In 1872 a single-track railway was inaugurated along the western coast of Liguria, traversing the entire region up to Ventimiglia, bordering the French Riviera. Initially designed with the luxuries of the time, this tramway catered to Italian and French nobility.
Facing the Mediterranean sea and flanked by the mountains, the route passed through oleander-adorned meadows and rocked-carved tunnels that kept cool even in the summer, stopping at each small town along the coast.
During the war, it was turned into a military line for the rapid transport of troops. It eventually transitioned into a tourist infrastructure during the economic boom, as the region became a sought-after attraction. Over time, its inadequacies became fatal.
First redesigned to be double-tracked, the railway eventually was abandoned after constructing a new, more efficient one.
What remains of this old jewel in the present day?
Thanks to a swift and comprehensive redevelopment of the disused areas, a beautiful cycle path now runs along the old railway route. Paved and on level ground, the path travels along the seashore and offers a pleasant excursion accessible to all, even the more casual tourists, immersed in the natural beauty of the Riviera di Ponente.
Currently spanning 27 km from Imperia to San Remo, expansion works are underway on the Imperia side in Ospedaletti. Once completed, cyclists will be able to travel by bike 40 km (an ambitious plan suggests even 60 km) within the famous Coastal Park of the Riviera dei Fiori, a true sea-side green paradise. Parallel to the cycle path, a pedestrian route meanders among shady benches and refreshing fountains. The stations that once served as stops for the train now house ‘bikeway service areas,’ refreshment points with quick access to all the beautiful historical centers.
The national significance of this cycle path is apparent since it was chosen as one of the routes for the 2015 Giro d’Italia, Italy’s largest cycling event. The Giro’s beginning was set in San Lorenzo al Mare, a colorful village nestled between beaches and mountains, precisely at the entrance of the route. The cycle trail passes through towns like Aregai di Cipressa, known for the splendid Gallinaro Tower, a panoramic spot for the breathtaking views of the area, Arma Taggia, the ancient Borgo di Bussana, and continues straight to San Remo, princess among coastal cities, and finally to Ospedaletti and Imperia. In almost every town, rental is available for bicycles, rickshaws, tandems, and even skateboards and skates for the whole family.
The San Remo cycle path, also known as Ciclabile dei fiori ensures a unique opportunity to spend an unforgettable weekend outdoors amid the colors and scents of Ligurian landscapes, on a trail carved by history and with the option to linger in a mosaic of delightful villages facing the sea.