Imperia Travel Guide: Olive Oil, Beaches & the Authentic Italian Riviera (2026)

The Museo dell’Olivo (Olive Museum), housed in the art nouveau Pedriali building, is genuinely fascinating — it traces the 6,000-year history of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean with artifacts, old presses, and tastings. Imperia produces some of Italy’s finest extra-virgin olive oil, particularly the Taggiasca variety, and the museum explains why the local microclimate and traditional harvesting methods make such a difference. If you’re interested in Ligurian olive oil, this is the place to deep-dive.

Don’t miss the covered Mercato di Oneglia (via Cascione, open mornings except Sunday). It’s one of Liguria’s best food markets — stalls piled with fresh pasta, torte di verdure (savory vegetable pies), local cheeses, and Taggiasca olives sold by weight. Pick up supplies for a beach picnic or just graze your way through.

The Olive Oil: Imperia’s Real Treasure

The hills around Imperia produce what many connoisseurs consider Italy’s finest olive oil. The Taggiasca olive — small, dark, and intensely fruity — has been cultivated here since Benedictine monks introduced it in the 7th century. The oil is delicate, with notes of almond and artichoke, a peppery finish, and extremely low acidity. It’s the foundation of practically every dish on the local table.

Several producers offer tours and tastings. Frantoio Gaziello (just outside Oneglia) and Olio Roi (in nearby Badalucco) are excellent choices where you can see traditional stone mills and modern centrifuges side by side. Book ahead — most are family operations that don’t keep regular visitor hours. The best time to visit is November-December during the harvest, when the air smells of freshly crushed olives and you can taste oil still warm from the press.

Best Beaches in Imperia

Imperia’s coastline alternates between sandy stretches and rocky coves — more variety than many realize:

• Spiaggia d’Oro (Porto Maurizio) — The main city beach: golden sand, shallow water, full facilities. Gets busy in July/August but manageable.
• Borgo Prino — A smaller, quieter sandy beach just west of Porto Maurizio, backed by pastel fishermen’s houses.
• Baia delle Vele — A pebbly cove between the two halves of the city, popular with locals and good for snorkeling.
• Spiaggia della Galeazza — West of Porto Maurizio, a mix of sand and pebbles with a relaxed vibe and a good beach bar.

If you’re willing to venture a bit further, the beaches at nearby San Lorenzo al Mare and Santo Stefano al Mare are wider and less crowded. For the full Ligurian beach experience, check our guide to the best beaches in Liguria.

Where to Eat: Imperia’s Best Restaurants

Imperia’s food scene is driven by what comes off the boats and out of the hills each morning. Seafood dominates, but the local vegetable dishes — stuffed zucchini flowers, torta pasqualina, farinata — are equally essential. Here’s where to find the best:

• Osteria Didù (Oneglia) — Tiny, family-run, no menu. Whatever was caught that morning, simply prepared. The trofie al pesto is benchmark-setting. Book essential.
• Ristorante Le Officine (Porto Maurizio) — Creative Ligurian cuisine in a stylish converted workshop. Try the cappon magro, Liguria’s elaborate seafood-and-vegetable tower.
• Trattoria Da Toni (Oneglia) — No-frills seafood since 1952. The fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) is legendary, and the house white wine comes in unlabeled bottles.
• La Piazzetta (Porto Maurizio) — Pizza and Ligurian classics on a charming piazza. Perfect for a casual dinner with a view of the Parasio.

For a broader taste of the region, see our complete Liguria food guide — 20 dishes you need to try, from focaccia genovese to pansoti in salsa di noci.

Day Trips from Imperia

Imperia makes an excellent base for exploring the western Riviera. The train station connects to the entire coast, and the cycling path along the former railway line is one of Italy’s best:

• Cervo — 15 minutes east. A perfect hilltop borgo with a baroque church, flower-filled alleys, and a renowned chamber music festival in summer.
• Diano Marina — 10 minutes east. Long, sandy beaches and a relaxed resort atmosphere — popular with Italian families.
• Sanremo — 25 minutes west. The grand dame of the Riviera: Liberty-style architecture, a casino, and the famous flower market. See our Sanremo travel guide.
• Dolceacqua — 40 minutes inland. Monet’s favorite village, with a medieval bridge and castle. See our Dolceacqua guide.

The Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure — a 24-kilometer cycling and walking path built on the old railway line — runs right through Imperia along the coast. Flat, paved, and stunningly scenic, it’s perfect for a relaxed bike ride with sea views stretching to Corsica on clear days. Rent a bike at one of the many shops along the route.

Where to Stay in Imperia

Accommodation in Imperia skews toward mid-range hotels and B&Bs — you won’t find five-star luxury here, but you will find excellent value and warm hospitality:

• Hotel Rossini al Teatro (Porto Maurizio) — A charming boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century building near the cathedral. Rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
• Relais Villa Faraldi (hills above Imperia) — A beautifully restored country house with a pool, olive groves, and a restaurant that sources everything within 10 kilometers.
• B&B Le Nuvole (Oneglia) — Modern, stylish rooms in the city center, walking distance to the port and market.

For budget travelers, Imperia has several good options under €100 a night. For a broader overview, see our budget accommodation guide and where to stay in Liguria.

Practical Tips for Visiting Imperia

• Getting there: Imperia has its own train station on the Genoa-Ventimiglia line. Trains from Genoa take about 1.5 hours, from Nice about 1 hour. The station sits between Oneglia and Porto Maurizio — a 10-15 minute walk to either center. For general transport tips, see our guide to getting around Liguria.
• Best time to visit: May-June and September are ideal — warm enough for swimming, not yet crowded. July-August is peak season; the beaches fill up but Imperia handles it better than the Cinque Terre. The olive harvest (November) is a wonderful time for food-focused travelers. See our month-by-month guide.
• Getting around: The city is walkable, but the hills between the two halves are steep. The local bus (Tpl Linea) connects Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. For exploring the surrounding coast, the train or a rental bike on the pista ciclabile are ideal.
• Parking: If driving, use the large public lots at the marina (Porto Maurizio) or near the train station. Street parking in the Parasio is essentially impossible — don’t try.

Related Guides

• Sanremo Travel Guide: Beyond the Music Festival
• 10 Charming Villages in Liguria You’ve Never Heard Of
• Olive Oil in Liguria: A Tasting Guide to the Riviera’s Liquid Gold
• 15 Best Beaches in Liguria: Sandy Bays, Secret Coves & Crystal Water
• Liguria Food Guide: 20 Dishes You Must Try
• Dolceacqua Travel Guide: Monet’s Bridge and Liguria’s Most Beautiful Medieval Village

Imperia is Liguria’s most overlooked provincial capital — a city of 42,000 that most travelers speed past en route to Sanremo or the French Riviera. That’s precisely why you should stop. Split between the medieval hilltop quarter of Oneglia and the elegant seaside Porto Maurizio, Imperia delivers two distinct experiences in one destination: a working port town with Liguria’s best olive oil, and a pastel-colored borgo with views that rival any on the coast.

I’ve passed through Imperia dozens of times over the years, and every visit reveals something new — a hidden carruggio alley, a family-run restaurant where the menu hasn’t changed since 1952, or an olive oil producer whose trees predate the Roman Empire. This guide covers everything you need to plan a visit, from the best beaches to where to eat, where to stay, and why Imperia’s olive oil is genuinely world-class.

Why Visit Imperia?

Imperia sits at the center of the Riviera dei Fiori — the “Riviera of Flowers” — halfway between Sanremo and Alassio. It’s not a postcard destination like Portofino or the Cinque Terre, and that’s its greatest asset. Prices are reasonable, restaurants cater to locals rather than tourists, and you can still find a spot on the beach in August without elbowing anyone.

The city is essentially two towns fused together in 1923, and each has a completely different personality. Oneglia (east side) is the historic industrial heart — wider streets, a proper fishing port, and the city’s best food scene. Porto Maurizio (west side) is the postcard — a labyrinth of medieval alleys cascading down a promontory to a crescent of beach, with a stunning cathedral complex at the summit.

