Western Liguria owes its moderate climate to its special geographical position. It is a natural amphitheatre facing south and shielded from the cold northern winds by the Maritime Alps and the northern Apennines.

Castel Vittorio (430mt ASL) is only a few kilometres from the sea and overlooks the Nervia Valley and the Pigna thermal spa.

The Riviera dei Fiori, can offer you infinite glorious views of cliffs diving into deep blue sea, pretty seaside resorts, hills covered by olive groves with shining silver-like leaves, and lovely medieval villages perched on the hills where you can still breathe a deliciously clean and scented air of times gone by.

Whether it's sun and surf or a refreshing hike in the woods you are looking for, you will be spoilt for choice of activities in the area.

If you are serious cyclist you'll be in good company on these scenic roads as this activity is particularly popular up and down hill en route to our lovely hilltop village.

If you are a mountain-bike enthusiast, you can follow many scenic trails around the area, such as the one along the Rio Godale Valley or to the Gouta forest or to Baiardo or Colle di Langan.

Visit the website of Alta Via dei Monti Liguri for information on the best trails.

WalkingLiguria describes the Alpine Trail as by far the most beautiful trail in Liguria and one of the best in Europe for the diversity of its landscape, the beauty of the rocks, and the abundance of fauna, flora and history.

The more adventurous amongst you won't want to miss the unique experience of following the Sentiero degli Alpini, which links Colla Melosa (1541mt asl) to the calcareous Toraggio peak, crossing the spectacular Incisa gorge (outward journey: 3 hours; return via the French side: approx. 2 hours).

For climbers, the Toraggio and Pietravecchia mountains offer challenging rock faces to climb.

Amazingly, even though Castel Vittorio is so close to the sea, during the winter season mountain enthusiasts can enjoy skying nearby at Monesi and of course at Limone in the bordering region of Piedmont.

Cross country skiing can be practised above Pigna and at Colla Melosa (1540mt asl) and all along the Gouta gorge.

Nature enthusiasts will soon discover the extraordinarily varied vegetation which is unique to Western Liguria. Because of the proximity of the sea, Mediterranean species appear alongside others of northern European origin.

The great calcareous masses of the Toraggio-Pietravecchia range, which emerged 50 million years ago, provide these valleys with a powerful barrier against the cold northern currents. On their slopes blooms the rare and striking Lilium Pomponium, a lily with orange flowers curled up as if a turban; in the spring meadows, these mix with columbine, fritillary, and peony surrounded by saxifrage and wild orchids.

Mushroom gathering is also very popular in the area.

Bird watchers will spot golden eagles on the peaks of the Parco delle Alpi Liguri.

Those who enjoy horseback riding whilst exploring this unspoilt mountainous region should contact the local Agritourismo Centres for the many guided excursions available in the area.

A day-long trip along the Colla Scarassan and the Gouta gorge to reach the Testa d'Alpe and Arpetta mountains (1400mt and 1610mt asl respectively), before returning to the starting point at 1212mt above sea level is one excursion you won't easily forget.

In the stretch of the Roia river close to the French village of Breil, canoeing enthusiasts can engage in daring and exciting river escapades.

For a canyoning adventure, visit Rio Barbaira near Rocchetta Nervina.

Or why not try bungee jumping from the Loreto Bridge, close to Triora.

Loreto also has a popular free climbing centre, with more than 100 equipped routes.

Nearby San Remo has an 18-hole golf course which is open all year round. Phone Golf San Remo on +39 0184 557093.

For diving, contact Pianeta Blu on +39 0184 229172, or San Remo Sub on +39 0184 535335.

For sailing, contact Circolo Velico Ventimigliese on +39 0184 34820, Club Nautico Bordighera on +39 0184 266567, or Yacht Club San Remo +39 0184 503760.

For windsurfing, contact Circolo Nautico Bordighera on +39 0184 266567.

The Riviera dei Fiori begins to the west at the French border. First stop is the Balzi Rossi, the most important Ligurian archaeological area. 200 thousand years ago man lived in these spectacular caves rising sheer above the sea. Visit the Prehistoric Museum whilst you explore this unspoilt coastal paradise.

Just a few minutes down the road is the promontory of Mortola with the Villa Hanbury Gardens; 18 hectares of luxurious vegetation with palms and cactuses, including Asian plants and trees from the Australian forest.

Villa Hanbury Gardens was built by Sir Thomas Hanbury, an Englishman who made his fortune in Shanghai and fell in love with this part of the coast and its truly unique climate. The property sweep across the promontory of Mortola, just a stone's throw from the hamlet of Latte di Ventimiglia.

Today, the Gardens belong to the Italian state, thanks to an endowement by the Hanbury family, whilst their specialist care and upkeep is entrusted to the Institute of Botanics of the University of Genova.

Hanbury Gardens are open all year round. Visiting hours vary according to season: Winter ∆ 10am to 4pm until March 31st; Spring/Autumn ∆ 10am to 5pm; Summer ∆ 10am to 6pm. Apart from the Summer season (June through September) the Gardens are closed on Wednesdays. For booking and information phone: +39 0184 229507. An hourly bus service will take you on the 15-minute journey from Ventimiglia to La Mortola.