Where
Did you know that Bajardo sits almost 900 metres above sea level? It has just a few hundred permanent residents. And on a clear day, you can see the snow-covered French Alps on one side and the Ligurian Sea on the other.
Both are within easy reach by car, in under an hour. Which gives the place a slightly magical, in-between feeling.
The village itself is made of stone. Narrow streets. Old houses. Big views. Strong light. A pace that politely ignores urgency.
Long before Bajardo took its current form, this hilltop was already a place for meeting. According to local history and legend, it was a pre-Christian ceremonial site linked to ancient Ligurian and Celtic cultures. Later overbuilt by a church called Chiesa di San Nicolò. It was partially destroyed by a major earthquake in the late 19th century and never fully rebuilt. The space remains open to the sky.
People have been gathering here for a long time. With different reasons, rituals, and music. We’re not an exception.
Ceremony & gathering
Chiesa di San Nicolò
Via della Chiesa, 18031 Bajardo (IM), Italy
Celebration & party
Terrace next to the church
Directly adjacent to Chiesa di San Nicolò, Bajardo
Yes, it’s a bit far
Bajardo sits in the Ligurian Alps, above the coast. Getting there is part of the experience, not a race. (Although, to be precise, there is a leg of the San Remo rally that leads all the way up to Bajardo. We gently recommend not attempting it on your first try.)
By plane
For most people coming from further away (yes, people from Sweden, we’re looking at you), flying is the most practical option. The closest airport is Nice. Other options include Genoa, Turin, and Milan / Bergamo, depending on prices and routes.
From there, you continue by train and/or car. We’ll also try to organise shared transport from somewhere close, so the last stretch doesn’t turn into a solo puzzle.
For those who don’t fly, car, bus, or train are fully respected options. #flygskam
By car
From Central Europe it’s roughly 14 hours on the road, plus a couple of real breaks. We’ll recommend good routes, proper breaks, and at least one stop for a well-earned Germknödel along the way.
If you’d like to share a ride, offer spare seats, or look for a car, you can use Community board page to post or browse offers and requests.
From Sweden, driving is… ambitious. Niels once did it. It took four days, including 33 hours of resting. We consider this a completed research project rather than a recommendation.
Where to land for the night
Below you’ll find a selection of recommended accommodation options in Bajardo and the surrounding villages. We update this list regularly as we stay in close contact with local hosts.
Some of these places may not be fully advertised online, or may appear unavailable on platforms like Airbnb or Booking. In many cases, this simply means that the hosts prefer direct communication. We encourage you to contact them directly (often via WhatsApp), they are incredibly kind, responsive and happy to arrange things personally. This also means your stay directly supports local hosts and families, rather than large booking platforms.
As accommodation in Bajardo and the surrounding villages is limited, we kindly ask everyone to be mindful when booking. If possible, please book places for the maximum number of people the unit allows, so we don’t unnecessarily block beds that others might need.
We’re also exploring the possibility of simple outdoor accommodation (tents) nearby. This would be a more basic option, shared and low-key. Details will follow.
If you’re open to sharing accommodation, offering a spare bed, or looking for a place together with others, please use Community board page to add your offer or request. The same goes for car sharing or spare seats.
For late evenings and night returns, we’ll help organise taxi transport between the village and accommodation, so everyone can enjoy the celebration without worries.
Main villages to look at
Bajardo, Berzi, Ceriana, Apricale, Isolabona
Also an option
Castel Vittorio, Pigna, Perinaldo, Dolceaqua
| Le Camelie del Bosco (B&B) | Bajardo | Link +39 328 765 5982 |
A warm, family-run countryside B&B surrounded by greenery, just outside Bajardo (about 12 minutes on foot or 4 minutes by car). |
| Castell’o | Bajardo | +41 78 216 33 90 | Recently renovated guesthouse at the entrance of Bajardo. Around 10 rooms.
Heidi speaks fluent English. More information here. |
| Allegria | Bajardo | allegria.space@gmail.com +33 6 07 65 35 65 |
Simple, friendly accommodation at the entrance of Bajardo. Around 10 rooms.
Nadège speaks English. |
| Case Body and Soul | Bajardo | +39 338 229 5952 | Beautiful apartments in the old part of Bajardo. Calm, atmospheric, and very well cared for.
Shirley speaks excellent English. |
| Baghe Nove Apartment | Bajardo | Link +39 320 181 5036 |
A small, cosy apartment right in Bajardo, close to everything.
It may look unavailable online, but can often be released by direct agreement. Luca speaks great English. |
| La Favorita | Apricale | Link | Charming family-run hotel in the historic centre of Apricale. Six rooms in total; two can be arranged as triple rooms. |
| Private Apartment (Airbnb) | Apricale | Link | A good option for families or small groups who’d like to stay together (up to 5 guests). |
| Private Apartment (Airbnb) | Apricale | Link | Another relaxed apartment option in Apricale, great for a shared stay. |
| La felice casa di nonno Battistino | Apricale | Link | A traditional house full of character, ideal for around 4 guests. |
| Landhuisje | Apricale | Link | Quiet, private little home/apartment in Apricale, perfect for guests who want calm. |
| Hotel Ristorante Adolfo | Isolabona | Link | Classic hotel with 9 double rooms, easy to reach by car and a reliable, comfortable option. |
| House of Artist | Isolabona | Link | Spacious apartment (2 bedrooms + sofa bed), great for groups sharing, sleeps up to 6 guests. |
| Castel Vittorio Apartment | Castel Vittorio | Link | Apartment for around 5 guests. It may look booked online, but can sometimes be arranged privately.
Please contact Annamarie via the contact form if interested. |
If you have time (and curiosity)
Whether you arrive earlier or stay longer, there’s plenty to explore.
A favourite nearby option is a walk or hike between Bajardo and Apricale. An old connection through olive groves and hills, with views that reward the effort.
Another good destination (by foot or by car) is Isolabona, where an unforgettable pizzeria waits at the end of the journey.
Other favourites include Dolceacqua (and the bridge often painted by Monet), Pigna with its tiny bars and thermal atmosphere, and slow afternoons that accidentally last all day.
Weather (roughly, honestly)
September is usually kind.
Expect warm, sunny days (20–25 °C), cooler evenings (10–15 °C), and the occasional reminder that you’re in the mountains.
Mornings can be fresh, afternoons generous, and nights surprisingly crisp once the sun disappears.
The weather has a way of changing gently, without much drama.
Layers are a good idea. So is trusting the weather, without taking it too seriously.