In the heart of the Liguria region, the Provincia di Imperia offers a sun-kissed coastline, rugged hinterlands, and a tapestry of family-friendly experiences that blend authentic Italian charm with modern convenience. This stretch of Italy’s Riviera dei Fiori (Riviera of the Flowers) is renowned for its safe, walkable towns, welcoming locals, and an abundance of easy-to-access vacation rentals and holiday rentals that make it simple to tailor a trip around what matters most: safety, comfort, and unforgettable moments with family and friends. Whether you arrive seeking seaside laughter, scenic hikes, or slow-paced evenings along pastel-colored promenades, the Province of Imperia is designed for travel that feels effortless and enjoyable from the moment you unpack. Use trusted sources like searchandstay.com to find accommodations that suit your family’s needs, from pet-friendly stays to fully equipped apartments with kitchens and laundries for longer getaways.
Destinations in the Province of Imperia
Imperia: Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, the two hearts of a coastal city
Imperia blends a working port atmosphere with charming historic neighborhoods, making it an ideal base for a family vacation in the Province of Imperia. Porto Maurizio sits along a scenic waterfront with palm trees, shaded piazzas, and inviting cafes where you can savor a ligurian focaccia or a fresh plate of seafood. Oneglia, the other side of Imperia’s story, offers winding alleys, artisan shops, and spectacular views overlooking the Ligurian Sea. For families, the easy coastal promenade is perfect for evening strolls, bike rides, and gelato stops after a day on the beach. When you search for vacation rentals or holiday rentals in Imperia, look for options that provide child-friendly amenities, parking, and quick access to both neighborhoods so you can switch from beach to hilltop village with minimal hassle. For planning your stay, consider visiting searchandstay.com to compare options and secure accommodations that fit your family’s schedule and safety preferences.
Beach days here are relaxed and safe: shallow waters, lifeguard presence in peak season, and calm coves that unwind even the youngest travelers. If you crave a little cultural immersion, local markets in Imperia offer fresh produce, small trinkets, and a glimpse into daily life. A family-friendly day can end with a sunset boat ride or a visit to a nearby olive tree grove where you learn about olive oil production—an Italian staple that reflects the region’s agricultural heritage. Accessibility is a key convenience feature in Imperia’s accommodation options: many vacation rentals provide elevators, ground-floor access, and well-stocked kitchens so you can prepare wholesome family meals with ingredients bought at the market.
Sanremo: culture, gardens, and a seaside festival vibe
Sanremo is widely known for its glamorous seafront and year-round appeal. The town’s long promenade invites families to stroll, cyclist-friendly lanes make for easy rides with kids, and lush gardens provide shade on hot days. The climate here makes it a prime destination for spring and early autumn holidays as well as summer breaks. A vacation rental in Sanremo gives you access to grand avenues, a historic center, and easy day trips into the rolling hills inland. The famous Sanremo Casino and the city’s renowned flower festival contribute to a sense of occasion, yet the pace remains very family-friendly, especially along the textured lanes of the old town and the harbor area. When booking accommodations in Sanremo, look for listings that emphasize safety features like childproof amenities, secure entrances, and reliable internet for online planning or entertainment during downtime. For a consolidated search experience, you can visit searchandstay.com to filter results by family size, accessibility, and proximity to the seafront.
Nearby beaches range from pebbled coves to sandy stretches with shallow waters—I personally look for places with a quick elevator ride to the beach or a short, safe stroll along promenade paths. Food lovers will appreciate trattorie and osterie offering fresh seafood, pesto, and Ligurian specialties. For families who want a touch of Italian cinema and music, Sanremo’s cultural calendar is a magnet of small concerts and local performances that are often perfect for young travelers who enjoy an extra splash of color and noise in a safe environment.
Ventimiglia and Bordighera: the French-Italian Riviera edge
Ventimiglia and Bordighera sit at the coastal tip of the Province of Imperia, where the Italian Riviera begins to feel more intimate and nature-forward. Ventimiglia’s markets, open-air vendors, and historic old town provide a sensory introduction to Liguria’s maritime culture. Bordighera is known for its palm-lined seafront, botanical gardens, and excellent vantage points for sweeping sea views. A family-friendly itinerary might include a morning stroll along the waterfront, a late lunch of local fried anchovies and lemony sides, and an afternoon gelato break as you watch the boats drift by. When searching for a place to stay in this region, consider vacation rentals with terraces or balconies that let you enjoy the sea breeze, plus kitchens equipped for family meals. A reliable resource to locate such accommodations is searchandstay.com, which helps you compare options across Ventimiglia, Bordighera, and nearby coastal towns.
