Picture yourself sipping morning espresso on your private terrace as the Mediterranean sun climbs over the horizon, painting the Ligurian coastline in shades of amber and gold. The rhythmic whisper of waves drifts up from the shore below, mixing with the gentle clink of fishing boats preparing for the day. This is the daily ritual that awaits in your vacation home in Bordighera, a two-bedroom apartment perched on the top floors of a character villa in one of the Italian Riviera's most coveted coastal towns.
This holiday property in Bordighera offers something increasingly rare along the Italian coastline: authentic connection to the historic heart of a traditional Italian seaside town, combined with sweeping Mediterranean views that never lose their power to captivate. The apartment occupies the entire top two floors of a meticulously maintained period villa, creating a duplex configuration that provides both privacy and space—qualities that transform a vacation property into a true second home in Italy where family and friends gather season after season.
Bordighera itself occupies a special place among Liguria's coastal gems. While neighboring resorts have grown into bustling tourist centers, this town has preserved its gentler rhythm and authentic Italian character. The medieval centro storico, just minutes from your doorstep, remains a living neighborhood where local families still gather at the same cafes their grandparents frequented. Narrow cobblestone lanes wind between ochre-painted buildings, opening unexpectedly onto small piazzas where the scent of focaccia wafts from family-run bakeries. This proximity to genuine Italian life, combined with the apartment's private terrace overlooking the sea, creates the perfect balance between immersion and retreat.
The 190 square meter layout provides versatile accommodation across its two levels. Enter through the main floor to discover bright, well-proportioned living spaces where Mediterranean light pours through generous windows. The living room flows naturally into a dining area that can alternatively serve as a ground-floor bedroom for guests who prefer avoiding stairs. The kitchen maintains the functional character essential for extended stays and family gatherings. An internal staircase leads to the upper level where two additional bedrooms nestle under the villa's roof beams, their attic character adding architectural interest and cozy appeal. Two full bathrooms eliminate the morning rush common in vacation properties, a practical detail that enhances daily comfort whether you're hosting family or welcoming rental guests.
The terrace is where this property truly distinguishes itself. This expansive outdoor room becomes your stage for the Mediterranean lifestyle: sunset aperitivos with locally-produced Rossese wine, leisurely weekend breakfasts that stretch into afternoon, evening dinners where the cooling sea breeze provides natural air conditioning. The sea view extends across the Ligurian coastline, offering a constantly changing tableau as light and weather transform the Mediterranean from mirror-flat azure to dramatic storm-grey and back again. During summer months, this terrace effectively doubles your living space. Come autumn and spring, it remains usable for much of the day, extending your season far beyond what northern European climates allow.
Bordighera's microclimate deserves special mention when considering vacation homes in Italy. Protected by mountains to the north and blessed with southern exposure, the town enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 10°C, while summer heat is moderated by constant sea breezes. This climate permits year-round use, whether you're escaping northern winters, enjoying spring hiking along the coastal paths, swimming from nearby beaches throughout the summer, or savoring the golden light of Mediterranean autumn. The town's palm-lined seafront promenade, planted by the British aristocrats who made Bordighera their winter retreat in the 19th century, remains walkable in shirtsleeves even in January.
The location provides immediate access to Liguria's exceptional food culture. The weekly market brings producers from mountain valleys with their vegetables, herbs, olives, and cheeses. Local restaurants serve Ligurian specialties: trofie pasta with basil pesto made from Prà basil grown just kilometers away, fresh anchovies prepared a dozen different ways, stuffed vegetables, and focaccia that bears no resemblance to its industrial imitators. The region's wines—Pigato, Vermentino, and the rare Rossese di Dolceacqua—pair perfectly with seafood dinners on your terrace.
For active owners, the location opens numerous possibilities. Sandy beaches lie within walking distance, while the coastal path toward Ventimiglia offers spectacular hiking with sea views. The Maritime Alps rise just inland, providing mountain biking, hiking, and even skiing in winter months at resorts like Limone Piemonte, reachable in 90 minutes. Cycling enthusiasts will find themselves on the same coastal roads used by professional teams for winter training. The calm summer Mediterranean invites kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming from the beaches that dot the coastline.
