Is Imperia Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons For Visiting Imperia

Is Imperia worth visiting? First, let me say that it is one of the most underrated cities we have visited on the Italian Riviera. 

From that statement, you can guess that we think Imperia is worth visiting. We didn’t stay for too long; our main aim was to visit the Museo dell’Olivo, so we didn’t allocate too much time. This was a mistake!

Imperia is a fascinating city. It’s one of the capitals of the four Liguria provinces of the same name: Imperia, Genoa, La Spezia, and Savona. We spent weeks travelling around the province of Imperia (and La Spezia, which is famous for Cinque Terre), and we quickly fell in love with the region.

In this post, I’m sharing a travel guide and explaining why we think Imperia is worth visiting. I’m also including practical information to help you plan your trip.

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Is Imperia Worth Visiting?

As I said above, Imperia is one of the most overlooked cities we visited on the Italian Riviera. This is interesting since it’s the capital of Imperia; you’d think it was a top choice for many. We noticed that the northwestern end of the Italian Riviera, Imperia province, was a lot quieter than other areas.

This was a good thing for us. It meant we could explore Imperia without mass tourism: fewer crowds and lower prices, especially compared to Cinque Terre. Imperia felt more authentic; there were undoubtedly more Italians there than foreign tourists when we were there. 

Since we neglected our research before visiting, I’m being completely honest here: we missed a lot of attractions. But I’ve done my research now, and the reasons below to visit Imperia have made us want to return. In truth, I’d love to return to this part of the Italian Riviera to explore more. 

Nevertheless, Imperia was a cheerful, beautiful place. We enjoyed walking along the Calata Cuneo, grabbing a delicious pistachio ice cream, meandering through the old town, and browsing Fratelli Carli’s endless varieties of olive products. Imperia’s Museo dell’Olivio was also an interesting, thoughtfully put-together place well worth a visit.

Considering everything we saw and the additional attractions we still have to see, Imperia is 100% worth visiting. It would make an excellent base for exploring the Riviera or the perfect stop on a road trip itinerary. It was colourful, interesting and amazingly still relatively warm in November— the kind of weather for shorts and dresses.

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Imperia Location & Activity Map

Imperia is located on the Italian Riviera, northwest of the Liguria region. The nearest major city is Genoa, which is about 140 km (87 miles) away. The E80/A10 motorway connects Genoa to Imperia, and several exits provide access to the town.

Depending on traffic, the journey time by car from Genoa to Imperia is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The scenic coastal road SS1 Aurelia also runs through Imperia, connecting it to other towns along the Italian Riviera.

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Why Is Imperia Worth Visiting?

Here are all the reasons why we enjoyed Imperia and why you should add it to your itinerary, including all the best things to do and attractions to visit! 

1. The Museo dell’Olivo

The Museo dell’Olvio (Google Maps) was our main reason for visiting Imperia, and it was a superb little museum worth visiting. It’s not huge, and you’ll only need an hour or two to explore it. 

The exhibitions go into great detail about cultivation and historical uses, which was really interesting. Most of the information plaques are in Italian, so I recommend purchasing the Audio Guide, which allows you to select your language.

That said, we thought some of the sections went on for a little too long, and there was no information on the process of how olives were preserved. 

Even so, the museum was an excellent addition to our itinerary. It features a small shop inside, but it’s linked to the larger Fratelli Carli Emporium.

FRATELLI CARLI EMPORIUM

If you’re looking for a place to buy top-end olive products, visit Fratelli Carli (Google Maps). The Emporium is impressive! The shop has a tremendous selection of products, including the season’s newest olive oils, which are free to sample. 

There were Christmas gift hampers in November. We purchased a few for family members, but I’m sure these are available throughout the year. 

The shop includes a small bar serving seasonal dishes paired with wine. Other products include olive-based toiletries and makeup, gift baskets and boxes, and a variety of dried goods, such as pasta, panettone, preserves, and condiments.

2. The Olive Oil Festival

Due to our lack of research, this event slipped under our radar. Although we visited in early November, we might have been able to extend the trip to include the festival, so I’m a bit gutted we missed it. Nevertheless, I’ve read some great things about it, as follows.

The Olive Oil Festival is an annual event that takes place in Imperia, usually in mid-November. It celebrates the region’s most famous produce—olive oil (I think the festival’s name is a bit of a giveaway). Due to its history, there’s no better place to learn about olive oil than Imperia, so this occasion is going to be quite something! 

The festival features various events, including olive oil tastings, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances. The region’s olive oil is used to make local delicacies, such as fresh seafood and pasta dishes sold on stalls along Via Bonfante to the charming Calata Cuneo (see item 4 below).

