.webp)
Porto Maurizio Imperia: what to see between the sea, history and panoramic views
Porto Maurizio, Imperia is one of those places we always recommend to anyone staying with us. Just stroll through the narrow streets of the Parasio, stop to admire the sea from a panoramic terrace or head down to the seafront to experience the most authentic side of Imperia.
There’s no need to follow a rigid itinerary here. The beauty lies in letting curiosity guide you: a staircase leading up to the Basilica of San Maurizio, a small square overlooking the Mediterranean, a narrow alley leading to an unexpected viewpoint. This is the best way to experience Porto Maurizio.
In this guide, we’ve gathered the places that, in our experience, are truly worth a visit, along with some practical tips for planning your trip and enjoying Porto Maurizio at your own pace, without feeling like you have to rush from one attraction to the next.
Table of contents
Before visiting Porto Maurizio, there’s one thing you should know…
If there’s one piece of advice we often give our guests, it’s this: don’t try to visit Porto Maurizio in a rush, trying to “tick off” every attraction.
Its beauty lies not only in its best-known places, but in the way they unfold. From the seafront, you slowly climb towards Parasio, the historic district overlooking the city, passing through narrow streets, stairways and small squares where the sea continues to provide the backdrop. It’s a route that constantly changes perspective and invites you to slow down.
For this reason, we recommend dedicating at least a few hours to this part of Imperia, without following an overly rigid itinerary. Stop when you find a view that catches your eye, step inside a church if you’re curious, sit for a few minutes on a panoramic terrace. These are often the moments that make a visit truly special.
Porto Maurizio is also different from the other side of the city, Oneglia. While the latter is livelier and more commercial, Porto Maurizio retains an intimate atmosphere, shaped by history, views and a slower pace. It’s the ideal place for those who want to discover the more authentic side of Imperia before continuing towards the beaches or the other villages of the Riviera dei Fiori.
Porto Maurizio in one day: the route we recommend to our guests
If you have one day at your disposal, our advice is not to start from the historic center, but from the sea. It’s the best way to understand the connection Porto Maurizio has always had with the Mediterranean and to appreciate, step by step, how the landscape changes as you climb towards Parasio.
Start from the seafront and Spiaggia d'Oro
The seafront promenade is the ideal starting point. From here, you can immediately breathe in Porto Maurizio’s relaxed atmosphere and stop at Spiaggia d'Oro, one of the best-known beaches in Imperia. If you’re travelling during the warmer months, it’s worth stopping for a swim or simply enjoying a sea-view breakfast before starting your visit.
Reach Parasio through the narrow streets
From the seafront, the climb towards Parasio begins, the historic heart of Porto Maurizio. There is no fixed route to follow: in fact, the best part is letting yourself be guided by the narrow streets, passing through stone arches, discovering small squares and occasionally looking out towards the sea. Every street offers a different view and makes the walk part of the experience.
Stop at the Basilica of San Maurizio
Continuing on, you’ll reach the majestic Basilica of San Maurizio, the city’s main religious building and one of the symbols of Imperia. Beyond its impressive architecture, it’s worth visiting for its privileged position: once outside, simply look up to find the sea on the horizon and appreciate how perfectly Porto Maurizio blends into its surrounding landscape.
Reach the Loggiato di Santa Chiara
Just a few minutes from the Basilica, you’ll find one of the places we always recommend to photography lovers. The Loggiato di Santa Chiara offers one of the most beautiful views along the Ligurian coast: on one side, the historic center; on the other, the sea stretching all the way to the horizon. It’s one of those spots where it’s worth stopping for a few minutes, without rushing.
End the day by soaking up the atmosphere of the village
Before leaving Porto Maurizio, give yourself a little more time to wander through its streets. Stop in one of the small squares in the historic center for an aperitivo or dinner, watch the village change as the late-afternoon light sets in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that makes this part of Imperia so different from many other places along the Riviera.
Why is Porto Maurizio different from so many places along the Riviera?
Visitors to Porto Maurizio are often surprised by the fact that it doesn’t look like a typical seaside town. Of course, there are beaches, the port and the seafront promenade, but all it takes is climbing towards Parasio to find yourself in a historic center where time seems to move more slowly.
This contrast is precisely what makes it special. Within just a few minutes, you can go from a seaside walk to quiet alleyways, charming little squares and panoramic terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s a variety that can be hard to find in other villages along the Riviera dei Fiori.
