Where to Stay in Imperia Province: Best Hotels, Towns & Accommodation Guide (2026)

May 26, 2026

By Awesome Liguria EditorialIn Where to Stay

From Sanremo's Belle Époque grand hotels to the medieval borgo of Cervo — your complete guide to the best accommodation in Liguria's westernmost province.

The province of Imperia is Liguria’s westernmost jewel — a stretch of the Italian Riviera that runs from the French border to the hills above Albenga. It’s home to the palm-lined boulevards of Sanremo, the medieval caruggi of Cervo, the Belle Époque villas of Bordighera, and some of the most beautiful (and underrated) beaches in all of Italy. Whether you’re here for the Sanremo Music Festival, the Ligurian cuisine, or simply a slow-paced seaside holiday, choosing the right base makes all the difference.

This guide covers the best towns to stay in across Imperia province, with hand-picked hotel recommendations for every budget — from grand five-star palaces to family-run guesthouses where you’ll wake up to the sound of the sea.

The Best Towns to Stay in Imperia Province

Sanremo — The Glamorous Capital of the Riviera dei Fiori

Sanremo is the undisputed queen of the western Riviera. Famous for its casino, its flower exports, and the eponymous music festival held every February at the Teatro Ariston, this city combines Belle Époque grandeur with a lively, authentic Italian atmosphere. The Imperia province doesn’t get more iconic than this. Stay here if you want elegant shopping streets, a long sandy beachfront, and easy day trips to Ventimiglia, Dolceacqua, and the French Riviera (Monte Carlo is just 45 minutes away by car).

The best area to stay is along Corso Imperatrice, the seafront promenade lined with palm trees, Liberty-style hotels, and views across the Gulf of Sanremo. For a quieter experience, look at the hillside neighborhood of San Martino, where you’ll find B&Bs with panoramic terraces.

Imperia (Porto Maurizio & Oneglia) — The Authentic Working Port

Imperia is the provincial capital but feels worlds away from Sanremo’s glitz. The city is actually two towns in one: Porto Maurizio, the older, more picturesque half perched on a promontory with a charming medieval centre (the Parasio), and Oneglia, the commercial heart with a bustling port, olive oil mills, and some of the best seafood trattorias on the coast. Stay here if you want an authentic, non-touristy experience — and don’t miss the local olive oil, some of the finest in Italy.

Diano Marina — The Family-Friendly Beach Town

Diano Marina, just east of Imperia, is the province’s most popular beach destination. Its wide, sandy beaches are perfect for families, and the flat seafront promenade is ideal for evening passeggiate, cycling, and gelato stops. The town has a relaxed, wholesome energy — not flashy, but deeply pleasant. It’s also a great base for exploring the hiking trails of the nearby hills and the medieval village of Diano Castello, one of the best-preserved borghi in the area.

Bordighera — The Garden of the Riviera

Bordighera is where the Riviera starts to feel unmistakably refined. This town was beloved by British aristocrats in the 19th century, and it shows — the lush public gardens, the elegant seafront promenade (the Lungomare Argentina, the longest on the Riviera), and the eccentric Villa Garnier (designed by the architect of the Paris Opera) give Bordighera a unique character. It’s also the closest Ligurian town to the French border — you can see Menton from the beach. The sunsets here are legendary.

Cervo — The Medieval Borgo by the Sea

Cervo is the kind of place that makes you forget what century you’re in. A perfectly preserved medieval village perched on a hill above the sea, Cervo’s narrow stone alleyways, flower-draped balconies, and the baroque Church of San Giovanni Battista (known as “the little cathedral of the Riviera”) have made it one of the most photographed borghi in Liguria. In summer, the town hosts an internationally renowned chamber music festival. There are no big hotels here — just a handful of charming guesthouses and one lovely seafront hotel. Cervo is also perfectly positioned to explore the Alassio coast and the lush Valle Steria just inland.

7 Best Hotels in Imperia Province

Here are our top picks, from historic five-star icons to intimate seaside hideaways. Every hotel on this list has been chosen for its location, character, and value — and each booking link takes you directly to Booking.com for the best available rates.

1. Royal Hotel Sanremo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Royal Hotel Sanremo — The undisputed grande dame of the Riviera dei Fiori. This legendary five-star hotel on Corso Imperatrice has hosted royalty, Hollywood stars, and Russian aristocrats since 1872. The pool is set in subtropical gardens with direct sea views, the spa is world-class, and the restaurant (Fiori di Murano) holds a Michelin star. Rooms from approximately €350/night. The ultimate splurge — worth it for a special occasion.

