Eco Hotel a Imperia
Soggiorni sostenibili in Liguria's City of Olives — where the Italian Riviera meets centuries of olive oil heritage.
Perché Soggiornare a Imperia?
Imperia is unlike any other town on the Italian Riviera. Formed in 1923 by merging two historically distinct settlements — Porto Maurizio on the western headland and Oneglia in the eastern bay — the city is split by the Impero River and unified by a gorgeous 6km coastal promenade. It's a place of two personalities: Porto Maurizio offers a medieval labyrinth of narrow caruggi, pastel-painted houses, and one of the largest churches in Liguria (the Cathedral of San Maurizio), while Oneglia is the commercial heart, centred on the elegant Piazza Dante and home to a working harbour that still brings in the morning catch.
Imperia is known as the "City of Olives," and for good reason. The terraced hillsides behind the town are covered with Taggiasca olive groves that produce some of Italy's finest extra-virgin olive oil. The world-class Museo dell'Olivo in Oneglia traces 5,000 years of olive cultivation. This is a town where food is taken seriously — from farinata (crispy chickpea flatbread) to trofie al pesto made with hand-picked Ligurian basil, to fresh anchovies pulled from the sea that morning. The Mediterranean climate is famously mild, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, making Imperia an appealing base in every season. And unlike the more touristy stretches of the Riviera, it feels genuinely Italian — a working town with real markets, real fishermen, and real espresso bars where locals argue about football over morning caffè.
In Breve
Come Sfruttare al Meglio Your Stay
Getting there: Imperia has its own train station on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line, with frequent regional services. By car, take the A10 autostrada (exit Imperia Est for Oneglia, Imperia Ovest for Porto Maurizio). The nearest major airport is Nice Côte d'Azur (95km west, roughly 1h15 by car), which has budget and international flights. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo airport is 115km east. Both airports connect to Imperia by a combination of airport shuttle and train.
Where to base yourself: Porto Maurizio is the pick for atmosphere — the Parasio medieval quarter, panoramic terraces, and the grand cathedral are all here. Oneglia suits those who want to be near restaurants, the harbour, and the morning market. Diano Marina (7km east) is ideal if a long sandy beach is your priority. Borghetto San Nicolò, between the two main centres, offers a quieter stretch of coast.
Day trips: Sanremo is just 30km west (25 minutes by train) — famous for its casino, flower market, and the old town of La Pigna. The medieval village of Dolceacqua, 20km inland, is dominated by a ruined Doria castle and connected by a hump-backed bridge that Monet painted. The French border at Ventimiglia is 45km away, and Nice is a realistic day trip at 95km. Heading east, the Cinque Terre is 120km but easily reachable by train. Closer to home, the mountain village of Pieve di Teco (25km inland) hosts a weekly antiques market.
Dove Alloggiare — Areas
Porto Maurizio
The historic half of Imperia. Medieval Parasio district, the grand cathedral, panoramic terraces, and a quieter, more atmospheric feel. Best for culture lovers and romantics.
Oneglia
The commercial and harbour side. Piazza Dante, the olive oil museum, morning market, and most of the restaurants. Great for foodies and those who want to be in the thick of it.
Diano Marina
A beach resort town 7km east with one of the longest sandy beaches on the western Riviera. Family-friendly, with a lively seafront promenade and plenty of hotels.
Borghetto San Nicolò
A quiet stretch of coast between Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Beach access, gardens, and a more laid-back vibe away from the centre. Good for a peaceful escape.
Eco Hotel a Imperia
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Cosa Fare a Imperia
🏛️ Parasio Medieval Quarter
The oldest part of Porto Maurizio, perched on a promontory above the sea. A tangle of narrow alleys (caruggi), stone archways, and pastel buildings that hasn't changed much in centuries. The Spianata del Parasio at the top offers one of the best panoramic views on the entire Ligurian coast — on clear days you can see all the way to Corsica.
🫒 Museo dell'Olivo (Olive Tree Museum)
Located in Oneglia, this world-class museum is run by the Fratelli Carli olive oil company and traces the history of olive cultivation from ancient Mesopotamia to modern Liguria. Interactive exhibits, antique oil presses, and a tasting room where you can sample the local Taggiasca variety. Free entry.
⛪ Cathedral of San Maurizio
One of the largest churches in Liguria, this neoclassical cathedral dominates the Porto Maurizio skyline. Built in the early 19th century with a massive dome visible from across the bay, it's an impressive piece of architecture even for non-church-goers.
🚴 Coastal Bike Path
A converted former railway line that runs along the coast, connecting Imperia to San Lorenzo al Mare (4km east) and continuing towards Diano Marina. Flat, paved, and car-free with sea views the entire way. Bike hire is available at several points along the route.
⛵ Porto Turistico & Oneglia Harbour
The marina in Oneglia is lined with restaurants and bars, and the harbour front is perfect for an evening stroll. Watch the fishing boats come in, grab a gelato, and enjoy the sunset over the water.
🏔️ Santuario di Montegrazie
A hilltop sanctuary about 5km inland from Porto Maurizio, surrounded by olive groves and pine forest. The 15th-century church contains remarkable frescoes, and the walk up through the terraced hillside is beautiful, especially in spring when the wildflowers are out.
🏖️ Beaches & Beach Clubs
Imperia has a mix of free public beaches and equipped stabilimenti (beach clubs) along its coastline. The main beaches are at Borgo Prino (west of Porto Maurizio), along the lungomare between the two towns, and extensively at Diano Marina. Water is clear and the season runs from May to October.
🛒 Morning Markets & Local Produce
The Mercato Coperto in Oneglia is a covered market selling fresh fish, local cheeses, seasonal vegetables, and of course, olive oil. Porto Maurizio has a smaller morning market with similar quality. Wednesday and Saturday mornings see larger open-air markets in Oneglia with clothing, food, and household goods.
🫒 Olive Oil Tasting
Several frantoi (olive presses) around Imperia offer guided tastings — Frantoio della Rosa is one of the most accessible. November and December, during harvest season, you can watch the pressing process and taste fresh olio nuovo straight from the press.
Recommended Sentieri
🚶 Passeggiata Imperia — Coastal Walk
The classic walk connecting Oneglia to Porto Maurizio along the seafront promenade (lungomare). Flat and paved throughout, passing beaches, rocky coves, and the Borghetto district. Best at golden hour when the whole coast turns pink. This walk captures the essence of Imperia — two towns linked by the sea.
🏰 Parasio Historic Trail
A loop through the medieval heart of Porto Maurizio. Starting from the harbour, wind up through narrow caruggi to the Spianata del Parasio viewpoint, past the Cathedral of San Maurizio, and down through the old town's pastel-painted alleyways. Some steps and cobblestones but no serious elevation.
⛪ Montegrazie Sanctuary Walk
A loop from Porto Maurizio up to the Santuario di Montegrazie, a 15th-century hilltop church 5km inland. The route climbs through olive terraces and pine woods with expanding views back to the coast. The sanctuary has notable frescoes and a peaceful piazza for a rest before the descent.
🚴 Imperia–Diano Marina Cycle Path
A flat, car-free path along the converted former railway line, hugging the coast between Imperia and Diano Marina. Ideal for families with children, joggers, or anyone wanting a breezy ride with unbroken sea views. Bike hire available at both ends.