From sun-drenched coastlines to olive-terraced hills, the Provincia di Imperia in Liguria, Italy, is a playground for travelers who crave active holidays, sparkling sea swims, and spontaneous nightlife with friends. I’m always chasing a new favorite cove, a cliffside trail with a view that makes you gasp, or a trattoria where the pesto tastes like sunshine. If you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay in the Province of Imperia, you’ll find vacation rentals and holiday rentals that fit every mood — from chic apartment rentals with sea views to quirky hillside villas with pools and room to bounce your best dance moves after sunset. This guide is built for vibrant solo travelers and groups of friends who love to explore, taste, and celebrate, all while using smart places to stay in the area. For easy booking ideas, you can search for accommodations at searchandstay.com.
Why the Provincia di Imperia calls to active travelers
Located along the Ligurian coast, the Provincia di Imperia blends dramatic cliffs, turquoise seas, and rolling olive groves. The climate welcomes outdoor adventures most of the year: mornings that start with a brisk run along the promenade in Sanremo, afternoons spent paddleboarding in Imperia or Diano Marina, and evenings that blend seaside breeze with a flirty, street-party vibe in the towns that come alive after sunset. Whether you’re hunting for a vacation rental near a bustling harbor or a secluded villa in the hills, the region delivers both convenience and character. The word “holiday rentals” here means options that let you live like a local — wine tastings in small-town cellars, fresh seafood dinners by the water, and markets that hum with life on warm Sunday mornings. And if you’re after something truly unique, you’ll find Unique Unique Accommodation destinations that turn a simple stay into a memorable story.
Top towns to base your vacation rentals in the Province of Imperia
Imperia: where the old port meets modern energy
Imperia is a two-halves city, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, connected by a sunny promenade and a vibrant waterfront. Base yourself in a sea-view apartment rental to wake up with the boats bobbing in the morning light. From here you’re a short drive to inland trails, olive groves, and coastal towns. A vacation rental in Imperia gives you easy access to beaches with calm swimming coves, as well as the chance to join locals for aperitivo at sunset. For a longer stay, consider a villa rental on the hillside where you inherit a panoramic panorama of the Ligurian Sea and the scent of olive oil from nearby groves. Active travelers will love renting a bike to ride the coastal path toward San Lorenzo al Mare, and then hopping back on a train or scooter to explore more towns in the evening heat.
Sanremo: the flower city with a nightlife heartbeat
Known for its music festival, historic villas, and a boulevard that glitters at night, Sanremo is a magnetic base for friends who want blend beach days with late-night live music. A holiday rental here often means a stylish apartment close to the promenade, or a stylish villa with a terrace for fans-of-friendship sunsets. If you’re booking as a group, look for accommodations that offer a few bedrooms, a shared living area with a kitchen, and a balcony where you can toast to a perfect day of seaside swims or a coastal hike along the Bregagno or Albegna paths. Sanremo is also a gateway to the hinterland, where you can discover citrus groves, olive oil producers, and tiny family-run trattorie—perfect for a tasting tour after a day of watersports.
Ventimiglia and the Riviera dei Fiori: cross-border charm
Ventimiglia sits near the French border, offering a blend of Ligurian and Provençal vibes. It’s ideal for a shorter stay with friends who want a base that’s still close to the sea but easy to run up to Menton for a day trip. Vacation rentals here range from compact seaside flats to larger houses with terraces that look out toward the sea and the hills beyond. The market streets in Ventimiglia are perfect for morning espresso runs, and nearby beaches provide soft sand or pebbly coves where you can teach your crew a new water sport or simply soak up the sun with good music and a picnic.
Diano Marina and nearby towns: relaxed seaside villages
Diano Marina and the surrounding villages such as Diano Castello invite you to slow down and savor the Ligurian pace. A family-friendly holiday rental or a cozy apartment near the old town makes day trips easy: visit the medieval streets, take a gentle coastal walk, and end with a glass of Vermentino in a sunlit courtyard. For groups, a villa with a pool adds a splash of luxury after a day on the beach or a hike through olive groves. The area is known for its light, which seems to make colors pop in photos—perfect for a social media backdrop after a day of adventure.
