Rolling along the Ligurian coast, the Province of Imperia blends ocean breezes with pine-covered hills, colorful markets, and a playful energy that’s perfect for active travelers who sneak in a little flirtation with life on holiday. The area is a magnet for friends who want days filled with sun, swims, and salty laughter, followed by seaside dinners that end with sunset drinks and a promise of a repeat tomorrow. When planning a stay, think of vacation rentals and hotel rooms that give you room to breathe, space to stretch, and easy access to the coast’s best beaches and hinterland trails. For a streamlined search, searchandstay.com helps you discover accommodations in the Province of Imperia and book in minutes, with options ranging from seaside apartments to chic hilltop villas.
Why the Province of Imperia is made for memorable getaways
Imperia sits at the western edge of Liguria, where the pristine Adriatic-like blues of the sea meet olive groves and vineyards that blanket the hills. The climate is mild year-round, making it easy to plan long weekends or week-long escapes that blend beach time with nature treks. Here, you’ll find a coast dotted with pebbly and sandy coves, ports where fishing boats rest beside modern yachts, and hillside villages that feel like secret clubs you only share with locals and a few well-chosen friends.
Accommodations in the Province of Imperia come in many flavors: vacation rentals with balconies that catch gusts of sea air, holiday rentals with terraces ideal for evening aperitifs, and hotel rooms tucked into historic centers where you can wander out to al fresco dining and live music. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with a crew, you’ll find places that offer easy access to both the sun-drenched coast and the quiet lanes of inland towns.
When you’re choosing where to stay, focus on proximity to the main towns—Sanremo, Imperia (Porto Maurizio and Oneglia), Ventimiglia, Bordighera—and the smaller coastal villages that are easy to reach by train or scenic road. A well-located vacation rental makes it simple to start a morning run along the promenade, join a guided hiking excursion, or hop on a bike for a panoramic ride with the sea on one side and terraced olive groves on the other. And if you want a hotel room that puts you steps from the sand, look for places near the lungs of the coast: the long lungomare (seafront) promenades that stretch for kilometers along the Riviera dei Fiori.
Top destinations within the Province of Imperia
The Riviera dei Fiori—also known as the Riviera of Flowers—defines the vibe here: bright towns, seafood markets, and coastline that changes color with the sun. Below are anchors you’ll want to circle when planning your stay.
- Sanremo – The city of flowers and the famous music festival, Sanremo offers a grand promenade, elegant boutiques, and a historic center with winding lanes and pastel facades. Savvy visitors book a seaside vacation rental or a stylish hotel room that gives easy access to the annual festival crowds or a quieter stroll along the waterfront after dusk. Don’t miss the vibrant markets and the casino district for a little glamorous fun.
- Imperia – The provincial capital is divided into Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, connected by scenic bridges and a waterfront that invites long walks, gelato breaks, and beach days. A vacation rental in Imperia often means a terrace with views of the harbor, quick access to olive groves, and a base from which to explore nearby hiking trails and foodie experiences.
- Ventimiglia – Right near the French border, Ventimiglia brings a lively weekly market and a rugged coastline perfect for cliffside hikes. A small hotel room or apartment here gives you a genuine taste of Ligurian life with salt air, narrow lanes, and easy day trips into France or back toward the hills.
- Bordighera – Known for palm-lined promenades and a charming old town, Bordighera is ideal for strolls along the sea, seafood dinners, and day trips to nearby vineyards. An apartment with a balcony makes a wonderful base for late-afternoon sun and early-evening aperitifs.
- Diano Marina – Longer sandy stretches and family-friendly beaches make Diano Marina a laid-back choice for groups who want to unwind with a swim, a drink, and a lazy boat ride. It’s also a practical hub for exploring the hinterland trails that reveal Liguria’s green side.
- Ospedaletti and Taggia – These smaller towns offer quieter beaches and historic centers that feel authentically Ligurian. A vacation rental here can be a snug apartment with a hilltop view or a villa tucked into olive groves, perfect for day trips on winding country roads.
Activities to fill your days in Imperia and the Ligurian coast
The coastline invites a mix of sun-loving rituals and adventurous pursuits. Here are activities that fit a busy schedule—whether you’re chasing adrenaline, culture, or well-deserved downtime after a day of exploration.
- Beach days and water adventures – Pebble beaches, sandy coves, and clear water offer everything from paddleboarding to snorkeling and guided boat rentals. Look for accommodations with easy beach access or a short stroll to the promenade, where you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, and kayaks for a half-day on the water.
- Coastal hikes with sea views – Trails along the Ligurian hinterland deliver dramatic panoramas. The path from Sanremo toward the cliffs and into the hills is a favorite for hikers; you’ll pass olive groves, villages perched on ridges, and viewpoints perfect for a picnic or a quick photo session with friends.
