The Sanremo Music Festival is not just a concert series. It is Italy’s most influential music event and one of the most-watched television programs in the country. For one intense week every February, the coastal town of Sanremo becomes the center of Italian pop culture, media attention, and nightlife. Streets fill with journalists, artists, fans, brand pop-ups, and live broadcasts, while the city keeps its everyday Riviera rhythm just a few blocks away. Understanding how the festival works and how to experience it without stress is the key to enjoying the week, especially if you are visiting for the first time.
Unlike many European music festivals, Sanremo is built around a formal competition held inside the historic Teatro Ariston. The shows happen at night and run late, but the daytime experience is slower and more relaxed. Mornings are calm, afternoons are perfect for walking, cycling, or day trips, and evenings gradually build energy as the live shows approach. This makes Sanremo ideal for travelers who want culture and atmosphere without needing to be in a crowd all day. Early planning matters because hotels fill quickly and prices rise as the festival approaches. This guide explains how the festival structure works, where to base yourself, and how to enjoy the Italian Riviera during the day while still catching the festival atmosphere at night.
If you are planning a wider Italy trip, Sanremo fits well into a northern itinerary that includes Liguria, the French Riviera, or Milan. For travelers looking for structured itineraries and walking guides across Italy, you can find curated city routes and planning tools here: Italy on Foot travel guides. Sanremo works best when you know what to expect and plan your days with intention, balancing the spectacle of the festival with the quieter beauty of the coast.
How the Sanremo Music Festival works
The basic structure
The Sanremo Music Festival takes place over five consecutive evenings, usually from Tuesday to Saturday. Each night is broadcast live on Italian public television and followed closely by the national press. The core of the festival is a competition among established Italian artists performing original songs written specifically for the event. There is also a night dedicated to covers and duets, which often becomes the most visually creative and entertaining evening of the week.
Each night follows a similar rhythm. Artists perform one by one, interspersed with guest performances, comedy segments, and interviews. Shows often start around prime time and can run well past midnight. The atmosphere inside the theater is formal, but outside the venue the mood is lively and informal, with fans gathering nearby, watching clips on phones, and hoping to catch a glimpse of performers arriving or leaving.
Voting is split between different groups. These typically include professional juries such as press and radio representatives, along with public voting through phone or app systems. The weight of each group changes during the week. Early nights help shape rankings, while the final night combines scores to determine the winner. You do not need to understand the exact percentages to enjoy the festival, but it helps to know that public opinion and expert juries both matter, which often creates debate and strong reactions across Italy.
Why Sanremo matters culturally
Sanremo is where many of Italy’s most famous songs were first introduced to the public. Winning or even placing well at the festival can define an artist’s career for years. The event also influences fashion, language, and pop culture, with outfits, jokes, and controversies discussed nationwide the next day. For Italians, watching Sanremo is a shared ritual, often done at home with family or friends, commenting live on performances and results.
For visitors, this cultural weight explains why the city feels different during festival week. Restaurants adjust schedules, hotels host media teams, and temporary stages and installations appear around town. You are not just attending an event, you are stepping into a national moment that blends television, music, and public life. Even without a theater ticket, you are part of the experience simply by being in Sanremo during these days.
Tickets and how to watch the festival
Teatro Ariston tickets
Tickets to attend the live shows inside Teatro Ariston are limited and highly sought after. Capacity is reduced during the festival due to television production needs, and many seats are reserved for industry professionals, sponsors, and institutions. When tickets are available to the public, they are often sold as multi-night packages rather than single evenings.
If tickets are released for public sale, they are sold through official channels only. The safest approach is to monitor the official festival and theater websites well in advance. Prices are high compared to standard concerts, reflecting both demand and the prestige of the event. In some cases, tickets may also be offered through official charity auctions, which are legitimate but often expensive.
For official ticket information, always rely on the Teatro Ariston website: https://www.teatroariston.com/. Avoid third-party resale platforms, as availability and legitimacy can be uncertain.
Watching without a ticket
Most visitors experience Sanremo without attending the live shows. This is normal and still very rewarding. The city center becomes an open-air festival zone in the evenings, especially near the theater and main streets. Bars and cafes often play the broadcast on screens, and the crowd energy builds as the show progresses.
Watching from your accommodation is also common, especially after long days exploring. Italian television broadcasts the festival nationwide, and many hotels tune their common areas to the show. This relaxed approach allows you to enjoy the performances without dealing with crowds or late-night travel.
