Essential Information
How to get to us, best times to visit, local tips.
The closest airport to Un'altra Vita is Nice International, which is 1 hour's drive away. There is a direct train from Nice to Ventimiglia, the closest train station. From here, it is a 10 minute taxi or bus to Dolceacqua.
Despite the good transport connections, we advise to hire a car to be able to explore the local area. This can be done from Nice or San Remo.
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To travel throughout Italy or France, there are excellent rail connections from Ventimiglia:
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Menton- 14 minutes
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Monaco- 27 minutes
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Nice- 54 minutes
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Marseille- 3 hours 45 minutes
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San Remo- 18 minutes
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Genoa- 2 hours 35 minutes
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Cinque Terre (Monterosso)- 3 hours 38 minutes
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Milan- 4 hours 57 minutes
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Tickets can be booked via www.trenitalia.com and www.sncf-connect.com
The best time to travel to Dolceacqua depends on which activities you would like to do. Each season has its own charm, and the surrounding mountains stays beautifully green and lush throughout the year.
Summer temperatures are on average around 28 degrees, with the hottest month being August which can be very hot and humid.
The winter evenings can reach a low of around 5 degrees, with average temperatures around 15 degrees.
Spring and Autumn temperatures are pleasant, usually warm and sunny but cooler in the evening- perfect conditions for outdoor activities.Throughout the year, due to the area being blessed with a good climate and a lot of sunshine, it's possible to enjoy hiking and cycling. The Mediterranean is warm enough to swim in from May (but it really depends on what you like).
Eating and Drinking
Dolceacqua is a village which is open all year round, although many restaurants have different opening and closing times depending on the season. There is a large range of bars, cafes and restaurants- from pasta, to agriturismo restaurants serving local delicacies. The prices are reasonable.
Dolceacqua has an organic store and few small grocery stores with local produce, called 'alimentari'. For the big grocery shop, you can go to Camporosso, a 10 minute drive away. Here you will find a Lidl, and a small and large Mercato.
Here's a list of our favourite restaurants around the area- all within a short walk or drive.
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Dolceacqua (within walking distance):
Il Lupo- the best steak and meat on the wooden grill. And really lovely staff too. https://illuposmokeandgrill.com/
La Pasta di U- delicious and easygoing fresh pasta with a die for view of the old town and castle. https://lapastadiu.it/
​Bip Cafe- great for a cappuccino and the best brioche in the village. https://bip-cafe-dolceacqua.eatbu.com/?lang=en
​Agriturismo U Fundu- a traditional Ligurian restaurant located in the wall of the medieval village. https://www.agriturismoufundu.it/
Le Trote- another wonderful, traditional Ligurian restaurant in a unique setting around a small lake and waterfall. https://www.ristoranteletrote.it/
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Apricale, Pigna and Rocchetta Nervina (within 15 min drive of the house):
Bar Rio Barbaira- just simply the most delicious pinsa margherita you will ever eat. https://www.facebook.com/people/Ristorante-Rio-Barbaira/100063668884383/?_rdr
Osteria Martini- a degustation of the highest quality. www.federicolanteri.it
Apricus- a relaxed bistro style dining with a lovely terrace and exquisite view across the valley. https://www.apricuslocanda.com/dining​
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Bordighera and Ventimiglia (within 10-20 mins drive traffic dependent):
Maestrale- relaxed beach front bar and cafe perfect for breakfast, lunch or aperitivo. https://www.facebook.com/p/Maestrale-spiaggia-libera-attrezzata--100063612966879/
Amarea Romolomare- Beautiful renowned seafood restaurant, right on the sea at the eastern end of Bordighera beachfront. https://www.amareabordighera.it/en/restaurant-romolo-amarea/
U Funtanin- stunning sea views from the top of the old town of Ventimiglia at this gorgeous restaurant. www.ufuntanin.com
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