- Biking along the Riviera – Road and gravel routes along the Riviera dei Fiori showcase sea panoramas and quiet inland lanes. Many vacation rentals provide bike storage, and local tours offer guided rides that minimize traffic while maximizing the view.
- Food and wine experiences – Ligurian cuisine shines with fresh seafood, pesto Genovese, and olive oil from the Taggia region. Book a cooking class or a tasting tour focused on Pigato and Vermentino wines, plus olive oil tours that reveal how the Taggia olives are pressed into golden oil—perfect for dressing a bowl of trofie al pesto after a day of sightseeing.
- Markets and cultural immersion – Local markets in Sanremo, Imperia, and Ventimiglia are great places to sample regional cheeses, olives, focaccia, and seafood. A vacation rental near a market gives you a morning ritual: pick up fresh bread, fruit, and local specialties before heading to the day’s adventures.
- Seasonal events and nightlife – Sanremo hosts iconic music celebrations; the towns often feature live music, street performers, and seasonal fairs. A well-located hotel room puts you in prime position to enjoy a night out and still wake up ready for a morning run or a boat tour the next day.
Local experiences you shouldn’t miss
To truly capture the spirit of Liguria, seek out experiences that connect you with the land, sea, and people here. These local activities pair beautifully with vacation rentals and hotel stays, letting you savor Imperia like a well-informed guest.
- Olive oil and agritourismo visits – The Taggia area is famous for its olives and oil. A guided tour can include a stroll through orchards, a tasting of fresh oil with bread and tomatoes, and hands-on notes about how harvest seasons shape flavor. A well-chosen accommodation base makes it easy to arrange morning tours and still have the afternoon free for the beach.
- Pigato and Vermentino wine tastings – Visit small, family-run wineries or local enotecas to explore Ligurian varietals. These tastings pair beautifully with seafood dishes and light Ligurian pasta sauces, giving you a taste of the region’s terroir with an intimate, behind-the-scenes feel.
- Cooking classes featuring pesto and seafood – Learn to make pesto Genovese (tradition says pestle and mortar, fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil) and combine it with seafood caught that day. A home-style kitchen experience complements time spent in vacation rentals that offer cooking spaces and a view of the sea.
- Boat trips and sunset cruises – Book a boat excursion to explore the coastline from the water, swim off secluded coves, or stop for a sunset aperitif on board. A vacation rental near the port makes these trips easy to organize, especially when you’re coordinating with friends.
- Historic town strolls and food walks – The old cores of Imperia and Sanremo are ideal for relaxed strolls. Combine your walk with a guided food tour to uncover hidden trattorie, bakeries, and gelaterias, turning a simple afternoon into a culinary memory.
Where to stay: accommodations, hotel rooms, and vacation rentals
The Province of Imperia offers a spectrum of places to sleep that can be tailored to a group of friends or a solo traveler seeking a central base. When browsing for vacation rentals, holiday rentals, hotel rooms, or apartment stays, consider the following criteria to maximize value and experience.
- Proximity to key towns – A base in Sanremo, Imperia, or Ventimiglia makes day trips effortless and keeps evenings lively. If your group wants quiet nights, opt for a hillside villa a short ride from the water to enjoy privacy without sacrificing access to nightlife and dining.
- Seafront vs. hillside views – Seafront apartments and hotels give you sunrise coffee with a view of the sea, while hilltop properties deliver dramatic sunsets and a sense of place that’s hard to match from the shore alone. Decide what kind of scene you want for morning workouts or late-night chats with friends.
- Amenities – Look for vacation rentals with a dishwasher, washer-dryer, and reliable Wi-Fi if you’re coordinating activities, streaming playlists, and planning daily routes. A pool or access to a shared terrace can turn a good stay into an unforgettable one, especially for larger groups.
- Parking and transport – If you’re traveling by car, confirm parking availability and proximity to train stations for easy day trips to nearby towns. For those relying on public transport, a walkable pocket near a station and markets can save travel time and maximize beach days.
- Local character and design – Ligurian interiors with light wood, tiled floors, and sun-drenched balconies reflect the region’s mood: bright, casual, and effortlessly stylish. A well-curated vacation rental or boutique hotel room can become the backdrop for memorable evenings with friends, wine, and the scent of fresh basil from nearby markets.
To explore a wide range of options quickly, searchandstay.com aggregates listings across the Province of Imperia, including intimate hotel rooms, modern apartments, and romantic villas with sea views. The platform helps you compare properties by price, location, and amenities, making it easier to secure a place that fits your group size and travel style. Whether you want a beachfront suite in Sanremo or a cozy apartment in Imperia’s Old Town, you’ll find something that aligns with your vacation rental goals.