Where to stay during festival week
Staying in central Sanremo
Staying in the heart of Sanremo is the best option if you want to be fully immersed in the festival atmosphere. Central accommodations allow you to walk everywhere, return easily after late nights, and experience the buzz without relying on transport. This area includes the zone around Teatro Ariston, the shopping streets, and parts of the old town.
The downside is cost and availability. Hotels book out early, prices increase significantly, and noise can be an issue at night. Parking is limited, and some streets may have restricted access during peak festival hours. If you choose this option, prioritize walkability over amenities and confirm access details with your hotel.
Staying on the edge of town
Accommodation slightly outside the center offers better value while remaining convenient. These areas are still close enough for evening walks or short taxi rides but are quieter and often more comfortable. This option works well for couples or travelers who want rest during the day and do not need constant nightlife.
Public transport and taxis can be busier than usual during festival week, so plan extra time when heading into the center in the evening. Confirm how late buses run and ask your accommodation about recommended routes.
Nearby Riviera towns
If Sanremo is fully booked or overpriced, nearby towns along the Ligurian coast are excellent alternatives. Places such as Ospedaletti, Bordighera, and Ventimiglia offer sea views, calmer evenings, and more reasonable prices. These towns are connected to Sanremo by regional trains, making daily travel straightforward.
| Location | Best for | Travel time to Sanremo |
|---|---|---|
| Ospedaletti | Quiet stays, sea views | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Bordighera | Elegant Riviera atmosphere | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Ventimiglia | Value stays, French border access | 20 to 25 minutes |
What to do in Sanremo during the day
Explore La Pigna old town
La Pigna is Sanremo’s historic heart, a dense medieval quarter climbing the hillside above the modern center. Its narrow alleys, staircases, and small squares feel worlds away from the festival lights below. This is the best place for a slow morning walk, coffee breaks, and photography.
Because La Pigna is entirely pedestrian, it encourages wandering without a plan. You will find quiet corners, small churches, and viewpoints overlooking the sea. Visiting during festival week is especially rewarding because the contrast between old town calm and downtown energy is so strong.
Seafront walks and relaxation
Sanremo’s waterfront is ideal for clearing your head after late nights. Flat promenades run along the sea, perfect for walking or light exercise. Benches and cafes make it easy to stop and enjoy the view. These areas remain relaxed even during festival week.
Spending time by the sea balances the intensity of the evenings and keeps your trip from feeling rushed or overwhelming. Many visitors underestimate how restorative these simple walks can be.
Day trips along the Riviera
Cycling the coastal path
One of the best daytime activities near Sanremo is the coastal cycling and walking path built on a former railway line. It runs along the sea and connects multiple towns with uninterrupted views. Bike rentals are available near access points, and the route is suitable for all fitness levels.
You can ride for an hour or half a day, stop for lunch along the way, and return easily. This activity fits perfectly between festival nights and provides a fresh perspective on the Ligurian coast.
Bussana Vecchia
Bussana Vecchia is a unique hill village just outside Sanremo, partially abandoned after an earthquake and later revived by artists. Today it is a mix of ruins, studios, and small shops. A visit takes only a few hours and offers a strong contrast to the polished festival environment.
Dolceacqua
Dolceacqua is a picturesque inland village known for its stone bridge and compact historic center. It is ideal for a half-day trip focused on walking, photography, and a relaxed lunch. The pace here is slow and authentic, making it an excellent break from festival crowds.
Practical tips for festival week
- Book accommodation as early as possible
- Plan daytime activities to avoid fatigue
- Use trains when staying outside Sanremo
- Expect late nights and slower mornings
Sanremo during festival week is intense but manageable with the right expectations. Treat evenings as the main event and days as recovery and exploration time. This balance is what makes the experience enjoyable rather than exhausting.
Planning your Sanremo trip with confidence
Sanremo rewards travelers who plan smartly and stay flexible. You do not need a theater ticket to enjoy the festival, and you do not need to stay in the center to feel involved. By choosing the right base, pacing your days, and understanding how the event shapes the city, you can experience one of Italy’s most important cultural moments without stress.
Whether Sanremo is a standalone trip or part of a larger Italian journey, it offers a rare combination of spectacle and everyday life. The music, the sea, and the Riviera towns around it create a setting that feels both exciting and livable, even at the busiest time of the year.