll cover approximately 24 km while exploring the cultural and gastronomic highlights of the Liguria region.
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Ponente Ligure Cycling Path: what you need to know
The Ponente Ligure Cycling Path (Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure), also known as the Parco Costiero Riviera dei Fiori, is one of the longest cycle and pedestrian paths in Europe, designed for use by both cyclists and pedestrians in both directions. This path follows the coastal section of the disused Genoa-Ventimiglia single-track railway line, stretching from Ospedaletti to San Lorenzo al Mare.
Constructed by the publicly-owned company Area 24, the Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure was completed in 2014. In 2015, it served as the first leg of the Giro d’Italia. The entire route is paved and almost entirely flat, so it is suitable for everyone. It also includes old railway tunnels you can pass through!
You can travel on the cycle-pedestrian path on foot, by bicycle, rickshaw, or scooter. There are two dedicated lanes for bicycles alongside a lane for pedestrians. The old railway stations along the route are now service areas with cafeterias and bike rental points. You can inflate your tyres for free or rent a bike if you don’t bring your own.
The whole route has surveillance and emergency call systems. However, some residents have reported that these systems do not always function. Despite this, in my experience, the cycle path is totally safe during the day. In fact, it is always full of families with children and tourists heading to the seaside.
Along the way, you’ll find scenic spots equipped with benches and drinking fountains, perfect for resting and enjoying the beautiful views of the sea. For these reasons, in my opinion, this bike tour is a must-do activity during a holiday in Liguria!
From an old railway track to a scenic cycling path
I was very intrigued to discover that the cycle path is on the route of an old railway, so I looked up some information on the historic line of western Liguria. The Genoa-Ventimiglia railway line, opened in 1872, had a single-track coastal section. It was decommissioned in 2001 when the upstream section was doubled.
The coastal section of the railway line is part of the history of the Riviera dei Fiori, a witness to its tourist development. Between the end of the 19th century and the 1930s, it brought aristocrats and wealthy Italians to the Riviera, along with the first English, German and Russian tourists.
During the Second World War, it became a military line. Then, it returned to its tourist vocation in the early days of mass tourism, when post-war Italians began to spend their summers at the seaside.
What to see along the Ponente Ligure Cycling Path
The Ponente Ligure Cycling Path winds through some of the most popular seaside villages along the Riviera di Ponente. You can explore the entire coastal area, which includes San Lorenzo al Mare, Costarainera, Cipressa, Santo Stefano al Mare, Riva Ligure, Arma di Taggia, Sanremo, and Ospedaletti, with opportunities to stop for a swim at various equipped beaches.
There are numerous ways to discover the area at a leisurely pace on your bike. You might follow an itinerary to learn about Taggiasca olives, visit villas around Sanremo, or stroll through historic parks. Alternatively, you can trace the route of the famous Milan-Sanremo cycling race by following the dedicated gallery that leads to Ospedaletti.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also veer off the main path to visit Bussana Vecchia, the charming artists’ village up the mountain, by using a pedal-assist bike.
For those interested in pop culture, cycling to Sanremo during the Italian Song Festival can be a fun experience. However, if you prefer a quieter visit, you can take your time to admire the beauty of the town at your own pace.
Highlights include the majestic Villa Nobel, which is visible from the Flower Riviera Cycle Track, and the nearby Russian Church commissioned by Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Sanremo has luxury hotels and historical monuments to see and explore.
How and where to rent a bike on the Ponente Ligure Cycling Path
Whatever your choice, whether a simple ride or a specific route, you will still have plenty to see along the Ponente Ligure Cycling Path. If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry because the cycle path has rental points in almost all the towns along the route. You can choose from bicycles of all types, from city bikes, even with child seats, to pedal-assisted bicycles. You can also find tandems, camel bikes, baby carriages and electric scooters.
My son and I tried a city bike with a child seat and a rickshaw. Both were in perfect condition and easy to handle, which is crucial if you venture out on a long ride. The bike I rented was very light and had a 6-speed gearbox. On the other hand, the rickshaw is a lot of fun, but more suitable for enjoying yourself between stretches of the cycle path than for a day’s cycling.
When you rent a bike, I recommend asking for a lock. That way, you can tie up your bike without fear if you decide to stop for a swim somewhere. Some rental points, like NoloBici, that we used allow you to drop off your rented bicycle at a different point from the pick-up point.
Feel free to share in the comments if you are familiar with the Ponente Ligure Cycling Path and your favourite destination along this route.
