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What to see in Imperia: a practical guide to planning your stay on the Riviera dei Fiori
- Holiday Home Delo
- May 21
- 7 min read
If you're looking for things to see in Imperia, you're probably planning a trip to the Riviera dei Fiori and want to know if it's worth staying here and for how long. The short answer is yes, and this guide explains why, where to go, and what to really expect .
Imperia is a real city, with two distinct souls (Porto Maurizio and Oneglia), a seafront tranquil , splendid villages in all seasons and a hinterland that most tourists don't consider but which is worth visiting.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to organize your visit, including tips on where to stay without ending up in the middle of the beach chaos.
Table of Contents
Culture, art and heritage of Imperia
Imperia is a city rich in culture, art, and architectural heritage, expressed through numerous churches and monuments of great value. The historic center of Porto Maurizio , with its Cathedral of San Maurizio, is a significant example of the Baroque style , characterized by ornamental details and a grandeur that captivates visitors. The cobbled streets and squares enlivened by street artists offer a unique atmosphere, while the historic monuments tell the story of the city and its traditions.
Art is also present in the various cultural events that take place throughout the year , making Imperia a place where historical heritage blends with contemporary vitality.
Imperia: what to see
Imperia is the result of the union of two distinct municipalities, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, which took place in 1923. Even today the two areas have different characteristics:
Porto Maurizio is the most historic and visually spectacular part , with the medieval centre on the promontory and the picturesque port;
Oneglia is more commercial, lively , with the seafront and the main square where daily life is concentrated.
Understanding this distinction helps you better plan your trip: if you want villages and a historic atmosphere, stay in Porto Maurizio, while if you're looking for markets, bars, and entertainment, Oneglia is the place to be.
What to see in Imperia: the main places
Port Maurice
This is the part of Imperia that most visitors prefer. The medieval historic center is perched on the promontory and offers views of the sea and the harbor that are worth the climb . The streets are narrow, the houses tall and colorful, and there's a slow pace that you won't find in more popular seaside resorts. The Cathedral of San Maurizio dominates the highest point of the center and can be seen from almost the entire coast.
The old port of Porto Maurizio is one of the most characteristic on the Riviera : fishing boats, seafood restaurants, and a unique atmosphere. It's worth spending an evening for dinner with a view.
Borgo Marina
Descending from the historic center toward the sea, you reach Borgo Marina, Porto Maurizio's fishing district . Colorful houses line the waterfront, a compact urban fabric, and a few trattorias that thrive, especially at lunchtime. It's the kind of place you can explore on foot in twenty minutes, but where you can easily spend an hour without looking at the clock.
Borgo Prino
Not far from the center, Borgo Prino is a residential neighborhood with an even quieter atmosphere . It's not a tourist destination in the traditional sense, but it has the advantage of showing Imperia as it really is: neighborhood shops, cafés where residents have breakfast, streets without crowds of visitors. If you want to understand the city beyond its surface, a stroll through this area is absolutely worth it.
Historic center and waterfront
The center of Oneglia develops around Piazza Dante, the main square with its arcades and historic cafés . From here begins the promenade that connects the two souls of the city. It is a long and comfortable walk, with the beach on one side and the buildings on the other .
Imperia is at the heart of Liguria's olive oil production, and the Olive Museum is definitely worth a visit if you're curious to understand the region beyond the sea.
What to see in the Imperia area
Imperia is also a convenient starting point for exploring both the coast and the hinterland, two very different realities.
To the west , Sanremo is less than thirty minutes away and offers the Casino, the historic center of Pigna, the flower market, and a long, lively seafront. To the east , Diano Marina and Cervo are two well-preserved coastal villages. Cervo in particular, with its seaside piazza and castle, is one of the most beautiful villages in Liguria and is often overlooked compared to the more well-known destinations.
The hinterland of the Riviera dei Fiori is a discovery for those unfamiliar with it. The villages in the Imperia hinterland (Dolceacqua, Triora, Apricale) are well-preserved medieval towns, less than an hour's drive from the coast . Dolceacqua boasts a medieval bridge and the Doria castle, Triora is known as the witches' village for its history, and Apricale is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its houses nestled one above the other on the hillside. If you want to see a Liguria other than the seaside, this is the place for you.
What to do in Imperia
The sea is obviously the first answer . Imperia's beaches are a mix of private and public lidos, with generally clean waters. It's not the wildest coast in Liguria, but it's well-equipped and less congested than Sanremo or the Cinque Terre villages.
