Imperia: Discover Liguria’s Coastal Gem with Stunning Views and Irresistible Flavors
At its feet are the crystalline waters of the Ligurian Sea, and all around the city climb the terraces dotted with olive trees, like stairways lined with silvery foliage that connect the force of the sea to the Ligurian hinterland. A stranded pearl along the coast, one of the most beautiful flowers of the Riviera dei Fiori, Imperia is a city of almost 42,000 inhabitants, capital of the province of the same name.
The History of Imperia
Born in 1923 at the behest of Mussolini from the union of eleven neighboring municipalities, among which the two largest stood out, Oneglia and Porto Maurizio, Imperia is a center of primary importance in Liguria, renowned for its agricultural vocation and food industries. The production of olive oil is in first place, as evidenced by the gnarled olive trees that absorb the sun on the surrounding terraces, but pasta is also among the favorite products. Lately, the city’s economy has increasingly relied on tourism, fueled by the irresistible beauty of the sea, the historical and cultural richness of the area, and the always mild climate, even in the winter months.
The Climate in Imperia
The climate that welcomes visitors to Imperia is typically Mediterranean, softened by the presence of the sea and illuminated by an almost omnipresent sun, which rarely hides behind the clouds. Average temperatures are always pleasant: in January, the coldest month, they range from a minimum of 7°C to a maximum of 13°C, while in July and August they vary between 21°C and 27°C. Precipitation, rather timid, is scarce in summer and concentrated in autumn and winter, with a peak of 83-87 mm on average in October and November.
Oneglia and Porto Maurizio: Two Souls of Imperia
Even today, walking through the streets of the city, you can distinguish the two souls that constitute its essence: you can still feel the differences between Oneglia, to the east, and Porto Maurizio, to the west of the Impero torrent.
Oneglia is the largest part of Imperia, dominated by Piazza Dante, from which the most modern and popular streets of the center branch off, characterized by Piedmontese-influenced architecture, bearing witness to the past reign of the Savoy.
Porto Maurizio, on the other hand, is perched along the rocky walls of a promontory, extending to the coast and is of a mainly tourist nature. The alleys, called “caruggi” in dialect, and the lanes, or “creuze”, intertwine and chase each other between the ancient buildings and the fishermen’s houses, weaving a suggestive network overlooking the sea.
What to See in Imperia
In this borderland between the sea and the mountains, there are many monuments and buildings worth visiting. Among the must-see stops is the city cathedral, dedicated to San Maurizio, which dominates the panorama, rising imposingly above the nearby roofs, in impeccable neoclassical style.
Not far away is the former Palazzo Comunale, now used as the Naval Museum of Western Liguria, a rich collection of documents and objects that refer to the art of building ships, sailing and navigation techniques, and even some finds brought back from expeditions to China and Tibet. In the same building, there is also a small section dedicated to Edmondo de Amicis, the famous Ligurian author of the book Cuore.
The most evocative part of Porto Maurizio is certainly the Parasio, perched to the south of the promontory and consisting of the remains of ancient houses, of which you can still admire the mighty stone portals. The medieval Church of San Pietro and that of Santa Chiara, erected on the remains of the ancient walls, are in a splendid panoramic position on the Ligurian coast.
Festivals and Events in Imperia
Imperia’s lively spirit is demonstrated by the numerous recreational and cultural events organized in the city throughout the year, especially during the summer. Among the events not to be missed are the Book Fair at the beginning of June, the biennial gatherings of Vele d’Epoca and Motoryacht d’Epoca, the Oil and Typical Ligurian Products Fair, the Chess Tournament, and the Spring Festival, which involves the entire Riviera dei Fiori with an explosion of colors and scents.
How to Get to Imperia
There are various options for reaching Imperia. Those traveling by car, coming from both Genoa and France, can take the SS1 Aurelia or the Autostrada dei Fiori A10 Genova – Ventimiglia and exit at Imperia Ovest, for Porto Maurizio, or Imperia Est, for Oneglia. There are also two train stations, one for Oneglia and one for the port area, while the closest international airports are the Côte d’Azur in Nice and the Cristoforo Colombo in Genoa. A final option is to reach Imperia by sea, landing at the tourist port of Porto Maurizio.
Where to Stay in Imperia
- Hotel Rossini al Teatro (Piazza Rossini 14, Oneglia): A boutique hotel blending modern elegance and historic charm.
- Villa Giada Resort (Strada Colla 103, Imperia): Perfect for families with panoramic views of the sea and multiple pools.
- Hotel Corallo (Via Scarincio 32, Porto Maurizio): Stunning sea views and just steps from the beach.
- Relais del Maro (Via Ambrogio Guglieri 1, Borgomaro): A cozy, eco-friendly retreat in the nearby countryside.
- Camping Edy (Via Diano Calderina 186, Imperia): For outdoor enthusiasts, this campsite offers a unique, budget-friendly stay.
Where to Eat in Imperia
- Ristorante Salvo Cacciatori (Via Bonfante 50, Oneglia): Traditional Ligurian cuisine with modern twists.
- Osteria Didù (Via Vieusseux 8, Porto Maurizio): Authentic flavors in an intimate atmosphere.
- Sarri (Via Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 108): A Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative seafood dishes.
- La Femme (Via Cascione 30, Porto Maurizio): Famous for its delicious pasta and warm hospitality.
- Pizzeria Dal Buongustaio (Via San Giovanni 15, Oneglia): For a relaxed meal, enjoy some of the best pizza in town.