Imperia's Flower Riviera and the forgotten mountainous hinterland
The charming main attractions of the port city of Imperia and the region include its eponymous capital. Particularly atmospheric is the regatta of classic sailing yachts, the "Vela d'Epoca", which takes place every two years in summer. With its picturesque fishing port, the interesting marine, shipping, and olive museums (including a pesto and olive shop), and Villa Grock, Imperia is a worthwhile destination. Be sure to take the time to visit the fantastic Villa of Mr. "Grock", whose real name is Charles Adrien Wettach, the most famous clown in the world. Enjoy the very personal architecture and dreamy garden of the artist here. Right next door is the fashionable Sanremo, tempting you to a longer stay, during which you can stroll along the promenade, visit the famous casino, and tour Villa Nobel, named after its former owner Alfred Nobel. Continue on to Ventimiglia, where you can enjoy the shady benches in the beautiful Hanbury Botanical Garden in Mortola Inferiore after visiting the old town of the pretty coastal town. For art lovers and romantics, the abandoned and artistically revived village of Bussana Vecchia is a must! Picturesquely situated on the river and amidst the mountains, the town of Dolceacqua below the castle ruins of the Doria family is a beautiful excursion destination. If you are looking for highlights in nature, head to the valleys of Valle Argentina and Valle Nervia. Or to the barren mountain peaks of the Saccarello massif and the "Parco Naturale Regionale delle Alpi Liguri" national park, where both hikers and mountain bikers can let off steam. The hidden side valleys, such as Rocchetta di Nervia with a canyon river, are beautiful.
Swimming in picturesque rocky coves and drying off in a romantic holiday home or apartment in a mountain village
If you want to experience Liguria's coast from a more authentic side, then you are in the right place in Imperia city with your own accommodation, apartment, or holiday home by the sea! The small town and its surroundings have preserved their original peculiarities and special charm. Be sure to take a whale-watching tour, which starts directly from Imperia's fishing port! The province of Imperia with its diverse Riviera di Ponente, called the "Flower Riviera" (Riviera dei Fiori) here, offers a varied beach holiday. This is not due to long sandy beaches - which the region does not have - but rather the many picturesque small bays that lie deeply cut into beautiful rocky landscapes. With small children, you are best off at the shallow fine sandy beach of Diano Marina and San Bartolomeo al Mare. Those who have booked a holiday with a pool in Imperia and the surrounding area of Taggia will be rewarded with interesting reefs where divers and snorkelers can have fun. Lush green valleys and bizarre gorges of the mountainous hinterland are perfect for hiking. But mountain bikers and downhill riders will not be disappointed either. The characteristic mountain villages of the Nervia Valley with their narrow streets and old houses, such as those in Isolabona, Apricale, or Dolceacqua, are something for romantics. Also, take a trip to the hinterland between hills and hiking trails or to Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. The Val Prino in the western hinterland of Imperia is one of the most scenically beautiful, almost lovely, and most popular valleys of western Liguria among European foreigners. Definitely worth a visit!
Liguria invites you to the table
Ligurian cuisine on the charming Mediterranean Sea in Italy does not live solely on pesto sauce, but you should definitely try the "Pesto genovese" at the place of its culinary discovery! The traditional food of the coast of Imperia is determined by freshly caught seafood and fish: crustaceans, anchovies (Acciughe), sardines (Sarde), sea bream (Dorata), swordfish (Pesce spada), clams (Vongole), mussels (Cozze), and scampi. Try the "Sardenaria" - focaccia with sardines, anchovies, and capers - and "Buridda", a fish-mushroom-vegetable mixture. Stoccafisso, also called Baccalà, is a popular specialty of the Ligurian coast. Just like the tiny squid, the "Moscardini alla Ligure", which make excellent snacks with a cool rosé or white wine from the region. Regional specialties include two flatbreads: the wheat flour-made focaccia and the lesser-known farinata, a thin chickpea flour flatbread topped with onions and rosemary. Particularly delicious are the variously filled dumplings like the "Pansoòti" made from wine and pasta dough or the "Torta di bietole", a pie with chard. Here, the famous "Minestrone" made from vegetables must, of course, be "alla genovese", that is, refined with pesto. You should definitely try this during your vacation! As a souvenir, you can bring a fine, Mediterranean olive oil for your loved ones from the regional olive groves of the area.
Travel to your holiday home in Imperia by bus
The port city of Imperia is located in the west of Liguria and is the capital of the province of the same name. The distance to Genoa in the northeast is about 120 kilometers, and Ventimiglia near the border with France is about 50 kilometers to the west. You can reach the holiday accommodation or the holiday home or apartment you have booked in Imperia or the surrounding area very conveniently with the long-distance bus providers "Flixbus" or "BlaBlaBus", which offer many boarding options in Germany. Traveling by train is more environmentally friendly, but this alternative involves changing trains. The fastest way to reach your accommodation in Imperia is by plane, landing at the airport in Nice (France), 70 km away, or at the airport in Genoa, 90 km away. Rent a cozy holiday accommodation or a comfortable apartment or holiday home with a kitchen, air conditioning, and sea view now and enjoy a relaxing, Mediterranean vacation according to your personal wishes between hills, olive groves, sights, and the Mediterranean Sea in Italy.