Planning your Imperia itinerary: best times, transport, and budgeting
Liguria has a mild climate, but the best balance of beach time and cultural experiences tends to fall between late spring and early autumn. Here’s a practical framework to help you plan your days and book confidently.
- Best time to visit – May through September offers warm sea temperatures and vibrant outdoor life. June and September tend to be slightly quieter than peak August weeks, while still delivering sun, sea, and festivals. If you’re chasing garden blooms and festival energy (like Sanremo’s flower shows and music events), align your trip with regional calendars.
- Getting there – The Ligurian coast is well-connected by rail, with the Genoa–Ventimiglia line running along the Riviera. Regional trains between Imperia, Sanremo, and Ventimiglia provide flexible day-trip options. If you’re driving, the coastal roads offer spectacular views, but be prepared for winding lanes and limited parking near historic centers.
- Local transport inside towns – Walking remains the simplest way to explore historic cores and seafront promenades. For longer hops between towns, trains or local buses are reliable. Many vacation rentals sit within easy reach of bus stops or train stations to maximize flexibility for sunset dinners or morning hikes.
- Budgeting and value – Costs for vacation rentals in Imperia can vary with proximity to the sea, size, and season. Booking in shoulder seasons may yield better rates and quieter experiences while still offering comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and beach days.
When it comes to booking, a consolidated source like searchandstay.com can simplify price comparisons, availability checks, and the discovery of hidden gems—like a hillside apartment with a private terrace or a waterfront hotel room with morning views over the harbor. It’s all about blending your budget with your dream itinerary for a vacation rental experience that feels both luxurious and approachable.
Sample four-day plan to experience the Province of Imperia
Use this outline as a template for a friends’ escape that balances sea, food, culture, and scenic drives. Adjust the pace to your group’s energy and the season you travel.
– Arrive, check into a hotel room or a seaside apartment. Start with a beachfront walk along the promenade, followed by a seafood dinner in the Old Town. If you’re there during a festival, join a local event, then end the night with a drink at a rooftop or harbor-side bar. - Day 2: Imperia exploration – Morning markets and a stroll through the historic centers of Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Afternoon olive oil tasting near Taggia, then a sunset kayak session or a swim before dinner.
- Day 3: Coastal hike and wine – A guided hike along a coastal trail with views of the sea, followed by a Ligurian lunch featuring pesto, seafood, and local vegetables. Evening wine tasting in a nearby vineyard with Pigato or Vermentino.
- Day 4: Village day trip and farewell – Visit Bordighera or Diano Marina for a relaxed beach day, a last stroll through narrow lanes, and a final gelato before departing. If time allows, squeeze in a quick visit to a botanical garden or olive grove for a last sensory moment of Liguria.
Final tips for travelers booking in Imperia
To maximize joy and minimize stress, keep these practical pointers in mind as you search for vacation rentals and hotel rooms in the Province of Imperia:
- Book early in peak season to secure a prime location with sea views and easy access to the promenade.
- Choose accommodations with flexible cancellation policies when traveling with a group, so plans can adapt to weather or festival schedules.
- Prefer properties with strong Wi-Fi if you’re coordinating meetups, posting stories, and sharing day-by-day itineraries with friends back home.
- Consider options with kitchen facilities or on-site dining to enjoy relaxed evenings after a day on the coast, especially if your group loves cooking together and trying Ligurian specialties.
- Leverage local experiences offered by the host or nearby providers—olive oil tastings, cooking classes, and guided town walks often come with insider tips for the best beaches and hidden viewpoints.
Whether you’re chasing sunlit days on the coast or hillside trails with dramatic views, the Province of Imperia delivers a vacation rental experience that blends comfort, culture, and carefree fun. With a range of hotel rooms, apartments, and villas, you can tailor your stay to your group’s vibe and still feel the heart of Liguria in every moment. For a streamlined search and a curated list of accommodations in the area, explore options on searchandstay.com.
Putting it all together: a Ligurian holiday you’ll want to repeat
From the salty air on Sanremo’s promenade to the tranquil lanes of Imperia’s old towns, the Province of Imperia invites you to create a rhythm that suits your group. A well-chosen vacation rental becomes your home base—whether you’re waking to sea light on a terrace, cooking a Ligurian-inspired breakfast, or gathering for a sunset drink before a night out. The region’s combination of outdoor activity, culinary depth, and accessible transport makes it ideal for a multi-day escape with friends who value both movement and moments of pure relaxation.
When you’re ready to book, turn to a trusted source to manage your stays with confidence. Searchandstay.com aggregates a wide range of accommodations in the Province of Imperia, helping you reserve a hotel room, a seaside apartment, or a hillside villa that aligns with your itinerary, budget, and preferred vibe. It’s the practical step that keeps your travel plan simple while letting the experience stay extraordinary.