Porto Maurizio: The Beautiful Half

If you only have a few hours, spend them in Porto Maurizio. Start at the Basilica of San Maurizio, the largest church in Liguria — its neoclassical facade and twin bell towers dominate the skyline. The real magic is the Parasio, the medieval quarter behind the cathedral. Narrow carruggi stair-step down the hillside, opening unexpectedly onto terraces with sea views. The buildings are painted in faded ochres, pinks, and blues — the kind of accidental beauty that Italian hill towns do better than anywhere else.

Follow the alleys downhill and you’ll reach Spiaggia d’Oro (Golden Beach) and the smaller Borgo Prino beach. Both are sandy — a rarity in rocky Liguria — and the water is clean and shallow enough for kids. The Porto Maurizio marina is one of the best-equipped on the western Riviera, and there’s a pleasant waterfront promenade lined with gelaterie and bars for an evening passeggiata.

Oneglia: Where Imperia Lives and Eats

Oneglia feels like a real Italian city, not a tourist destination. The Porto di Oneglia is still a working fishing harbor — you’ll see boats unloading the morning catch around 7 AM, and the fish ends up on plates by lunchtime. The waterfront Calata Cuneo is lined with restaurants that take seafood seriously.

The Museo dell’Olivo (Olive Museum), housed in the art nouveau Pedriali building, is genuinely fascinating — it traces the 6,000-year history of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean with artifacts, old presses, and tastings. Imperia produces some of Italy’s finest extra-virgin olive oil, particularly the Taggiasca variety, and the museum explains why the local microclimate and traditional harvesting methods make such a difference. If you’re interested in Ligurian olive oil, this is the place to deep-dive.

Don’t miss the covered Mercato di Oneglia (via Cascione, open mornings except Sunday). It’s one of Liguria’s best food markets — stalls piled with fresh pasta, torte di verdure (savory vegetable pies), local cheeses, and Taggiasca olives sold by weight. Pick up supplies for a beach picnic or just graze your way through.

The Olive Oil: Imperia’s Real Treasure

The hills around Imperia produce what many connoisseurs consider Italy’s finest olive oil. The Taggiasca olive — small, dark, and intensely fruity — has been cultivated here since Benedictine monks introduced it in the 7th century. The oil is delicate, with notes of almond and artichoke, a peppery finish, and extremely low acidity. It’s the foundation of practically every dish on the local table.

Several producers offer tours and tastings. Frantoio Gaziello (just outside Oneglia) and Olio Roi (in nearby Badalucco) are excellent choices where you can see traditional stone mills and modern centrifuges side by side. Book ahead — most are family operations that don’t keep regular visitor hours. The best time to visit is November-December during the harvest, when the air smells of freshly crushed olives and you can taste oil still warm from the press.

Best Beaches in Imperia

Imperia’s coastline alternates between sandy stretches and rocky coves — more variety than many realize:

• Spiaggia d’Oro (Porto Maurizio) — The main city beach: golden sand, shallow water, full facilities. Gets busy in July/August but manageable.
• Borgo Prino — A smaller, quieter sandy beach just west of Porto Maurizio, backed by pastel fishermen’s houses.
• Baia delle Vele — A pebbly cove between the two halves of the city, popular with locals and good for snorkeling.
• Spiaggia della Galeazza — West of Porto Maurizio, a mix of sand and pebbles with a relaxed vibe and a good beach bar.

If you’re willing to venture a bit further, the beaches at nearby San Lorenzo al Mare and Santo Stefano al Mare are wider and less crowded. For the full Ligurian beach experience, check our guide to the best beaches in Liguria.

Where to Eat: Imperia’s Best Restaurants

Imperia’s food scene is driven by what comes off the boats and out of the hills each morning. Seafood dominates, but the local vegetable dishes — stuffed zucchini flowers, torta pasqualina, farinata — are equally essential. Here’s where to find the best:

• Osteria Didù (Oneglia) — Tiny, family-run, no menu. Whatever was caught that morning, simply prepared. The trofie al pesto is benchmark-setting. Book essential.
• Ristorante Le Officine (Porto Maurizio) — Creative Ligurian cuisine in a stylish converted workshop. Try the cappon magro, Liguria’s elaborate seafood-and-vegetable tower.
• Trattoria Da Toni (Oneglia) — No-frills seafood since 1952. The fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) is legendary, and the house white wine comes in unlabeled bottles.
• La Piazzetta (Porto Maurizio) — Pizza and Ligurian classics on a charming piazza. Perfect for a casual dinner with a view of the Parasio.

