Beyond the sea: discovering the hinterland and the pearls of the west

The beauty of our province doesn’t end with the dazzling arc of the coast. Behind San Bartolomeo al Mare, a world of luminous valleys, intact medieval villages, and scenic routes opens up, offering unique experiences in every season.

Enchanting villages

Our hinterland is an open-air museum. We recommend you don’t miss:

Cervo (2 minutes away): one of the “Most beautiful villages in Italy.” You can stroll through its narrow streets to the Church of San Giovanni Battista, famous for its acoustics and its churchyard overlooking the sea.
Dolceacqua and Apricale: two jewels of the Nervia Valley. The former is famous for its castle and the bridge painted by Monet, the latter for its stone houses that seem to cling to the mountainside.
Bussana vecchia: a village destroyed by an earthquake and reborn thanks to an international community of artists. A magical and timeless place.
Valloria: the village of painted doors, where every stable door or warehouse door has become a canvas for famous painters.

Sports and nature

For those who love active vacations, the area offers extraordinary opportunities:

The Tyrrhenian Cycle Route: one of the longest in Europe, created by renovating the old railway. Over 24 km of flat path overlooking the sea, ideal for cycling, rollerblading, or simply walking, it connects Imperia to Ospedaletti.
Hiking and MTBs: the trails that start directly from San Bartolomeo and wind towards Monte Chiappa offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Diano Marina, ideal for hiking or mountain biking.
Whale watching: motorboats depart from the nearby port of Imperia for whale watching in the Pelagos Sanctuary, an unforgettable experience for adults and children alike.

Food and wine: yellow gold and local flavors

You can’t say you’ve visited Liguria without savoring its fruits:

Taggiasca olive oil: we’ll guide you to discover local olive oil mills where you can taste the extra virgin olive oil made from the famous Taggiasca olive, with its sweet and delicate flavor.
Western ligurian wines: from Vermentino to Pigato, to Rossese di Dolceacqua, for a tour of wineries that smell of the sea and Mediterranean scrub.

Whether you’re a lover of history, sports, or good food, our staff will be able to recommend the perfect itinerary to transform a vacation day into a precious memory.

Sports and outdoors: your active vacation in Liguria

For those who love exercise and nature, Hotel Villa San Giuseppe is the ideal starting point. From the seaside to the inland peaks, our property is designed for those who consider sports an integral part of their well-being.

The home of cycling and triathlon

We are proud to be a premier destination for athletes of all levels. Thanks to our strategic location and quality services, we welcome numerous cyclists and triathletes year-round, including professionals and top-level teams, who choose us as a training base or for major events like the Giro d’Italia.

Triathlon: our area is a natural training ground for triathletes. We offer immediate access to the Gulf waters for swimming, technical inland trails for cycling, and the flat seafront for running.
Excellent bike services: secure storage for your bikes and a fully equipped workshop for small repairs and routine maintenance.
Free rental: for a truly relaxing ride, we offer our guests free bicycle rental.
The Tyrrhenian Cycle Route: just a few minutes from the Hotel, you can train on Europe’s longest coastal cycle path, ideal for long, uninterrupted workouts.

Excursions and trekking

Liguria isn’t just about the sea. During the summer season, the hotel organizes guided excursions and treks inland, taking you on a discovery of trails immersed in the Mediterranean scrub. The hiking and trail running routes start directly from our valleys, offering breathtaking views that are worth every effort.

Fun and adventure

The area offers countless opportunities to complete your active vacation:

Horseback riding and bowling: there are riding stables nearby and bowling centers for evenings with friends.
Mendatica Adventure Park: an adrenaline-filled experience among the trees, ideal for families and kids.

From triathlon challenges chosen by the champions to the relaxation of a bike ride along the seafront: at Hotel Villa San Giuseppe, sport finds its ideal home.