Bussana​

Latest page update: 25 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Bussana
Bussana has only a limited number of places to stay, as the village is better known for its historic character and nearby beaches than for a developed hotel scene. Travellers who prefer established hotels with full services and strong guest feedback will find the best selection in Sanremo, just a short drive along the coast and offering a much wider choice of reliable accommodation.
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In Sanremo, Royal Hotel Sanremo is the most prestigious option, known for its elegant interiors, sea-view terraces and high standards of service (€€€€). Grand Hotel & Des Anglais offers a traditional Riviera stay with comfortable rooms, period features and steady reviews for convenience and hospitality (€€€). For a modern alternative close to the promenade, Best Western Hotel Nazionale provides well-appointed rooms and positive feedback for both comfort and location (€€€).

Where is

Where is Bussana?
The beach resort of Bussana is situated on the Riviera di Ponente in the Province of Imperia. It belongs to the Comune of Sanremo while the main highlights are the hill town known as Bussana Vecchia and the beach.

​Nearby places of interest include the towns of Arma di Taggia, Riva Ligure, Taggia and Santo Stefano al Mare. ​
Bussana - frazione di Sanremo
Comune: ​Sanremo

Province: Imperia

Region: Liguria

​​​​​​​​Highlights: Bussana Vecchia hill town, beach

​​​​​​​​​​​​Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024 - 2025

​​​​​​Close by: Arma di Taggia, Riva Ligure, Taggia, Santo Stefano al Mare​

What People Ask About Bussana, Liguria

Is Bussana worth visiting?
Yes, Bussana is worth visiting, especially the hillside hamlet of Bussana Vecchia. Abandoned after an earthquake in 1887 and later repopulated by artists, it’s known for its creative atmosphere, ruined buildings, and artisan workshops.
What are the main attractions in Bussana?
Main attractions include the art galleries and studios of Bussana Vecchia, the ruined Church of Sant’Egidio, and the town’s bohemian vibe. Bussana Marina, closer to the coast, offers beaches and is part of the larger municipality of Sanremo.
How do I get to Bussana?
Bussana Vecchia is located inland from Bussana Marina, just east of Sanremo. The nearest train station is in Taggia-Arma, with buses and taxis available to reach both the coast and the hillside village. Access to Bussana Vecchia is by foot from the car park below.
What is Bussana known for?
Bussana is known for Bussana Vecchia, a ruined medieval village revived by artists in the 20th century. It is recognised for its artistic community, creative spaces, and unique blend of decay and beauty in a dramatic hillside setting.
When is the best time to visit Bussana?
The best time to visit Bussana is from April to October, when the weather is suitable for walking through Bussana Vecchia’s steep alleys and exploring the open-air galleries. Spring and early autumn are ideal for combining a beach stay with inland visits.
Related links

Discover

Discover Bussana
Bussana is a hillside settlement above the Riviera di Ponente, now divided into two distinct areas. The modern town, Bussana, lies closer to the coast with road links to Sanremo and Arma di Taggia. Higher up the hill is Bussana Vecchia, the original medieval village that was largely abandoned after the 1887 earthquake. Its ruined streets have since been revived by artists, giving it a distinctive atmosphere where restored houses and workshops stand alongside partially collapsed structures.
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The position above the sea offers wide views across the coastline, while the lanes of Bussana Vecchia are filled with studios, small galleries, and craft shops. Paths connect the village with the surrounding hills, while the proximity to Sanremo ensures easy access to wider services and transport. Bussana’s layered history makes it an unusual point of interest along the Ligurian coast.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Bussana
  • Bussana Vecchia is a former ghost village rebuilt by artists after being abandoned following the 1887 earthquake. The hilltop settlement features narrow stone alleys, artist studios, and open-air galleries. It has no formal street plan and is accessible only on foot, creating a distinctive atmosphere that draws visitors year-round.
  • Church of Sant’Egidio (Bussana Vecchia) stands in the centre of the old village and remains in ruins following the earthquake. The shell of the Baroque church includes partially collapsed walls and a roof open to the sky. Though not in use, it is a focal point of the village and often photographed by visitors.
  • Art Galleries and Workshops are scattered throughout Bussana Vecchia, with local and international artists working in ceramics, sculpture, painting, and jewellery. Many studios are open to the public and sell original works. The village functions as a creative community, and visitors can explore freely during daylight hours.
  • Walking Route from Bussana Nuova leads uphill from the newer part of town to Bussana Vecchia. The paved road turns into a pedestrian path, with views of the sea and surrounding hills. The walk takes around 20–30 minutes and is the most common way to reach the old village.
  • Bussana Nuova Beach lies along the coastal strip and includes free access areas and private bathing establishments. It features coarse sand and pebbles, with clear water suitable for swimming. The beach is a short walk from the main road and includes seasonal facilities such as sunbeds and cafés.

Tours and Activities

Bussana Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

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How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Bussana
By Rail: Bussana does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Sanremo, about 6 kilometres away, on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line operated by Trenitalia. From Ventimiglia, trains to Sanremo take around 15 minutes, while from Genoa the journey is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Sanremo, Bussana can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or local bus.

By Road: Bussana lies on the Ligurian coast, between Sanremo and Arma di Taggia. From Sanremo, the distance is around 6 kilometres, with a driving time of about 10 minutes. From Genoa, the journey is approximately 140 kilometres and takes about 2 hours via the A10 motorway. Parking is available near the old town and along the coast.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: About 65 kilometres from Bussana, with a drive of around 1 hour. The closest major airport, offering extensive European and intercontinental services.
  • Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport: Approximately 145 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 2 hours. Provides domestic and European flights.
  • Turin Caselle Airport: Roughly 240 kilometres from Bussana, taking about 3 hours by car. Offers a wide range of domestic and international connections.

Private Transfers

Bussana Private Transfers
A private transfer is the easiest way to travel to Bussana or continue your journey elsewhere along the Ligurian coast, avoiding the need for public transport or car hire. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven directly to your destination by a professional driver.

From Bussana, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is about 70 km away, with a transfer time of around 1 hour 10 minutes. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport lies 150 km to the east, taking roughly 2 hours, while Milan Malpensa Airport is about 285 km north, with a journey time of around 3 hours 30 minutes. The city of Sanremo is only 10 minutes away, Imperia can be reached in 25 minutes, and Monaco in just over 1 hour.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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