10 Best Things To Do In Imperia, Italy

things to do in Imperia
Mike
Mike 
Updated
| 4 min read

Imperia is a lovely coastal city situated between Genoa, Italy and the French border. The city was formed by the amalgamation of Porto Maurizio, Oneglio, and some surrounding villages. The pretty, touristic side of the city is best seen around Porto Maurizio whilst Oneglio is more devoted to the production of olives and flowers. Between the two centers is the river Imperia for which the city is named. If you approach Imperia from the west, the road following the coastline suddenly opens up to a beautiful view of a large, beautiful bay of shimmering blue water surrounded by majestic hills covered with the colorful orange buildings of the city.

Read on to learn about the best things to do in the area!

1. Museo Navale del Ponente Ligure

MUSEO NAVALE DEL PONENTE LIGURE Il Ponente Ligure é anche una regione di antiche tradizioni marinare,con il museo...

Posted by Ponente Ligure Fantastica Terra di Mare, Fauna, Storia e Monti on Thursday, 30 May 2013

The museum, founded in 1980, is divided into 14 segments that conserve a priceless heritage of Ligurian and national maritime traditions from the 18th to the 20th centuries. There is a rich collection of tools related to the wooden shipbuilding tradition and its men. Careful emphasis is given to materials and memorabilia relating to oceanic sailing and those most coveted by navigators. The museum is complemented by a documentary section, a wealth of photo archives and a specialized library.

Museo Navale del Ponente Ligure

Address: Via Scarincio, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy

Website: Museo Navale del Ponente Ligure (in Italian)

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2. Duomo di Oneglia San Giovanni Battista

ONEGLIA-La collegiata di San Giovanni Battista è il duomo di Oneglia e sorge praticamente nel centro dell'abitato...

Posted by Ponente ligure fotosintesi on Saturday, 24 December 2016

The collegiate church of San Giovanni Battista is located in the center of Imperia and is an important part of town life. The consecration of the basilica dates to 1762 and construction took place from 1739 to 1759. The long time of accomplishment was due to the lively history of the period, which brought a lot of problems to citizenship. The building is of late Genoese Baroque architecture and includes three naves, each with a dome.

Duomo di Oneglia San Giovanni Battista

Address: Piazza S. Giovanni, 36, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy

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3. Grock Villa

Villa grock
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Carlodell used under CC0

The Grock Villa has been transformed into a sort of museum, although it once belonged to the famous clown Grock. The architecture of the magnificent mansion is worth a visit in itself, and if you are there during the summer, check out what’s happening at the mansion, as they frequently host concerts inside the sprawling grounds.

Grock Villa

Address: Via Fanny Roncati Carli, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy

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4. The Beaches

Porto Maurizio-panorama
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jukka1 used under CC BY 2.0

Whether you like sandy beaches or rocky beaches, Imperia is literally one big beach. Everywhere you go, there’s a beach. A few of the best beaches you can choose from are Oneglia Beach, Borgo Prino, and Koko Beach. But, if the beaches found in Imperia are not enough for you, you can always beach hop to Diana Marina or to San Stefano al Mare via a five-minute train ride.

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5. Porto Oneglia

Imperia-Porto Maurizio-DSCF1135
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Twice25 used under CC BY 2.5

The port of Oneglia, located in the center of the city, is a commercial port east of Porto Maurizio. The port, being in the center of town, offers convenient access to numerous bars, shops, and restaurants. Quite notable is the promenade along the seafront, with the Calata Cuneo portico on one side and the marvelous marina on the other. The port of Oneglia is reserved exclusively for commercial traffic and local fishing units. However, mooring on boats other than those listed above shall be permitted where there is no other mooring place available and subject to prior authorization by the Harbor Master’s Office.

Porto Oneglia

Address: Calata Cuneo, 18100, Imperia, Italy

Website: Porto Oneglia (in Italian)

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6. Museo dell'Olivo

Oil press in Imperia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lemone used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Opened in 1992, the museum illustrates the history of the olive tree that for centuries has represented the main resource of the local economy and whose presence still characterizes the landscape of the Italian Riviera. The museum recalls six thousand years of olive history in the Mediterranean basin considering all aspects of the olives including commercial, technological, cultural, mythical, botanical, economic, historical, and symbolic.

Museo dell'Olivo

Address: Via Garessio, 13, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy

Website: Museo dell'Olivo (in Italian)

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7. Logge di Santa Chiara

Logge di Santa Chiara
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ivan Dalmonte used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Overlooking the blue waters of the Ligurian Sea, jutting up to the former walls of the Paraiso, are the Logge of the Monastery of Santa Chiara, founded in 1365. The Monastery of Santa Chiara and its Logge are an important artistic part of the local culture that deserves a leisurely visit to enjoy a spectacular, romantic sunset on the coast of the Italian Riviera.

Logge di Santa Chiara

Address: Via Santa Chiara, 9, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy

Website: Logge di Santa Chiara (in Italian)

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8. Porto Maurizio

Imperia-Porto Maurizio-DSCF1135
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Twice25 used under CC BY 2.5

Sitting on the peninsula of Paraiso, the old town of Porto Maurizio is a complex maze of narrow streets and alleys. From the top of the hill side, the medieval village offers a vast and majestic view of the Ligurian Sea. The heart of Porto Maurizio is full of ancient monuments, palaces, and historic attractions.

Porto Maurizio

Address: Imperia, Italy

Website: Porto Maurizio (in Italian)

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9. Piazza Dante

Piccardo Pasticceria Imperia Oneglia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user me - Arlecchino2008 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Piazza Dante is a captivating square in the heart of Oneglia in Imperia. Often quite busy, it is the vivacious heart of Imperia, bordered by elegant ochre-colored neo-classic buildings and sporting a beautiful fountain in the center of the square. Surrounding the square are historical shops, some curiously fashioned, large green kiosks, from another eras, and several sidewalk cafés.

Piazza Dante

Address: Imperia, Italy

Website: Piazza Dante

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10. Girapasio

Carpasio, Province of Imperia, Liguria, Italy - 20100327
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dapa19 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

In this cultural landscape, you can admire the azure blue waters of the Ligurian Sea from above, overlook the ancient terraces, galleries, and the medieval village. Experience a wonderful tour of the area as you appreciate all the architectural and historical structures of this hamlet. At nearly every step a wonder opens to the sight! Discover local traditions, hidden corners, and everlasting memories as you relax with a glass of wine or have a leisurely lunch.

Girapasio

Address: Imperia, Italy

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Imperia, Italy - it will leave a lasting impression of the Italian Riviera

The next time you’re deciding where to go on your vacation, remember Italy! Make an effort to leave your comfort zone and explore the lesser known cities, such as Imperia, but nevertheless, equally as beautiful, or more so, than the more famous tourist destinations.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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