For a broader taste of the region, see our complete Liguria food guide — 20 dishes you need to try, from focaccia genovese to pansoti in salsa di noci.

Day Trips from Imperia

Imperia makes an excellent base for exploring the western Riviera. The train station connects to the entire coast, and the cycling path along the former railway line is one of Italy’s best:

• Cervo — 15 minutes east. A perfect hilltop borgo with a baroque church, flower-filled alleys, and a renowned chamber music festival in summer.
• Diano Marina — 10 minutes east. Long, sandy beaches and a relaxed resort atmosphere — popular with Italian families.
• Sanremo — 25 minutes west. The grand dame of the Riviera: Liberty-style architecture, a casino, and the famous flower market. See our Sanremo travel guide.
• Dolceacqua — 40 minutes inland. Monet’s favorite village, with a medieval bridge and castle. See our Dolceacqua guide.

The Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure — a 24-kilometer cycling and walking path built on the old railway line — runs right through Imperia along the coast. Flat, paved, and stunningly scenic, it’s perfect for a relaxed bike ride with sea views stretching to Corsica on clear days. Rent a bike at one of the many shops along the route.

Where to Stay in Imperia

Accommodation in Imperia skews toward mid-range hotels and B&Bs — you won’t find five-star luxury here, but you will find excellent value and warm hospitality:

• Hotel Rossini al Teatro (Porto Maurizio) — A charming boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century building near the cathedral. Rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
• Relais Villa Faraldi (hills above Imperia) — A beautifully restored country house with a pool, olive groves, and a restaurant that sources everything within 10 kilometers.
• B&B Le Nuvole (Oneglia) — Modern, stylish rooms in the city center, walking distance to the port and market.

For budget travelers, Imperia has several good options under €100 a night. For a broader overview, see our budget accommodation guide and where to stay in Liguria.

Practical Tips for Visiting Imperia

• Getting there: Imperia has its own train station on the Genoa-Ventimiglia line. Trains from Genoa take about 1.5 hours, from Nice about 1 hour. The station sits between Oneglia and Porto Maurizio — a 10-15 minute walk to either center. For general transport tips, see our guide to getting around Liguria.
• Best time to visit: May-June and September are ideal — warm enough for swimming, not yet crowded. July-August is peak season; the beaches fill up but Imperia handles it better than the Cinque Terre. The olive harvest (November) is a wonderful time for food-focused travelers. See our month-by-month guide.
• Getting around: The city is walkable, but the hills between the two halves are steep. The local bus (Tpl Linea) connects Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. For exploring the surrounding coast, the train or a rental bike on the pista ciclabile are ideal.
• Parking: If driving, use the large public lots at the marina (Porto Maurizio) or near the train station. Street parking in the Parasio is essentially impossible — don’t try.

Related Guides

• Sanremo Travel Guide: Beyond the Music Festival
• 10 Charming Villages in Liguria You’ve Never Heard Of
• Olive Oil in Liguria: A Tasting Guide to the Riviera’s Liquid Gold
• 15 Best Beaches in Liguria: Sandy Bays, Secret Coves & Crystal Water
• Liguria Food Guide: 20 Dishes You Must Try
• Dolceacqua Travel Guide: Monet’s Bridge and Liguria’s Most Beautiful Medieval Village
• Bordighera Travel Guide — Another eastern Riviera gem with a very different character
• Best Beach Clubs & Lidos in Liguria — find the best stabilimenti, beach clubs, and lidos on the Italian Riviera
• Birdwatching in Liguria — complete guide to spotting rare species on the Italian Riviera
• Liguria by Train: Scenic Rail Routes on the Italian Riviera
• Best Things to Do in Liguria When It Rains: Museums, Food Tours & Indoor Activities