Another aspect we particularly appreciate is its balance. Porto Maurizio retains an authentic identity without giving up the services, restaurants and local spots where you can stop throughout the day. Even during the livelier periods of the year, it manages to maintain a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for those who want to explore Imperia without the hectic pace of more crowded destinations.
⭐️ WHO WE RECOMMEND IT TO
For anyone looking for a holiday filled with walks, panoramic views and time to truly enjoy the places, rather than simply ticking off attractions. It’s a destination best experienced at a relaxed pace, perhaps returning to the same spots at different times of day, when the light changes and the village reveals new shades.
Porto Maurizio or Oneglia? Which one should you visit?
If it’s your first time in Imperia, our advice is simple: visit both. The two areas are just a few minutes apart and together they tell the story of the city’s character.
Choose Porto Maurizio if:
you want to walk through historic streets and squares;
you love sea views;
you want to visit Parasio and the Basilica of San Maurizio;
you prefer a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
Choose Oneglia if:
you’re looking for restaurants, shops and local spots;
you want to walk along the harbor;
you’re interested in discovering the city’s maritime and culinary traditions;
you prefer a livelier town center.
If you have one day at your disposal, the best option is to spend the morning in Porto Maurizio, exploring the historic center and its panoramic viewpoints, and the afternoon in Oneglia, between the harbor, shops and restaurants. This way, you can discover the two sides of Imperia and enjoy a complete experience.
Where to Stay to Explore Porto Maurizio and the Riviera dei Fiori
Porto Maurizio is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. What’s more, choosing this area as your base makes it easy to explore the rest of the Riviera dei Fiori too. In just a few minutes, you can reach Oneglia, the beaches of Imperia, San Lorenzo al Mare and the famous cycling path, or plan a day trip to discover villages such as Cervo, Diano Marina or Sanremo.
Our holiday home in Porto Maurizio is designed for those who want to experience the area at their own pace, without having to change accommodation every night. Located in a peaceful setting, it offers everything you need to relax after a day spent by the sea, walking and enjoying panoramic views.
Among the features our guests appreciate most are:
✅ Large private terrace where you can have breakfast or dine outdoors
✅ Open views over the hills and sea of the Riviera dei Fiori
✅ Spacious and bright rooms, ideal for couples, families and small groups
✅ Fully equipped kitchen so you can feel at home
✅ Private parking, perfect for conveniently exploring Imperia and the surrounding area
✅ A strategic location for reaching Porto Maurizio, Oneglia and the main destinations along the Riviera
For us, a holiday isn’t just about visiting new places, but having the time to truly experience them. It’s the same advice we give anyone visiting Imperia for the first time: give yourself a few extra days, slow down and let the area surprise you.
Discover our holiday home in Imperia
Start planning your stay between Porto Maurizio, the sea and the Riviera dei Fiori.
Porto Maurizio Imperia: a must-see stop
If you’re planning a trip to the Riviera dei Fiori, our advice is to give Porto Maurizio the time it deserves. Take the time to explore it at a relaxed pace and you’ll discover a village capable of surprising you at every turn, offering an experience that feels different from that of more traditional seaside destinations.
FAQ
What is the sea like in Porto Maurizio?
The sea in Porto Maurizio is among the most appreciated along the Riviera dei Fiori. Here you’ll find sandy beaches, such as the famous Spiaggia d'Oro, alternating with stretches of pebbles and rocks, with generally clear waters suitable both for relaxing and swimming.
What to see in Porto Maurizio, Imperia and the surrounding area?
In addition to Parasio, the Basilica of San Maurizio and the Loggiato di Santa Chiara, the surrounding area is also worth exploring, including Oneglia, the Naval Museum of Imperia, Borgo Marina and villages along the Riviera dei Fiori, such as Cervo, Diano Marina and San Lorenzo al Mare.
What is the most beautiful area of Imperia?
There is no single answer, but many consider Porto Maurizio the most fascinating part of Imperia thanks to its historic center, sea views and the authentic atmosphere of Parasio. Oneglia, on the other hand, is ideal for those looking for a livelier town center, with shops, restaurants and the harbor.
What is the name of the urban area that, together with Porto Maurizio, forms Imperia?
The city of Imperia is mainly made up of two historic districts: Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, which were unified in 1923 to form the current municipality of Imperia.
How do you get from Imperia train station to Porto Maurizio?
From Imperia railway station, you can reach Porto Maurizio by local bus, taxi or on foot. The journey by car or taxi takes about 5 minutes, while walking takes approximately 30 minutes.
Comments