Territory Guide

Guide to Riviera di Ponente

Events, products, traditions and curiosities of the area

calendar_todayUpdated: 27 March 2026·location_onRiviera di Ponente, Liguria
1

Introduction

The Riviera di Ponente is perfumed with flowers and Taggiasca olives, with festivals that celebrate the marriage between inland countryside and sea.

The area boasts 3 protected-designation products and 3 dishes of the local tradition.

2

Upcoming Events & Festivals

Here are the upcoming events in Riviera di Ponente:

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3

Recurring Events

These events take place every year in Riviera di Ponente:

Olioliva

Novembre

Imperia

Festa dell'olio nuovo con frantoiani, degustazioni e show cooking.

Fiera dell'Aglio di Vessalico

2 luglio

Vessalico

Fiera millenaria dell'aglio Presidio Slow Food.

Battaglia dei Fiori

Giugno

Ventimiglia

Sfilata di carri allegorici decorati con fiori freschi.

4

PDO, PGI and local products

The protected-designation products of Riviera di Ponente represent the excellence of the area:

5

What to eat in Riviera di Ponente

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6

Traditions & Culture

celebration
Battaglia dei FioriGiugno

A parade of flower-decorated floats in Ventimiglia, a tradition of the Riviera dei Fiori.

celebration
Festa dell'Aglio di Vessalico2 luglio

An ancient garlic fair in the hinterland of the Imperia province.

7

Nature Parks & Protected Areas

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Parco Naturale Regionale delle Alpi LiguriParco Regionale

Mountains just a stone's throw from the sea featuring prehistoric caves.

8

Historical Figures

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Italo CalvinoWriter

He grew up in Sanremo, and many of his works are set in western Liguria.

9

Local Communities

The festivals and events in Riviera di Ponente are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:

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10

Curiosities

1

The Taggiasca olive takes its name from the town of Taggia, where Benedictine monks brought it in the 12th century.

2

Aglio di Vessalico has an ancient fair held every July 2nd since 1760.

3

Sanremo is the city of the Italian Song Festival and flower cultivation, with flowers exported throughout Europe.

11

Frequently Asked Questions

1What DOP and IGP products can be found in Riviera di Ponente?expand_more

In Riviera di Ponente you will find 3 protected designation products, including: Oliva Taggiasca (PAT), Olio Riviera Ligure DOP - Riviera dei Fiori (DOP), Aglio di Vessalico (Slow Food Presidium).

2What should I eat in Riviera di Ponente?expand_more

The typical dishes of Riviera di Ponente include: Coniglio alla ligure, Brandacujun, Torta verde. Each of these dishes tells the gastronomic tradition of the territory.

3What are the most famous food festivals in Riviera di Ponente?expand_more

Among the most important festivals and events in Riviera di Ponente are: Olioliva (Imperia, November); Fiera dell'Aglio di Vessalico (Vessalico, July 2nd); Battaglia dei Fiori (Ventimiglia, June).

4What natural parks are there in Riviera di Ponente?expand_more

The protected natural areas in Riviera di Ponente include: Parco Naturale Regionale delle Alpi Liguri (Regional Park).

5Who organizes the food festivals in Riviera di Ponente?expand_more

The food festivals in Riviera di Ponente are organized by local communities such as Pro Loco Sanremo and Consorzio dell'Olio DOP Riviera Ligure. These local associations are the custodians of the territory's gastronomic traditions.