Top Cosa Fare a Imperia

1. Walk the Parasio Medieval Quarter

The Parasio is the oldest district in Porto Maurizio, perched on a rocky promontory above the sea. It's a tight labyrinth of narrow alleys (caruggi), stone archways, and pastel-painted houses — the kind of place where you turn a corner and find an unexpected courtyard garden or a cat sleeping on a windowsill. The district was once the fortified heart of the town, and remnants of the old walls and gates survive.

Climb to the top for the Spianata del Parasio, a panoramic terrace with sweeping views along the coast — on clear days you can see all the way to Corsica. It's one of the finest viewpoints in western Liguria and completely free. The Parasio is most atmospheric in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light catches the coloured facades and the lanes are quiet.

2. Visit the Cathedral of San Maurizio

One of the largest churches in Liguria, the Cathedral of San Maurizio dominates the Porto Maurizio skyline with its massive neoclassical dome. Built between 1781 and 1838, it replaced an earlier medieval church and was designed by the architect Gaetano Cantoni. The interior is vast and impressive, with a central dome that floods the nave with light. Even if churches aren't usually your thing, the scale and setting — on a hilltop overlooking the sea — make it worth a visit. Free entry.

3. Stroll the Porto Maurizio Seafront

The seafront promenade below Porto Maurizio offers a pleasant walk past rocky beaches, small coves, and the Borgo Prino neighbourhood — a former fishing village now absorbed into the city. There are a couple of beach clubs and a few bar-restaurants with outdoor terraces facing the sea. The light here in the hour before sunset is extraordinary.

4. Explore the Museo dell'Olivo (Olive Tree Museum)

This world-class museum, run by the Fratelli Carli olive oil company, traces 5,000 years of olive cultivation. From ancient amphoras and Roman oil lamps to Ligurian terracing techniques and modern cold-pressing, the exhibits are well-curated, multilingual, and genuinely fascinating — even for people who think they don't care about olive oil. The museum includes a tasting room where you can sample different grades and varieties, and a shop selling Carli products. It's one of Imperia's standout attractions and one of the best food museums in Italy. Read more about olive oil in our Imperia food guide.

5. Wander Piazza Dante & Oneglia Harbour

Piazza Dante is the main square of Oneglia — an elegant, arcaded piazza surrounded by cafés, shops, and gelaterias. It's the social hub of the eastern half of Imperia and a natural meeting point. From here, walk down to the harbour (Porto Turistico), where fishing boats share the water with pleasure yachts. The harbour front has several restaurants and bars — it's a great spot for an evening aperitivo while watching the boats and the sunset. The morning fish market on the quay is a spectacle in its own right.

6. Visit the Morning Market

Oneglia's covered market is open every morning except Sunday and sells fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, cheeses, olives, and of course, olive oil. It's the best way to experience Imperia's food culture up close — chat to the vendors, pick up some focaccia from the bakery next door, and assemble a picnic for the beach. Wednesdays and Saturdays also see a larger open-air market nearby.

7. Cycle the Coastal Bike Path

One of the best things you can do in Imperia. The former railway line between Imperia and San Lorenzo al Mare has been converted into a flat, paved, car-free cycling and walking path that hugs the coast. Extended further east towards Diano Marina, it gives you 7km of unbroken sea views — cliffs on one side, turquoise water on the other. Bike hire is available at stations along the route. It's suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and the scenery is spectacular. Consider continuing to Diano Marina for a swim at the sandy beach before cycling back.

8. Swim at Diano Marina Beach

Diano Marina has one of the longest sandy beaches on the Riviera di Ponente — a broad sweep of sand backed by palm trees and a lively promenade. There are equipped beach clubs (stabilimenti) with sunbed-and-umbrella setups and bar service, plus free public sections. The water is clean and clear, and the beach faces south for all-day sun. It's a short bike ride, train ride, or bus journey from Imperia centre. The Grand Hotel Diana sits right on this beach — a 4-star option for those wanting to wake up steps from the sand.

9. Walk to the Santuario di Montegrazie

A hilltop sanctuary surrounded by olive terraces and pine forest, about 5km inland from Porto Maurizio. The 15th-century church contains remarkable late-medieval frescoes, and the small piazza in front of it has panoramic views along the coast. The walk up from Porto Maurizio is the real highlight — an 8km loop through the terraced hillsides that gives you a completely different perspective on Imperia, from agricultural heritage to coastal beauty. Best in spring when the wildflowers and olive blossoms are out.

10. Join an Olive Oil Tasting

Beyond the museum, several working frantoi (olive presses) around Imperia offer guided tasting experiences. Frantoio della Rosa is one of the most accessible, explaining the cold-press process and guiding you through different olive oil profiles — early harvest vs. late harvest, monocultivar vs. blended. During the harvest season (November–December), you can watch the actual pressing and taste olio nuovo straight from the press. It's one of the most memorable food experiences in Liguria.

11. The Evening Passeggiata

The passeggiata — the ritual evening stroll — is alive and well in Imperia. As the sun drops towards the horizon, locals of all ages take to the 6km lungomare connecting Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. Families push prams, couples walk arm in arm, teenagers cluster on benches, and everyone seems to know everyone else. Stop at a gelateria along the way, or grab a seat at one of the harbour-front bars in Oneglia for an Aperol spritz with a sea view. It's one of those simple Italian pleasures that no amount of planning can replicate — you just have to be there.

Dolceacqua

A stunning medieval village in the Nervia valley, dominated by the ruined Doria castle and connected by a single-arch stone bridge that Claude Monet painted in 1884. The town is famous for Rossese di Dolceacqua wine and michetta, a local sweet pastry. The narrow lanes, stone houses, and riverside setting make it one of the most photogenic villages in Liguria. Half a day is enough for a thorough visit.

Sanremo

Famous worldwide for its music festival and casino, Sanremo is the glamorous neighbour to the west. The old town (La Pigna) is a medieval maze of alleys, the seafront promenade is elegant, and the flower market is a sensory overload. Easy to reach by train for a day of exploration and shopping.

Pieve di Teco

A quiet mountain village with a long arcaded main street, a weekly antiques and crafts market, and excellent mushroom and chestnut dishes in autumn. It's a glimpse into the rural interior of the Imperia province — a world away from the coast, despite being only 25km inland.

Nice & the French Riviera

The French border at Ventimiglia is just 45km from Imperia, and Nice is a realistic day trip at 95km. Drive or take the train via Ventimiglia. Combine it with a stop at Menton or the Ventimiglia Friday market for a cross-border experience.