Balzi Rossi
Red cliffs and prehistoric caves by the sea on the French–Italian border, where Paleolithic human remains and a small “Venus” figurine were found. There is an archaeological museum on site.
Balzi Rossi lies by the sea in the village of Grimaldi, in the Ventimiglia area, right next to the French border. It takes its name from its red limestone cliffs. The caves below the cliffs were home to Paleolithic people. They have yielded burials, skeletons and the famous “Grimaldi Venus” figurine, dating back more than 20,000 years. Visitors can tour the caves and the National Prehistoric Museum to learn about the lives of Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens. Admission is about 5 euros, and the site is closed on Mondays. There is a small beach below the cliffs where you can swim. It can be combined with a visit to the Hanbury Botanical Gardens on the same day.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun approx. 08:30–19:30
Nearby sights
- Hanbury Botanical Gardens
- Ventimiglia Alta & Friday Market
- Dolceacqua
- Bordighera
- Apricale
- Perinaldo
- Seborga
- Monte Bignone