Cultural exploration extends in every direction from this second home in Liguria. Monaco lies 30 kilometers west—a 25-minute drive for its restaurants, casino, and events. Nice and Cannes open up the French Riviera within an hour. Eastward, Sanremo hosts its famous music festival, casino, and market, while Genoa's magnificent historic center rewards a day trip with its palaces, aquarium, and port atmosphere. Medieval villages perch on mountainsides throughout the region: Dolceacqua with its dramatic bridge, Apricale's hilltop charm, Pigna's artistic community—each offering authentic experiences away from coastal tourism.
Accessibility makes this vacation property in Bordighera practical for international owners. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport sits 50 kilometers away with flights connecting to cities throughout Europe. Genoa Airport provides an alternative 150 kilometers east. The A10 autostrada runs just inland, enabling easy car travel throughout Italy and France. The local train station on the Ventimiglia-Genoa line provides service along the entire Riviera without needing a car for local exploration.
As an investment, this apartment for sale in Bordighera presents compelling fundamentals. The Italian Riviera maintains consistent appeal to international and domestic tourists. Properties with sea views and historic center proximity command premium rental rates during the May-September high season, with increasing demand during shoulder months as remote work enables extended stays. The 190 square meter size accommodates families and groups willing to pay higher nightly rates than smaller units attract. The good condition means you can generate rental income immediately without renovation delays. Local property management companies handle everything from marketing to maintenance, making this a viable investment even for owners based abroad.
The move-in ready condition allows you to begin enjoying your Italian vacation home immediately. The character villa's recent external renovation ensures the building envelope remains sound. The included cellar provides essential storage for everything from beach equipment to seasonal items. The outdoor parking space, increasingly rare in historic town centers, adds both convenience and value—never underestimate the relief of dedicated parking when arriving after a long journey.
Key features of this Bordighera holiday property:
• 190 square meters across two floors with internal staircase connection
• Two bedrooms plus convertible dining/bedroom space on main level
• Two full bathrooms for guest convenience
• Expansive private terrace with panoramic Mediterranean sea views
• Top floor position ensuring maximum light and privacy
• Character villa setting with recently renovated exterior
• Walking distance to historic center restaurants, shops, and services
• Included cellar storage and outdoor parking space
• Good condition allowing immediate use or rental income
• Microclimate with 300+ annual sunshine days
• 15-minute walk to beaches and seafront promenade
• 50km from Nice Airport for international connections
For international buyers, Italian property purchase follows established procedures. Buyers typically engage a commercialista (accountant) and notaio (notary) to handle legal and tax aspects. Non-residents can purchase freely, with ownership held either personally or through various corporate structures depending on tax planning needs. Annual property taxes remain modest compared to northern European levels. Utilities and condominium fees for a property this size typically total €2,000-3,000 annually. The Italian rental market allows both short-term holiday lets and longer-term arrangements, providing flexibility as your needs evolve.
This apartment represents more than a financial investment—it's an entry point into a lifestyle that balances relaxation with stimulation, privacy with community, Italian authenticity with international sophistication. It's the place where your family's stories unfold: children learning to swim in the Mediterranean, teenagers discovering Italian coastal culture, adults finally having time to read novels on the terrace, grandparents sharing sunset aperitivos while recounting the day's adventures. These are the moments that give meaning to owning a second home in Europe.
The holiday property market in Bordighera rewards those who recognize value in authentic locations before they become overexposed. This apartment, with its combination of space, views, location, and condition, presents an opportunity to secure a vacation home in Italy that will serve you for decades while likely appreciating as the Italian Riviera's limited coastline continues attracting buyers seeking alternatives to overcrowded destinations.
Contact Homestra today to arrange a viewing of this vacation home in Bordighera. Walk through the rooms, step onto that terrace, breathe the Mediterranean air, and envision the life this property enables. The Italian Riviera lifestyle you've imagined is waiting.