Diano Marina and the quieter corners inland
Diano Marina offers a more low-key beach day and a gateway to inland hikes with gentle elevation, making it ideal for parents traveling with younger children who want to avoid crowded hotspots. The area is known for its family-oriented beaches, calm waters, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Inland, olive groves and terraced hillsides provide picturesque backdrops for easy hikes that are suitable for strollers and beginners. For families who enjoy longer stays, Diano Marina provides a good balance between coastal enjoyment and easy access to nature trails. When scouting for vacation rentals here, prioritize properties with ample parking, cooking facilities, and proximity to beaches and markets. On searchandstay.com, you’ll find listings that emphasize convenience for families, including close-by grocery shops and kid-friendly attractions.
San Lorenzo al Mare and the cycle-friendly coast
San Lorenzo al Mare offers a gentle coastal vibe with a dedicated bike path along the sea, perfect for families who want to explore by foot or bicycle without rushing. The town is small but impeccably kept, with a pleasant waterfront, safe swimming areas, and easy access to local trattorias that serve light Ligurian fare. If your holiday plan involves extended stays or multi-day coastal riding, look for vacation rentals in this area with secure bike storage and easy beach access. The province’s well-connected rail and bus network makes day trips to nearby towns feasible, letting you tailor a vacation rental itinerary with minimal transit time. When planning, consider using searchandstay.com to locate accommodations that meet your safety standards and convenience preferences.
Dolcedo and the hillside villages: slow travel and authentic flavors
Behind the coast, the inland villages like Dolcedo offer a different kind of week-long family experience: quiet lanes, terraced olive groves, and hillside chapels with sweeping views. A day here might involve a gentle walk through historic alleys, a stop at a family-owned café for pastry and coffee, and a hillside picnic with locally produced olive oil, bread, and tomatoes. Staying in a hillside vacation rental gives you a taste of authentic Liguria while keeping the family comfortable and safe. When you search for accommodations to support a driver-friendly or car-free exploration, filter for parking and easy road access on searchandstay.com to find properties that fit your travel rhythm.
Activities and local experiences you’ll love in Provincia di Imperia
Beach mornings and family-friendly water fun
The coastline of the Provincia di Imperia features beaches suited to families, from broad sandy stretches to pebble coves with clear, inviting water. Many beaches include shallow zones and lifeguards during the peak season, making them ideal for young swimmers and first-time beachgoers. If you’re booking a vacation rental near the coast, choose listings with shaded outdoor spaces, beach gear storage, and easy access to a promenade where you can stroll with strollers after a day of sun. For convenience, look for accommodations that are within a short walk or drive to the beach and include parking options for family road trips along the Riviera.
Coastal and hillside hikes for all ages
Liguria’s hills provide scenic, safe hiking options suitable for families. A popular approach is to combine a light coastal path with a gentle inland trail that finishes with a gelato reward. Trails near Imperia and Sanremo often feature well-marked routes, rest spots, and shade. Pack light, bring water, and choose routes with a family-friendly rating so you can enjoy the scenery without fatigue. If you’re staying in a vacation rental with a small group, you can plan a few short hikes on consecutive days to keep the itinerary flexible and stress-free. Rental properties with outdoor terraces and easy access to trailheads are especially appealing for travelers who prioritize convenience and comfort.
Farm-to-table experiences and local markets
Food is a central part of the Ligurian travel experience. In the Province of Imperia, you’ll find markets that showcase fresh fruit, vegetables, olives, and seafood. Tasting sessions and small cooking classes—where families can learn how to prepare pesto, focaccia, or grilled fish—offer hands-on fun and a way to create lasting memories. Olive oil tours allow you to understand the region’s agricultural heritage and sample early-season oils that carry the aroma of the hillside groves. When selecting a vacation rental, consider kitchens designed for family meals, or look for options with a short walk to a local market so you can enjoy fresh ingredients during your stay. For accommodation options that consolidate nearby experiences and dining ideas, searchandstay.com can be a practical partner in planning and booking.