2. Hotel de Paris Sanremo ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel de Paris Sanremo — Another Corso Imperatrice classic, the de Paris is a notch less formal than the Royal but equally elegant. The rooftop terrace with panoramic sea views is unforgettable at sunset. The interiors blend Liberty architecture with contemporary Italian design. Excellent central location — the casino, the Ariston Theatre, and the shopping streets are all within a five-minute walk. Rooms from €200/night. Best value among Sanremo’s luxury options.

3. Grand Hotel & Des Anglais Sanremo ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grand Hotel & Des Anglais Sanremo — A handsome Liberty-style building with a lush private garden and excellent sea views. The Des Anglais (named for the British tourists who “invented” the Riviera) strikes the perfect balance between old-world charm and modern comfort. The restaurant serves excellent Ligurian cuisine, and the location — right on the seafront, steps from the old town — is hard to beat. Rooms from €160/night.

4. Hotel Rossini al Teatro Imperia ⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Rossini al Teatro Imperia — A hidden gem in Porto Maurizio’s historic centre. This family-run boutique hotel sits right next to the Teatro Cavour, in the heart of the Parasio district. The rooms are individually decorated with antique touches, and the rooftop terrace serves breakfast with views over the medieval rooftops to the sea. Ten minutes on foot down to the Spiaggia d’Oro beach. The warm, personal hospitality and central location make this the best choice in Imperia proper. Rooms from €100/night.

5. Grand Hotel Diana Majestic Diano Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grand Hotel Diana Majestic Diano Marina — The premier hotel in Diano Marina and the best choice for families. The private beach club is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beachfront restaurant; the pool area is large and well-maintained. Rooms are spacious and many have sea-view balconies. The town centre with its shops, gelaterias, and the long seafront promenade is two minutes away on foot. Excellent breakfast buffet. Rooms from €150/night in high season.

6. Hotel Villa Elisa Bordighera ⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Villa Elisa Bordighera — A beautifully restored Liberty villa surrounded by palm gardens in a quiet residential street, five minutes from the Lungomare Argentina. This small hotel (just 15 rooms) feels more like staying in a private home than a hotel — the owners are deeply knowledgeable about the area and generous with local tips. The terrace where breakfast is served is a little oasis of calm. One of the best value stays on the entire Riviera. Rooms from €90/night.

7. Hotel Miramare Cervo ⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Miramare Cervo — The only hotel directly on the Cervo seafront, with a terrace that quite literally hangs over the water. The sound of waves is your constant companion. It’s a simple, family-run hotel — no pool, no spa — but the location is unbeatable, and the restaurant serves some of the best seafood on this stretch of coast (the spaghetti allo scoglio is legendary). A short climb up the medieval stairways brings you to the heart of Cervo’s borgo. Rooms from €110/night in summer.

What Kind of Stay Is Right for You?

For luxury and glamour: Choose Sanremo and book the Royal or the de Paris. Add a day trip to Ventimiglia‘s Friday market and the Hanbury Botanical Gardens.
For families and beach days: Diano Marina is your spot. The Diana Majestic has everything you need for a stress-free seaside holiday with kids.
For authenticity and slow travel: Base yourself in Imperia (Porto Maurizio) at the Rossini al Teatro. Spend your days exploring olive mills, the local seafood restaurants, and the cycling path along the old railway line to San Lorenzo al Mare.
For romance and atmosphere: Split your stay between Bordighera (Villa Elisa) and Cervo (Miramare). These are two of the most romantic spots on the entire Italian Riviera, especially off-season.
For budget-conscious travellers: Imperia Province has excellent budget accommodation options, from family-run B&Bs in the hilltop villages to agriturismi surrounded by olive groves.

When to Visit Imperia Province

The best months are May, June, and September — the weather is perfect (mid-20s Celsius, sunny), the sea is warm enough for swimming, and the crowds are manageable. July and August are hot and busy, especially in Sanremo and Diano Marina, but the atmosphere is electric with summer festivals and open-air concerts. For the full month-by-month breakdown, see our seasonal guide.

Book at least 2-3 months ahead for summer stays — the best hotels in Sanremo and Diano Marina fill up fast. If you’re visiting during the Sanremo Music Festival (February), book even earlier — the whole town sells out.

How to Get Around Imperia Province

Imperia province is well connected by the SS1 Via Aurelia coastal road and the A10 motorway. Trains run along the coast connecting Ventimiglia, Bordighera, Sanremo, Imperia, and Diano Marina, continuing east to Alassio and Genoa. A road trip is the best way to explore — the coastal drive from Cervo to Ventimiglia, with detours into the hills, is one of the most beautiful routes in Italy. For the full transport picture, read our guide to getting around Liguria.

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