The Riviera cycle path , the Ciclovia del Mare, runs along the coast, connecting several towns on the Riviera dei Fiori. From Imperia, you can cycle in either direction : it's accessible, flat, and allows you to see the coast from a different perspective without having to take a car.
The Oneglia market is one of the liveliest covered markets in the area : local produce, extra virgin olive oil (this is the land of Ligurian oil), Taggiasca olives, pesto, and fresh fish. It's worth a morning, especially if you have a kitchen and want to cook something local.
Inland walks offer trails through olive groves and hilltop villages , with views that are completely different from those along the coast. Even just driving up to the villages above Imperia and walking for an hour through the olive groves is a worthwhile experience.
Where to sleep in Imperia
As with most of coastal Liguria, choosing your accommodation in Imperia can make the difference between a pleasant and a stressful vacation. Hotels along the seafront are comfortable but noisy in the summer, small, and parking is almost always a problem .
A vacation rental in a more secluded location gives you space, autonomy, and the ability to manage your own pace without depending on breakfasts served at fixed times .
Holiday Home Delo's Holiday Home in Imperia, Porto Maurizio It's located on a hill, in a quiet area of Porto Maurizio. It's a convenient solution for those who want to be close to the sea but prefer a more private setting.
✅ Terrace with open view
✅ Close to the beaches
✅ Equipped kitchen
✅ Private parking
3 practical tips for visiting Imperia
Best time : May, June, and September are ideal. The sea is already warm, prices are lower than in August, and the beaches are accessible without queues. July and August are lively but crowded, especially on weekends. From October onward, the weather becomes unpredictable, but the inland areas are still worth a visit.
Getting around : A car is useful if you want to explore the hinterland. For the coast, the cycle path and regional trains are sufficient for getting between Imperia and nearby towns without driving. Note: Parking in the center of Porto Maurizio is limited during the high season, so having a parking space included with your accommodation is a welcome advantage in Liguria.
What to expect : Imperia has something authentic to offer in every season, and those who come once tend to return again and again.
Book your holiday home in Imperia
If you're looking for a vacation home in Imperia that allows you to enjoy your stay more calmly and without complications , this solution in Porto Maurizio is a solid choice.
Availability is limited and varies by season, especially during peak months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to see in the hinterland of Imperia?
The medieval villages of the Imperia hinterland are among the most interesting in Liguria. Dolceacqua, with the Doria Castle and the arched bridge, is the best known and easiest to reach. Triora is more remote but fascinating, with its history of witches and cobblestone alleys. Apricale is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and absolutely worth the detour. All three can be visited in a day by car.
What is there to see in Imperia?
The medieval historic center of Porto Maurizio, the Borgo Marina, the Oneglia seafront, the Olive Museum, and the coastal cycle path are the main attractions. Added to these are excursions into the hinterland and nearby towns such as Cervo, Diano Marina, and Sanremo.
What to see in Porto Maurizio Imperia and the surrounding area?
Porto Maurizio deserves at least half a day: the historic center on the promontory, the Cathedral, the old port, and the Borgo Marina. In the immediate vicinity, Oneglia is a ten-minute walk along the seafront. To the east, Cervo, a medieval village overlooking the sea just a few kilometers away, is worth a visit.
What to see in central Imperia?
Imperia's "center" is actually twofold. In Porto Maurizio: the medieval quarter, the narrow streets, the cathedral, and the harbor. In Oneglia: Piazza Dante with its arcades, the covered market, and the main square bustling with bars and shops. The two areas are connected by the waterfront and can be reached on foot in about twenty minutes.
What to see in Imperia in one day?
With a full day: a morning at the Oneglia market and a stroll along the waterfront, lunch at the Porto Maurizio port, an afternoon in the medieval old town and Borgo Marina, and an aperitif with a view. If you have time left in the afternoon, a quick stop in Cervo is worth the fifteen-minute drive.
What to see in Imperia if it rains?
Imperia doesn't stop when the rain comes. The Olive Museum is an interesting and uncrowded visit. The porticoes of Oneglia allow you to stroll without getting wet. The historic center of Porto Maurizio has a special light in the rain; it's one of those places that retains its character even in grey weather. Alternatively, a trip inland to Dolceacqua or Apricale, where rain doesn't detract from the experience of the stone villages.
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