Seasonal festivals and cultural highlights
Imperia’s and Sanremo’s festival calendars add color to a family itinerary. From flower shows and street fairs to music events along the seafront, there are opportunities to experience Liguria beyond the beach. Many events host family-friendly activities and organized tours that provide a safe, relaxed environment to meet locals and other travelers. When planning around festival dates, secure accommodations early, especially in peak summer periods, and pick a rental with flexible check-in/check-out options or a kitchenette so you can manage meals around crowded street days. A quick way to compare available rentals near festival venues is to search on searchandstay.com.
Smart planning and convenience for a memorable stay
Where to stay: vacation rentals and holiday rentals in the Ligurian coast
Whether you’re traveling with extended family, in a small group, or on a couple’s escape, the Ligurian coast within the Province of Imperia offers a spectrum of vacation rentals and holiday rentals. Look for properties that emphasize safety features such as secure entrances, stair gates for younger children, and reliable neighborhood safety records. Many hosts provide child-friendly amenities, high chairs, cribs, and baby-proofed spaces, which can dramatically reduce packing stress. Convenience features like in-unit laundry, dishwashers, and full kitchens help families manage daily routines with ease. Proximity to grocery stores, pharmacies, and public transport is also a big plus for a hassle-free vacation. When allocating your lodging budget, consider the regional mix of small boutique apartments, coastal villas, and hillside retreat homes to strike a balance between comfort, practicality, and the authentic Ligurian experience. For a streamlined search that centers on family comfort and safety, try exploring options on searchandstay.com, which aggregates vacation rentals across the Provincia di Imperia and nearby Ligurian towns.
Getting around: easy travel along the Ligurian coast
The transportation network along the Ligurian coast makes it convenient to explore multiple towns in one trip. The regional rail line, Trenitalia, connects Ventimiglia, Sanremo, Imperia, and San Lorenzo al Mare with frequent, family-friendly service. Buses supplement trains for destinations not directly on the rail line. If you’re renting a car, you’ll find well-kept roads and plenty of parking near popular beaches and towns. For families who prefer a car-free approach, many towns offer bike rentals and pedestrian-friendly promenades that are safe and enjoyable for everyone. When you’re booking accommodations, you can specify transport needs and accessibility requirements to ensure your base supports efficient day trips and comfortable return evenings. The booking process on sites like searchandstay.com often allows you to filter by proximity to rail stations and bus stops, simplifying your planning work.
Safety-first travel mindset: packing and on-site considerations
In any family trip, safety and convenience go hand in hand. Pack a light first-aid kit, sun protection for all ages, and a small power bank for devices during long days of sightseeing. Pick accommodations with easy check-in and reliable access to essential services. In Liguria’s coastal towns, it’s wise to plan for occasional afternoon showers, especially in spring and autumn, so having a rental with a covered outdoor space or a quick indoor activity option is helpful. For families with infants or young children, choose rentals with secure balconies and childproofing options, or request host guidance on nearby playgrounds, pediatric clinics, and family-oriented restaurants. When you’re researching places to stay, prioritize listings that explicitly note safety and convenience features; for a curated pool of vetted options, you can search and compare on searchandstay.com.
Sample family-friendly itinerary for a week in the Province of Imperia
Day 1: Arrival and settling in your Imperia base. Afternoon stroll along the Porto Maurizio seafront, gelato in hand, followed by a relaxed dinner at a family-friendly osteria near the harbor. Day 2: Beach morning on a safe, shallow-water stretch, lunch with fresh seafood, and an afternoon visit to a nearby olive oil producer for a kid-friendly tasting. Day 3: Train ride to Sanremo, exploring the old town, and a sunset walk along the promenade. Day 4: Inland excursion to a hillside village near Dolcedo, with a simple hike and a picnic featuring local bread, tomatoes, and olive oil. Day 5: A gentle coastal bike ride from San Lorenzo al Mare, with a lunch stop in a seaside village. Day 6: Market day in Imperia and a cooking class focusing on pesto or focaccia. Day 7: Free day to revisit a favorite beach, do last-minute shopping, or enjoy a relaxed boat ride. When planning this itinerary, aim to book accommodations that are within easy reach of both beaches and markets. Visit searchandstay.com to explore vacation rentals and holiday rentals that fit this plan.