Attending the festival seems like a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine while learning about the history, cultivation and production of olive oil. It’s definitely going to be worth visiting if you’re in the area.

3. The Old Towns Of Porto Maurizio And Oneglia

Unbeknownst to us, Imperia is split into two parts, or better, it was once two villages and now joined into one. However, the ancient divide is still quite evident, with Porto Maurizio (Google Maps) and Oneglia (Google Maps) sitting on either side of the Imperio River.

We spent most of our time in Oneglia, which is east of the river and less touristy since this is where the Museo dell’Olivo is located. We actually parked our campervan on the west side of the river, closer to Porto Maurizio.

Oneglia is better known for its olive oil and flower production, while Porto Maurizio is considered the touristy side, prettier and with more scenic points. We took an afternoon walk along the Porto Di Imperia (Google Maps) to the lighthouse, Molo Lungo di Porto Maurizio (Google Maps); however, that was all we saw of Porto Maurizio. I do recommend walking along the wall of Banchina Medaglie D’Oro, though. 

Of course, I don’t want you to miss out like we did, so be sure to add Porto Maurizio and Oneglia to your Imperia itinerary. Both have excellent historic centres worth visiting.

ONEGLIA

As for Oneglia’s old town, we happily wandered around the colourful streets, taking in the architecture and atmosphere. It’s more modern and spacious than other old towns we’ve visited in the area, such as La Pigna in Sanremo and Dolceacqua’s Tera, but still very lovely and full of cafes.

BORGO PARASIO 

Porto Maurizio’s old town, Borgo Parasio (Google Maps), is nestled on a hill overlooking the port. It’s sad we missed it, but from what I‘ve read, it’s lined with pastel-coloured buildings and winding alleyways leading to spectacular viewpoints at the top of the hill.

4. The Picturesque Calata Cuneo

Calata Cuneo (Google Maps) is Imperia’s historic fishing port, which is definitely worth visiting. It is known for its lively atmosphere and historical significance. During our visit, a rather annoying marquee tent obstructed the view along the waterfront. However, this tent isn’t a permanent fixture, and I hope that it will not be there during your visit.

As Oneglia’s port, Calata Cuneo played a crucial role in the town’s commercial and economic growth. It served sailors, merchants, and locals. Over time, it transformed from a commercial maritime hub to a destination for yacht charters, and superyachts are usually moored along the quay.

Calata Cuneo is a quaint location offering a blend of boating charm and Mediterranean spirit. It’s just a short stroll from the historic centre of Oneglia, making it perfect for relaxing and enjoying a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias. At night, lively bars and music venues come alive, making Calata Cuneo an ideal place to spend an evening.

5. The Villa Grock

Another attraction we missed is Villa Grock (Google Maps), a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture, art, or the history of clowning. Clowning, you say? It sounds rather whimsical, but Adrien Wettach, a famous clown who performed under the stage name Grock, built the villa in the early 1900s.

The villa is a unique combination of architecture, art, and fancy notions. Its exterior is brightly coloured, and its interior is filled with intricate carvings, mosaics, and sculptures. It sounds like a beautiful and unusual building that’s worth visiting if you’re in Imperia.

Luckily, the villa has been carefully restored and is now open to the public as a museum. It’s possible to take a guided tour and learn about Grock’s life and work. One of the highlights of the tour is said to be the outdoor theatre, which Grock himself designed. 

6. The Churches

Imperia is full of religious buildings, although only a few are worth visiting. The Basilica di San Giovanni Battista (Google Maps) in Oneglia is one of them. The basilica, built in the mid-1800s, stands proudly in the centre of the old town. Its external facade has been renovated a few times, leaving it well-presented. Inside, you’ll find several beautiful artworks, frescoes and elegant ornamental decorations.

In Porto Maurizio, there is the Basilica Cattedrale dei San Maurizio e Compagni Martiri (Google Maps), which features a classical Baroque facade on the Piazza Duomo. The cathedral was constructed in the 18th century, with a design characterised by its grandeur and elegance. The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with stunning frescoes, sculptures, and paintings.

Finally, don’t miss the Logge di Santa Chiara (Google Maps). Other than the basilicas, the Santa Chiara Convent is one of the most important religious places in Imperia. The convent was first built in the mid-14th century and later reconstructed in 1741 to its present-day facade. It’s located in the Borgo Parasio and has classic and beautiful architecture; it’s not to be missed!

7. The Shopping, Cafes & Nightlife

Imperia certainly had a lively atmosphere and fantastic shopping. From Piazza Dante (Google Maps), the bustling Via Silvio Bonfante (Google Maps) is a beautiful street lined with interesting shops tucked into porticos. These shops sell everything from clothing and antiques to locally made crafts. Walk along this street until you reach Via S. Giovanni (Google Maps), a narrow lane leading into the old town.

