The completion of Cala del Forte will also mark the development of a number of urban projects set to be completed around Ventimiglia. These will include the upgrade of the water and waste system, fresh paving of roads, landscaping interventions and the creation of a direct connection between the marina itself and the city centre, making Ventimiglia even more accessible to those interested in exploring its charming medieval streets. The lift which will connect Cala del Forte directly to the historical town centre is close to completion and is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2020.

Situated on the Riviera dei Fiori (Riviera of Flowers), at the mouth of the Roya River, Ventimiglia sits on a stunning coast line, close to the Italian town of Sanremo on the one side and the city of Menton and Principality of Monaco on the other.

Ventimiglia is renowned for its idyllic scenery, the charming architecture and history of the old town centre and a favourable climate all year round. The first port from the French border on the Gulf of Genoa, this gorgeous town is also very close to the world-famous Hanbury Botanic Gardens and is surrounded by an excellent selection of Italian restaurants and bars. The famous Friday seafront market attracts crowds of shoppers from all over France and Northern Italy, while a nearly endless calendar of events provides entertainment throughout the year along the local beaches (of which Balzi Rossi, Calandre and Baia Benjamin are between the most beautiful) and up towards the Alps, where Limone Piemonte, a stunning international ski station is only 64 km from Ventimiglia.

The villages of Dolceaqua and Apricale are only a few km further inland but once there visitors are transported into a completely different world. The former, with its ancient stone houses along narrow alleys and a popular humpback bridge crossing a scenic river, sits beneath a towering medieval castle. Apricale, on the other hand, included in the list of “Italy’s most beautiful villages”, is perched upon green tree-dotted hills and its warren of arched passageways and leaning houses are home to many charming bars, restaurants and shops.
The beautiful Mediterranean resort town of Sanremo is a miniature mecca of Italian style and passion for food and long afternoons sitting at café tables. With a wealth of small boutiques, fashionable eateries, luxury villas and the grand Casino Sanremo, this little gem is half an hour from Cala del Forte.

20 minutes in the other direction, across the border into France, lies Menton, the “city of citrus” with its annual Lemon Festival and a nearby permanent display of lemon and orange trees among the palms and many subtropical gardens. It hosts a much loved music festival each summer while currently its most prominent cultural showpiece is the celebrated Jean Costeau Museum.

Key facts

• Only 7.9 nautical miles from Monaco
• Operated entirely by Ports of Monaco
• 178 Berths from 6,5m up to 70+ meters
• Storage facilities adjacent to the berths
• 24/7 mooring assistance by professionally staff
• 24/7 safety and security
• Electric golf cart transportation and delivery service
• Service delivered to the Monaco standard
• Light-Service shipyard for yachts up to 30m
• 39 shops
• 577 parking auto
• 15,000 m2 of promenades and gardens
• Longest concession in the Mediterranean (until 2094)
• Direct connection to the Historical town of Ventimiglia Alta via elevator

Monaco Ports' new starting point

Cala del Forte Ventimiglia is the perfect starting point for sailing along the French Riviera while being based in Italy. Nice, St. Tropez and Cannes are just around the corner as are the equally beautiful beaches and resorts of the Italian Riviera, Corsica and Sardinia.

Map of coast and proximity of Monaco, Nice, Cannes, St. Tropez, Sanremo, Savona and Genoa.