Province of Imperia: Coast, Olives and the Ligurian Hinterland

• The provincial capital, Imperia, consists of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio, two districts with distinct character.
• Sanremo and Ventimiglia lie on the western stretch of the coast; Diano Marina and Cervo are farther east.
• The Riviera dei Fiori is also known for Taggiasca olives and terraced olive groves.
• Parasio in Porto Maurizio is a historic hillside quarter above the harbor.
• Higher-altitude villages such as Dolcedo and Valloria offer a contrast to the coast.
• Different starting points make sense for beach days, cultural visits and trips to inland villages.

Imperia is not a single, unified old town; it was formed in 1923 through the merger of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. The two centers lie on opposite sides of the Impero River and still have distinct atmospheres. Porto Maurizio rises above the harbor, with the Parasio district on its slopes. The Basilica of San Maurizio, the loggias at the Santa Chiara convent and the narrow lanes make a walk here a rewarding combination of culture and views; given the steep terrain, comfortable clothing and a little extra time are helpful. Oneglia has more of a harbor and commercial feel. Fish shops and restaurants line Calata Cuneo, while the Museo dell’Olivo brings the history and production of olive oil to life. If you have only a short time in the city, don’t try to squeeze in both districts between beach visits: each deserves its own walk. The Imperia city guide provides more detail on sights and neighborhoods.

West of Imperia lie Sanremo and Ventimiglia. Sanremo combines the amenities of a larger city with a waterfront promenade, cultural venues and a historic center. Ventimiglia is close to the French border and makes for a worthwhile city trip in its own right, with both an old town and a coastline. Farther east are Diano Marina and smaller places such as Cervo. Cervo sits on a hillside above the sea; its medieval village, the Castello dei Clavesana and the Baroque Church of San Giovanni Battista pack plenty into a compact walk. The coastline is not the same everywhere: staying in a larger center feels different from strolling through a small hillside village. Before booking, compare the accommodation’s exact location, access to the town center and the routes you expect to travel each day. Being close to a beach doesn’t necessarily mean that restaurants, the train station or the old town are easy to reach.

The towns also differ according to the kind of day you have in mind. Sanremo offers urban amenities alongside the sea; Diano Marina works well as a coastal base, while Cervo is defined more by its historic architecture and hillside lanes. Taggia and the neighboring coastal area, in turn, offer a glimpse into the region’s older history and agricultural heritage. Make use of these differences rather than choosing accommodation based on a general idea of the “Riviera.” Our overview of Sanremo, profile of Cervo and page on Ventimiglia can help you decide.

The province is more than a string of seaside towns. In the valleys behind Imperia, olive groves, steep slopes and dry-stone walls shape the landscape. Taggiasca olives are a regional specialty; the protected designation of origin applies to clearly defined products, not automatically to every oil marketed with the variety’s name. So if you’re tasting olive oil or want to take some home, check the label and its indication of origin. Its mild flavor suits a cuisine in which olive oil is treated as an ingredient, not just a seasoning.

Villages such as Dolcedo and Valloria lie in the Prino Valley and offer a different setting from the coastal promenades. Here, the focus is more on village squares, narrow lanes and views across the terraced landscape than on a classic day at the beach. Taggia combines a historic old town with the olive-growing culture of the west. Plan these places as intentional side trips, and check the route for the day: despite the region’s manageable distances, coastal towns and mountain villages are not interchangeable neighbors. A quick visit to several villages can mean more time driving than exploring; it’s often better to take your time in one valley.

For a culture-focused day, explore both districts of Imperia: spend the morning in Parasio and at the viewpoints of Porto Maurizio, then head to the harbor and olive museum in Oneglia. If regional cuisine is your priority, compare seafood dishes on the coast with products from the inland areas. Olive oil, herbs and wine are part of a food culture that varies from place to place. If a product’s origin matters to you when shopping, ask where it comes from; check opening hours, tastings and availability directly with the provider.

Another option is to pair a coastal town with a single inland village. First decide whether swimming, architecture or scenery is your main focus, then add a second place that complements it. For longer walks inland, sturdy footwear and a check of the weather and trail conditions are useful; confirm specific walking routes and access locally. This keeps your plans flexible without assuming that travel times or opening hours have been checked.

Imperia is a practical choice if you want to combine museums, the harbor and restaurants with an urban setting. Sanremo offers a larger coastal city as a base; smaller towns may appeal if you plan to spend most of your time by the sea or want to experience a particular historic village. If olive culture and inland villages interest you, take a closer look at locations away from the coast. For each accommodation, compare proximity to the beach, hills, access to parking or the train station, and distance from the places you actually plan to visit. The accommodation overview for the Province of Imperia makes it easier to compare locations; amenities and availability depend on the individual property and your travel dates.

If you have only a few days, avoid changing towns every day: choose a coastal base and add one planned day in a town or village. For a longer stay, two bases may make sense, such as a coastal town followed by an inland village. What matters is less the number of places you visit than finding the right mix of sea, history and regional cuisine. That way, you can experience the Province of Imperia as a varied region with distinct areas, rather than reducing it to a beach destination.

On a short trip, start by exploring the two districts of Imperia and one coastal town. You could spend a second day in Sanremo or Ventimiglia; choose just one additional destination so you have time to enjoy the place itself. If you’re more interested in scenery and food, you could instead combine Imperia with Taggia or a village in the Prino Valley. This gives you a change of scene between harbor, hillside lanes and olive-growing country without requiring long drives every day.

For a longer holiday, splitting your time between the coast and inland areas may work well. Before changing bases, check how far apart your accommodation, rail or road links and planned excursions are. Some destinations are ideal for a leisurely stroll, while others call for a full-day trip. A flexible plan leaves room to swap a beach day for a museum or village visit depending on the weather or your interests. Check local transport connections and current opening hours for your travel dates.