Via S. Giovanni is a charming lane filled with more boutique shops and cafes. It will lead you straight to the Basilica di San Giovanni Battista. Make sure you leave enough time to explore the historic centre before heading down to Calata Cuneo, which is a top spot for evening entertainment.

⭐ Pro tip >> Keep in mind that shops generally open from around 9:30 am until 7:30 pm, with a lunch break around 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. On Mondays, we noticed most shops are usually closed in the mornings. During the summer, you’ll find many shops that stay open well into the evening.

8. The Piazzas, Palazzos & Museums

While exploring Imperia, it’s worth visiting some of these attractions. Although they may not be the most exciting places on the list, they’re still worth passing by if you’re in the area.

PIAZZA DANTE

The main square of Imperia is characterised by a picturesque fountain and is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. There were a number of cafes, although it was a little too busy to be a “relaxing” spot. It’s nice to grab a photo of the fountain, but move on quickly and find somewhere quieter, preferably further inside the old town, for refreshments.

PALAZZO PAGLIARI 

Palazzo Pagliari (Google Maps) is an impressive building located in the heart of Porto Maurizio’s historic centre. It has a unique architectural style built in the 14th century and is now home to the Heritage Museum. The museum showcases the history of Imperia and the Ligurian region. The Palazzo Pagliari is definitely worth visiting if you love history and architecture.

THE NAVAL MUSEUM/PLANETARIUM

The Naval Museum and Planetarium of Imperia (Google Maps) is in Porto Maurizio. Although we didn’t visit, it seems like an interesting attraction that explores the city’s maritime history through exhibitions and interactive displays.

The planetarium offers a unique chance to learn about astronomy and space with shows featuring the night sky, stars, and planets projected onto a dome-shaped screen. If you’re searching for a family-friendly activity, consider visiting this museum.

9. Vele d’Epoca Of Imperia – International Sailing Week

By now, it’s safe to say that Imperia is a yachtsman’s dream. The city’s historic handling of all things seafaring has made it the perfect place to hold the annual regatta of Vele d’Epoca di Imperia or the vintage sailboat regatta of Imperia. 

The event attracts vintage sailboats from all over the world, making it one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the Mediterranean. The regatta is usually held in early to mid-September and lasts for a week, during which the vintage boats compete in a series of races. 

The event is not just a race but also a celebration of the region’s maritime history and culture, with a variety of cultural and social events taking place alongside the races.

The Vele d’Epoca di Imperia is a must-see event for anyone interested in vintage sailboats, maritime history, and culture, or simply seeking a unique and exciting experience on the Italian Riviera.

10. The Beaches

As far as beaches go, Imperia has plenty, but remember they are city beaches, so if you’re expecting natural surroundings, you’ll be in for a shock; however, they are worth visiting. Expectations lowered; the beaches along the Riviera are still nice, usually full of pebbles instead of sand. Arrive early to ensure you have a sunbed. 

⭐ Pro tip >> A few popular “Spiaggia” (Italian for beach) include Spiaggia Galeazza (Google Maps), Spiaggia d’Oror (Google Maps), Borgo Prino free beach (Google Maps) and Koko Beach (Google Maps), which is a lido. To be honest, most have access to bars and restaurants with music, which are the positive traits of urban beaches!

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When Is Imperia Worth Visiting?

With its temperate Mediterranean climate, Imperia can be visited all year long. However, it’s worth noting that some attractions are closed or operate at reduced opening hours during the off-season. Therefore, to fully appreciate Imperia, I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons or summer months.

We’ve written a complete month-by-month guide to Italy’s weather here.

WINTER

Average Temperatures: Highs/Lows

• December: 13°C / 8°C (55°F / 46°F)
• January: 13°C / 8°C (55°F / 46°F)
• February: 13°C / 8°C (55°F / 46°F)

The off-season in Imperia runs from December through February and usually into March. With temperatures averaging 10°C/ 50°F, it’s not freezing, but it’s not warm enough to enjoy beaches or to sit outside. If you plan to visit Imperia during this period, you’ll get good deals on accommodations, but check which attractions are open, as some may have reduced opening times. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Keep in mind this is a wet period and with a strong sea breeze hitting the Riviera, it can feel much colder than it actually is, so pack appropriately.

