Hotel Riviera dei Fiori
San Lorenzo al Mare - Via Aurelia 3 - Loc. San Lorenzo Al Mare
Directly on the sea, Riviera dei Fiori is 3 minutes’ drive from the centre of San Lorenzo Al Mare.
Book now
San Lorenzo al Mare is a gem of the Riviera di Ponente that’s well-known to local tourists, though perhaps less familiar to those visiting Liguria from further afield. Make a note of this name if you’re looking for a seaside resort with plenty of amenities but without excessive trendiness – easily accessible, blessed with clean waters and surrounded by greenery.
This fishing village nestles between two hills with charming names, Petachin and Ciambellin, and a pebbly shoreline interspersed here and there with fine sandy beaches. Lacking famous attractions, San Lorenzo al Mare wins hearts through its narrow alleys and tranquil squares, and its colourful fishermen’s cottages, many now converted into holiday homes. Bustling in summer, it quietens down as the season ends – perfect timing for a visit if you’re someone who seeks solitude and shuns crowds.
The narrow strip of land between the sea and the village was once occupied by railway tracks; today it’s home to a cycle path that has revitalised tourism in the area.
Cycling along the Ponente cycle path is one of many options for those seeking an active break; there are also numerous hiking trails and mountain-bike routes. Everyone else can enjoy leisurely seaside walks, savour fresh fish suppers at charming little restaurants, spend lazy afternoons on local beaches, or take day trips to other destinations along the Ponente coast.
The historic centre of San Lorenzo al Mare is characterised by pedestrian streets dating back to medieval times. The main thoroughfare is Via Roma, lined with characteristic covered passages leading down to the sea and flanked by excellent fish restaurants; other popular spots include the seafront promenade and the tourist marina.
Though the village boasts no famous attractions, the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena is worth a look. Legend has it that the saint left the Holy Land aboard a makeshift raft and, during her voyage to Marseille, stopped at San Lorenzo al Mare.
The church’s origins are uncertain but probably date to the 13th and 14th centuries; its current appearance owes much to later modifications in late-Baroque style.
San Lorenzo al Mare marks the start of one of Liguria’s most celebrated and beloved cycle routes: the Ponente Coastal Park Cycle Path.
It’s a 24 km path that follows the route of the former San Lorenzo-Ospedaletti railway, which once formed part of the Genova-Ventimiglia railway line (now relocated higher up). Designed for cyclists, it can also be used on foot or on roller blades.
The first stretch of the cycle path, which begins right here in San Lorenzo, presents no difficulty and can be tackled by anyone. It includes one kilometre through a tunnel, but the rest runs alongside the sea, immersing you in nature’s colours. The start coincides with a lovely seafront promenade, a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.
The Ponente cycle path is one of the main draws for tourism in the area, which in turn has sparked a range of outdoor sports activities. In all the towns served by the cycle path, including San Lorenzo al Mare, you’ll find bicycle, e-bike and roller blade rental shops, plus numerous kiosks and gazebos selling drinks and snacks.
Just a 10-minute drive from San Lorenzo’s centre lies an original attraction that makes a pleasant change from the village’s peaceful atmosphere: Villa Biener in Cipressa (a hamlet of Moiano), an open-air museum conceived by Hungarian collector Judith Török and her partner, artist Carlo Maglitto, set within their villa’s gardens.
The grounds of their home have been completely transformed by an enchanting system of hanging gardens and artistic installations by young artists making generous use of vibrant ceramics and mosaics. As you stroll through the park’s pathways, you’ll admire lush vegetation and imaginative creations that many find reminiscent of Antoni Gaudí’s work in Barcelona.
Inside the villa is an important collection of contemporary multicultural art assembled by the owners.
The park and villa are open to visitors during the summer months or other periods by appointment.
San Lorenzo al Mare is an excellent base for exploring the Riviera di Ponente. Imperia is just over ten minutes away, Sanremo less than half an hour, and you can break the short journey with stops in little seaside villages.
The main beach at San Lorenzo al Mare lies near the old village and is a strip of fine sand with both equipped and free areas; its easy accessibility, shallow waters close to the shore and available facilities make it a beach suitable for families with children.
Pebble beaches can be found near the new tourist marina; beyond the harbour is a mixed sand and pebble beach with free and equipped areas. Further beaches lie near the old tourist harbour, before the mouth of the Rio San Lorenzo.
Leaving the village along the seafront promenade, you’ll encounter a line of rocks and boulders interspersed with small pebble beaches. Less convenient to reach, these are the ideal choice for those wanting to escape the crowds.
Accommodation in San Lorenzo al Mare is limited, so it’s best to book well in advance to avoid having to search elsewhere.
Near the centre you’ll find seafront hotels in the mid-to-upper range and a few bed and breakfasts; moving just 3-4 kilometres away, you can find resorts, villas and holiday homes. The more upmarket hotels have private beach access.
We offer a selection of hotels at San Lorenzo al Mare to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in San Lorenzo al Mare, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at San Lorenzo al Mare. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at San Lorenzo al Mare are in high demand.
Reaching San Lorenzo al Mare by car is quite straightforward – simply take the A10 Genova-Ventimiglia motorway, exit at Imperia Ovest and join the SS1 Aurelia. The town has both free and paid parking.
The nearest Italian airport is Genova, but the closest overall is Nice in France, approximately 90 km away.
You can reach San Lorenzo al Mare by public transport: the town is served by regional and long-distance buses. There is no railway station, however.
San Lorenzo al Mare is a municipality in the province of Imperia, lying just 6 km west of the provincial capital. Heading further west, you'll find Sanremo a mere 18 km away and the French border approximately 30 km beyond, whilst Genoa sits around 130 km to the east.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts