The strategic location of the Residence dei Due Porti makes it an excellent starting point for pleasant day trips to the beautiful backcountry of Sanremo. Each afternoon you can depart from and return to Bussana, the most populous community of the Flower City. The first stage is Bussana Nuova, where the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built as a symbol of rebirth after the earthquake of 1887, which caused the complete destruction and abandonment of the medieval village. Going up about 3 kilometers, you reach Bussana Vecchia, home to a community of International Artists since the 1960’s. Sculptors, painters and musicians, Italian and foreign, have repopulated the town and today you can walk around viewing the various workshops.

Alternatively, you can choose to visit the villages of Triora in the Argentina Valley, or Dolceacqua or Apricale in the Nervia Valley. All three locations are rated as “orange flag”, the mark of eco-environmental quality of the “Italian Touring Club”. Triora is known as the “Town of Witches” because of the famous “witch trials” held there at the end of the 16th century against several local women. You’ll be able to visit the “Cabotina”, the cottage where the witches gathered, and also the Ethnographic Museum of Witchcraft, to see the testimonies of the culture and historical events. Local products include souvenirs made of slate, extracted from local quarries and considered highest quality, and also the bread of Triora. Also worth a look is the impressive bridge of Loreto on the deep gorge of the river Argentina.

In the Nervia Valley, you shouldn’t miss the picturesque village of Dolceacqua. The remains of its medieval castle and beautiful humpbacked bridge leave an unforgettable picture. The “Michette” are the traditional bread of the peasant people dating back to the days when the young brides were subject to the “right of the first night” by the feudal lord. Don’t miss the signature “Ligurian Rabbit” dish of the typical trattorias and enjoy a great glass of wine like the “Rossese” from Dolceacqua. Also, not to miss are the traditional fireworks of August culminate in the “Burning of the castle” ceremony. The town of Apricale is perched just a short distance up in the valley and is known as “The town of murals.” In the summer, many tourists come for a theatrical production called the “Cough of Genoa” which takes place in the alleys and squares, and also the festival of “Pansarole”, a diamond-shaped soft dough, fried and flavored with sugar and anise and served with eggnog.