SPRING

Average Temperatures: Highs/Lows

• March: 15°C / 9°C (59°F / 48°F)
• April: 16°C / 11°C (61°F / 52°F)
• May: 21°C / 15°C (70°F / 59°F)

Spring is an excellent time to visit the Italian Riviera if you’re not looking to spend time on the beaches. Early spring can be a good time to avoid crowds and skip peak-time price increases for a city escape and sightseeing. 

However, if you prefer warmer weather, consider late spring, around mid-April to May. Prices will have started to increase, but weather-wise, you’ll get warmer, sunnier days. Also, you will witness the spring blooms brightening up the city.

SUMMER

Average Temperatures: Highs/Lows

• June: 24°C / 18°C (75°F / 64°F)
• July: 26°C / 21°C (79°F / 70°F)
• August: 27°C / 21°C (81°F / 70°F)

Summertime is the warmest of months to visit Imperia and runs from June through August. Known as the peak season, this is the most expensive time to visit Italy. It’s also the most crowded; expect long queues and packed-out beaches.

The good news is that you’re guaranteed good weather, so if you want to spend more time on the beach sipping Aperol spritz, then summer is a good time. Consider June into early July rather than August. Italians take their annual vacations during August, so it is the busiest month overall for travelling in Italy, with both foreign tourists and Italians hitting places like Imperia.

⭐ Pro tip >> That said, Imperia is less busy than most cities along the Riviera or in Italy, so you might just get away with having a relaxing summertime visit. If you are going, let me know!

AUTUMN

Average Temperatures: Highs/Lows

• September: 24°C / 18°C (75°F / 64°F)
• October: 21°C / 15°C (70°F / 59°F)
• November: 16°C / 11°C (61°F / 52°F)

Autumn, which runs from September through November, can be a little hit-and-miss. Early autumn is often considered a great time to visit the Riviera, and because of this, it remains ever popular with tourists. October can be regarded as a shoulder season, and pleasant weather generally occurs, especially during the first couple of weeks. 

However, mid-October into November, you’ll notice a change in weather. Rain clouds will start forming, and it’s more likely than not that you’ll experience rainfall. 

That said, we visited Imperia in early November and had lovely sunny weather. It was still warm enough to walk around in a dress and shorts, and we didn’t see any rain. Fast-forward a few days, and we experienced a downpour further west in the quaint mediaeval village of Pigna. It’s worth a visit if you’re exploring the hills of Liguria.

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Planning Your Trip To Imperia

Are you ready to book your trip? I’ve pulled together practical information on how to get to Imperia, recommendations on where to stay and for how long and some top eateries to help you plan your trip.

How To Get To Imperia

Imperia is located on the Italian Riviera, and it’s easy to get to. We drove around Liguria in our campervan, which made hopping between towns super easy and allowed us to explore more remote areas in the hills. I recommend renting a car if you’re not using your own so you have more freedom to explore.

However, if you’re only staying in Imperia or along the Riviera, you can take public transport. Imperia’s train station is connected to the main airport in Genoa, as are many other towns along the coast. There’s also a well-connected bus network, and of course, if you book an excursion, transport is often included.

Let’s dive into each transport option below.

SELF DRIVE

To get to Imperia from Genoa along the motorway, you can take the E80/A10 (tolled) motorway. The journey is approximately 117 km (72 miles) and should take around 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic. There are several exits along the way that provide access to the city, so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you. 

There is also the SS1, the old coastal road. It is longer but more scenic, and you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Italian Riviera along the way.

There are plenty of parking spots in Imperia. The most convenient is the Parcheggio Molo Lungo (Google Maps) in Oneglio or Parcheggio Pubblico Gratuito 3 (Google Maps) in Porto Maurizio.

If you’re looking for campervan parking:

• This is where we parked for the night (Google Maps). I don’t believe there is an official “Area Sosta Camper.”

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re travelling in a campervan, we recommend using the Park4night App. It’s an excellent resource for finding camping spots worldwide. The app is free, although there is a paid version, which isn’t much but makes it much more helpful. 

TRAIN

The Italian Riviera has a good train network, and most towns along the coast, including Imperia and the airport, have train stations. We generally use Trainline to book train travel in Italy and Europe. It’s a website that provides a quick and easy way to purchase tickets while overseas without having to deal with confusing ticket machines.

⭐ Pro tip >> I like it as I can check train prices, plan trips, and get the best deals, and it shows a variety of ticket options. 

BUS

If you fancy exploring the surrounding countryside but don’t have a car, Flexibus serves Liguria and runs various lines throughout the region. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Use Busbud to book your Flixibus journeys, and you’ll save money! You can use Busbud all over Europe and the United Kingdom.

PLANE

The closest airport to Imperia is in Nice, France. It’s about 95 km away and takes about an hour and a half to travel there. However, if you prefer an Italian airport, you’ll want to fly into Genoa Airport, which is 111 km east and takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. 

