Capital of the western Ligurian coast, Imperia is a city with a distinctive character, born in 1923 from the union of two separate historic centres divided by the Impero stream: Oneglia to the east and Porto Maurizio to the west. Even today they keep two different souls, and that is precisely its charm. It’s a more authentic, human-scale riviera, less fashionable than Sanremo, perfect for those seeking sea, good food and reasonable prices. The addresses we suggest we choose one by one, never by hearsay.
Oneglia is the town of olive oil and commerce, with its arcades, fish market and long tradition of oil mills; Porto Maurizio is the town of art, perched on the headland with its old quarter. Together they tell of a truer, lived-in western coast, where tourism has never taken over from everyday life. For the traveller, that means lower prices than in the more celebrated destinations, a clean, award-winning sea, and a cuisine of land and sea — from Taggiasca olive oil to pesto, from stockfish to Oneglia prawns — that alone is worth the trip.
Where to stay in Imperia
The choice is between the city’s two souls. Oneglia is lively and commercial, with arcades, the market, the port and the olive-oil tradition: handy for those who want services, restaurants and city life. Porto Maurizio is more scenic, with the old Parasio quarter perched on the headland and the beaches of Borgo Marina: ideal for those seeking atmosphere and views. In both you stay comfortably and a couple of steps from the sea, and distances are short, so you can enjoy the whole city wherever you choose to sleep. The addresses we choose:
Hotel Croce di Malta
A beachfront three-star in the Borgo Marina district, with air-conditioned sea-view rooms and a wellness centre. The pleasure of having the beach on your doorstep and the Parasio a couple of steps away. Ideal for those who want sea and relaxation in the heart of Porto Maurizio.
B&B Hotel Rossini al Teatro
A four-star in the heart of Oneglia, set in a former theatre, with a panoramic terrace over the Alps and a lounge bar. The charm of sleeping in a historic building, among the arcades and the port. Ideal for those who want style and a very central location.
Hotel Corallo
A three-star in Porto Maurizio, with a sea-view solarium terrace, a panoramic restaurant and a beach a couple of steps from the old town. The convenience of a seafront base near the Parasio. Ideal for those seeking a panorama and dining with a view.
La Casetta di Giuci
A family-run bed and breakfast with panoramic terraces, free private parking and a view over the city and the sea. The warmth of a caring welcome and the calm of a slightly raised position. Ideal for those seeking quiet and a personal touch.
All the small hotels in Imperia →
What to see in Imperia
The heart not to be missed is the Parasio, the medieval quarter of Porto Maurizio perched on the headland, a maze of alleys and stairways that opens onto glimpses of sea at every corner. It is dominated by the neoclassical basilica of San Maurizio, the largest church in Liguria, while a short distance away the convent of Santa Chiara offers one of the loveliest panoramic terraces on the coast.
In Oneglia, instead, you breathe the history of olive oil: here is the seat of the famous Fratelli Carli, with its Olive Museum, and the arcades facing the port house restaurants and shops. Worth seeing too are the Calata Cuneo, the fishermen’s harbourfront, and the Naval Museum that tells the city’s seafaring vocation. The beaches of Borgo Marina and Prino complete the picture, between sand and pebbles a couple of steps from the centre.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the loveliest times, with a mild climate, a sea still enjoyable and lower prices; summer is the season of beaches and evening life on the port. In late summer, moreover, Imperia hosts the great Vele d’Epoca gathering, an unmissable spectacle for sea lovers, when the great historic sailing yachts fill the gulf. Thanks to the gentle western climate, however, Imperia stays a pleasant destination almost all year round.
How to get there
Imperia is on the Genoa–Ventimiglia railway line, with its single station well connected to the coast; by car you arrive from the A10 motorway at the Imperia Est and Imperia Ovest exits. On the spot, the centre and the sea are walked on foot, while buses and trains conveniently link Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. A little to the east, at San Lorenzo al Mare, the western cycle path begins, handy for a ride along the sea. For the full picture on trains and connections, see how to get to Liguria. A little to the west lies Sanremo with the Riviera of Flowers.
This guide is part of our grand journey through the region: discover all the destinations and areas in Where to Stay in Liguria.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about where to stay in Imperia.
Is it better to stay in Oneglia or Porto Maurizio?
It depends on what you’re after. Oneglia is livelier and more commercial, with arcades, the market and the port: handy for services and city life. Porto Maurizio is more scenic, with the old Parasio quarter and the beaches of Borgo Marina. They’re close and connected, so from one you easily reach the other.
Is Imperia a good base for the Riviera of Flowers?
Yes, an excellent one: it’s quieter and cheaper than Sanremo, which is a few minutes away by train or car, and it lets you explore the whole western coast at leisure. On top of that it has a lovely sea, good food and the history of olive oil. It’s the ideal choice for those who want authenticity and reasonable prices.
What is there to see in Imperia?
Not to be missed is the Parasio, the medieval quarter of Porto Maurizio with the great basilica of San Maurizio, the largest church in Liguria. In Oneglia you can explore the world of olive oil with Fratelli Carli and its Olive Museum. The walks along the port and the beaches of Borgo Marina are lovely too.
How do you get around Imperia?
The centre and the sea are comfortably walked on foot, and the city’s two souls, Oneglia and Porto Maurizio, are linked by bus and a short distance apart. The station is on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line. A little to the east, at San Lorenzo al Mare, the cycle path begins for a ride along the coast.
