Hotels in Imperia

Imperia: Olive Oil Capital of the Italian Riviera

Imperia sits on the Ligurian coast of northwestern Italy, 45 km southwest of Sanremo and roughly 50 km from the French border at Ventimiglia. The city formed in 1923 when Mussolini merged two distinct harbors — Porto Maurizio on the western hill and Oneglia to the east — each retaining its own character. Porto Maurizio clusters around a Baroque cathedral and steep medieval lanes above a pleasure-marina; Oneglia functions as the commercial core and is home to major olive oil producers including Fratelli Carli, founded in 1911, whose museum traces Ligurian oil culture.

Where to Stay

Hotels concentrate near the Calata Cuneo waterfront in Oneglia and along the Via Scarincio ridge in Porto Maurizio. Properties range from small family-run pensioni to 3-star seafront hotels. The Parasio district — Porto Maurizio's hilltop historic quarter — offers B&Bs within walking distance of the Convento dei Frati Minori.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Imperia has two rail stations (Porto Maurizio and Oneglia) on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line; trains run roughly every 30 minutes.
• Getting around: The two halves are 3 km apart — local buses connect them, or allow 30 minutes on foot along the seafront promenade.
• Best season: April–June and September bring mild weather and thinner crowds than July–August.
• Currency: Euro (EUR); most restaurants accept cards.