BOOKED EXCURSIONS

If you prefer, you can book a tour and explore Imperia and the surrounding area with a guide. 

Below, I’ve selected the top-rated tours around Imperia for you to browse through:

• Day Hike In The Mountains Of Sanremo: Jump on a 40-minute train ride to Sanremo and meet your guide for a private hiking excursion into the mountains. Visit stunning vistas and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the Italian Riviera.
• Torrentismo – Climbing Up Through The River: Are you up for an adventure activity? This private river trekking excursion offers a unique way to explore Liguria’s inland scenery. Follow your guide as you trek upstream and splash in rapids.
• Pasta & Bake: The best way to experience authentic Italy is through the food! This pasta cooking class includes three different types of pasta, practical tips, and hands-on instruction from an expert cook at her home in Sanremo, only a 40-minute train journey from Imperia!

How Many Days Is Enough In Imperia?

Imperia is a fun city with a lot of entertainment, but how long you spend there depends on your reasons for visiting. We spent the night there and enjoyed a full day exploring Oneglio; however, remember we missed Porto Maurizio. 

If you’re on a tight schedule, both villages can be visited in a day; however, I recommend setting aside at least one day for each. I suggest spending two days, at the very least, in Imperia. 

That said, Imperia would make a great city escape, with plenty of shopping and activities to keep you busy for longer. If you want to visit the beaches, explore the surrounding countryside, and spend a bit more time visiting attractions, you can easily add additional days to your itinerary. 

Overall, I recommend spending a maximum of 5 days in Imperia. This will give you enough time to visit both Oneglio and Porto Maurizio, enjoy a tour, explore the nearby villages and have some downtime on the beaches without feeling rushed.

Helpful Accommodation Ideas

As expected for a city, Imperia is overflowing with accommodation options. You’ll find all types of accommodations, from typical hotels to bed and breakfasts, apartments and guesthouses to suit all budgets. 

It’s a good idea to set a clear budget as prices change throughout the year. The off-season (November through March) is generally more affordable. The shoulder months of April, May and October are usually more expensive but still reasonable, while June through September experience the highest prices.

Where To Eat And Drink?

There are numerous places to dine in Imperia, most of which have stunning views over the Riviera. The best advice I can give is to explore and look for somewhere that grabs your fancy.

Below are a few top-rated restaurants and cafes.

ONEGLIO

• Big Pizza (£): We saw many students buying from here, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick, cheap meal. 
• Caffè La Svolta (£): We stopped here for a quick bite; as far as cheap eats go, it’s excellent! Focaccia €1.50 various toppings. Outside/inside seating. €2.50 coffee /juice 
• Gelati di Fe (££): Remember I mentioned ice cream earlier? We got a delicious pistachio ice cream from here!
• l Bistrot del Tempo Perduto (££): Along the Calata Cuneo, this restaurant comes highly rated.
• Enoteca Marchisio: A wine shop with good deals!

PORTO MAURIZIO

• Ristorante pizzeria L’Oasi (££): A pizzeria that comes highly recommended (over a thousand reviews!)
• Osteria Dai Pippi (££): Homemade food, creative recipes and attentive and super fast service at this typical Ligurian restaurant. Tip: they serve fish soup on Friday evening -an absolute must
• A Grillo Restaurant & Wine (££): This Italian restaurant is quaint and cosy and located in the heart of the old town.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

The Verdict: Is Imperia Worth Visiting

As always, I want to finish this guide with a summary of our thoughts on why Imperia is worth visiting. In truth, I wish we had spent more time here. We missed a lot, although when I look back on our entire road trip, we did so much; I’m very grateful.

Imperia was a surprise, and we weren’t expecting it to be so colourful and fun. At its core, it is an old fishing village, and this heritage can be seen throughout with sculptures of anchors, daily catches on menus, fishing boats, yachts and museums; it’s a maritime dream. 

Fishing aside, Imperia is a lovely place along the Riviera with exciting attractions. We loved the Museo dell’Olivo and Fratelli Carli; two must-visit sites. The atmosphere at Calata Cuneo was fantastic, even if the tent blocked our view. The old town was lovely to stroll around, but I think Borgo Parioso would have been more charming; as I said, it’s a shame we missed it.

Nevertheless, make sure you add all these attractions to your itinerary, and I’m sure you will leave thinking Imperia is also worth visiting. Have a wonderful trip, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Thank you for reading my post. You can find my latest stories and articles on my blog homepage here. Follow me on Instagram (@abigailcarolina.dalton) and Facebook to see what I’m getting up to and where my upcoming trips are.

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