Liguria boasts a coastline that is flanked by some of the prettiest, most atmospheric, and most charming seaside towns in all of Italy. Of course, there is the famous Cinque Terre region with its picturesque and beloved towns but there are plenty of other equally lovely little towns in the area to choose from that may be less well-known but are no less appealing and often most cost-effective spots to vacation in Liguria. Among these is the city of Imperia, located in the province of Imperia. Known for its cultivation of flowers and olives and its popularity as a summer holiday destination, it is a unique place that was made a city only in the 1920s and combines hamlets and two former rival towns. As a result, there is a doubling up effect with two centres, two historic ports, and two train stations – double the beauty for your money! So, if you are after a scenic and unique destination to holiday on the Italian Riviera then look no further than this highly intriguing city with its rich history, doubled attractions, and unique character. Browse our villas in Imperia and come discover all of the delights of this marvelous stretch of the Italian coastline...
Oneglia and Porto Maurizio were the names of the two competing towns that eventually came together to form Imperia and while the seaside area of the city has its own uniquely Imperia atmosphere today, the two centres of these former towns inland still both retain their own characters. As a result, there are two areas with their own histories and traditions to explore in Imperia.
Oneglia
Thought to derive its name from a pre-Roman settlement on the hills of Castelvecchio that was one of the six fortified settlements of the Ligurian Ingauni overlooking the river Impero, Oneglia is a territory that changed hands significantly and many times throughout its history. It was once part of the Republic of Genoa and then a principality of the House of Savoy and then was occupied by the French as part of Nice before eventually coming back under the rule of Italy. The town long had regular trade with Marseille and, as a result, French influence can still be felt in parts of the town’s traditions and culture.
Some of the main attractions in this part of the town today include the sumptuous Baroque gem that is the church of San Giovanni Battista, modelled after the famous Santa Maria della Quercia in Rome. Then there is the Liberty-style Villa Grock dating to the 1930s that boasts remarkable gardens and an aesthetic that some find fun and others just strange, fitting given that it was built for Grock, the Swiss entertainer who was known as the King of Clowns and was once the highest paid performer in all of Europe. The Museo dell' Olivo (The Museum of the Olive) is also a must for foodies as it delves into the history of one of the richest trades in the area that is still going strong and the Calata Giovanni Battista Cuneo is a historic quay with pretty old fishermen’s homes in pastels along the waterfront and ancient defensive walls and which is lined with restaurants. In these restaurants you can actually sample some of those famous olives and olive oil from around Imperia being used in some amazing dishes! Finally, to take in some of the best views in town, head to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which dates right back to the 5th century but was destroyed in the 10th and, therefore, completely rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Porto Maurizio
The other town that now makes up Imperia, Porto Maurizio, meanwhile, is a little more higgeldy-piggeldy than Oneglia but no less charming or utterly picturesque. In fact, the more random and unexpected nature of this part of town will suit the tastes of many as it serves up all sorts of surprises and delights, like sudden vistas revealed by the turn of a road and pretty palazzi found down side streets. Set out on a promontory, it is made up of winding streets and stairs and boasts some of the main sights in Imperia as a whole. This is where you will find the Duomo, which is the largest church in Liguria and is a striking neoclassic gem with a soaring interior and grand and sombre exterior framed by two campanili and topped by a dome. Another religious structure, the convent of Santa Chiara, boasts some of the best views over the sea and coast in the area and delicious handmade lemon marmalade still made by the sisters. In addition, there are several museums, including a naval museum and an art gallery, and the historic Teatro Cavour theatre to be found in this part of town. Plus, as you wander around and explore it all, you’ll have a wonderful array of little cafes and restaurants to stumble upon and in which to refuel, dotted throughout the streets.
As we have noted before, the seafront area of Imperia is almost its own separate entity, free from the inherited identities of these two old towns but with districts with varied colours and characteristics of their own. Borgo Foce is a former fishing village, for example, and now a part of town directly on the coast where you can expect excellent seafood in the restaurants, pretty old houses, and little lanes and paths along the water including the famous la passeggiata degli innamorati (walkway of lovers). Borgo Marina, meanwhile, is where the marina can be found, full of fishing boats, sailboats, and yachts. Along the coast of Imperia there are, of course, several different beaches to visit and enjoy with Oneglia Beach, Borgo Prino, and Koko Beach among some of the best examples. There are also various companies in the area that offer boat trips or boat rentals to allow you access to even more beaches along the Ligurian coast and you can also take the pretty coastal train to Diana Marina or to San Stefano al Mare in just five minutes, meaning that water babies and beach-lovers who find a villa in Imperia will have lots of excellent beach options to choose from for days at the seaside throughout their stay in town!
In the other hamlets of the province that continue to exist close by in the hills above Imperia and along the coast surrounding the city, there are more unique towns to visit and all sorts of activities that can be enjoyed from hiking, to horseback riding, to restaurant hopping. Basically, any holiday in Imperia, is kind of a vacation in several towns at once, particularly if you rent a car and are thinking about exploring the surrounding area. Very close by, you’ll have a whole host of other amazing destinations to delve into, including the nearby famous and beloved seaside towns of the Cinque Terre.
However, you never really even need to go that far, as Imperia has more than enough to offer. Get browsing our vacation rentals in Imperia today and then come plan a perfect trip in this truly magical part of the world and this especially charming area in which you can vacation on the Italian Riviera.
Picture 1 Jukka1 / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3 Waage / CC BY-SA 3.0