Bordighera and the Côte d’Azur fringe
Bordighera blends Italian charm with a dash of French Riviera style. If your crew loves chic shopping, botanical gardens, and seaside promenades, look for vacation rentals with a private terrace and garden. The town’s old-world lanes, lighthouse, and cliffside viewpoints are ideal for day-long photo walks, with a late afternoon break at a gelateria or a seaside bar that serves a cold spritz as the sun dips toward the horizon. The region’s vacation rentals often emphasize a balance between indoor comfort and outdoor living, a key for groups who want to dine al fresco after a day of exploration.
Taggia and Dolcedo: true Ligurian flavors in quiet pockets
For travelers who crave authentic Liguria away from crowds, Taggia and Dolcedo deliver. These towns offer stone houses with wood-beamed ceilings, terraces filled with herbs, and narrow alleys that lead to bakeries and osterias where locals gather. A short-term rental or a weekend villa here can be the launching point for a wine-and-olive-oil tasting day, exploring the famous Dolcedo olive groves, and enjoying a late afternoon swim at a hidden cove along the Riviera. Your group will feel like you’ve uncovered a well-kept secret, which makes evenings even more special when you return to your comfortable base for a shared dinner on a sunny patio.
Unique Unique Accommodation destinations in Imperia and beyond
Across the Provincia di Imperia, you’ll find Unique Unique Accommodation destinations that feel more like experiences than bedrooms. Think renovated watchtowers perched on hillside edges with 360-degree sea views, old fishing cottages converted into bright lofts with modern kitchens, and palazzos tucked into the old towns that offer grand staircases and private courtyards for late-night conversations after dancing on the harborfront. Some rentals combine rustic charm with contemporary comfort: stone walls that keep the rooms cool, outdoor showers with garden scents, and terraces large enough for a crew to gather, sip a Kir or a local Vermentino, and plan the next day’s adventure. These distinctive stays are ideal for social media-worthy moments and for travelers who want to celebrate friendship with style and ease.
When you search for accommodations in the Province of Imperia, prioritize places that emphasize outdoor living. Look for vacation rentals with terraces, balconies, or gardens where you can breakfast while listening to the sea, afternoon swims followed by a sunset aperitivo, and nights spent under a starlit Ligurian sky. If you’re traveling with a larger crew, a villa rental with a pool and multiple bedrooms can be the best way to keep everyone comfortable and included in the day’s plans. For a truly memorable stay, choose properties that are renovated with a nod to the region’s history yet equipped with modern conveniences like fast Wi-Fi, full kitchens, and laundry facilities—perfect for any group of friends who want to bounce between beaches, hikes, and market days without missing a beat.
Activities and local experiences you shouldn’t miss
The Ligurian coast around Imperia is a playground for outdoor lovers, foodies, and culture fans alike. Here are some ideas that pair perfectly with a great vacation rental stay:
- Coastal hiking and sea-level walks: Try the path that runs from San Lorenzo al Mare to Ospedaletti, with frequent viewpoints, beaches, and gelaterias to fuel your day. Pick a rental along the path for easy day trips and sunset walks.
- Water sports and boat days: Rent a small boat or join a group for a half-day sailing along the Riviera, with stops for snorkeling in clear coves and an onboard picnic of fresh seafood.
- Olive oil and wine tastings: The Imperia province is famous for its olive oil. Arrange tastings in Dolcedo, Taggia, or nearby towns, combining food experiences with scenic photography opportunities for your social channels.
- Market hunts and trattoria meals: Local markets are perfect for picking up fresh fruits, cheese, and crusty bread. End the day with a pasta or pesto tasting at a family-run trattoria to savor Ligurian flavors in authentic settings.
- Historic and beach town tours: Bicycle or scooter rentals make it easy to hop from one village to another, exploring medieval streets, churches, and cliffside viewpoints that reveal layers of Ligurian history and culture.
- Family-friendly beaches and hidden coves: Some coves stay quiet until late afternoon, offering calmer waters and spaces to relax with friends or family after a day of activity.
As a traveler who loves a social holiday, I’m always chasing friendly bars, music, and markets that feel like open invitations to meet locals and fellow travelers. In the Imperia region, the evenings often include live music, seaside chats, and a shared plate of local specialties—perfect for adventures with friends who want to weave memories into every day. A well-chosen vacation rental can become the hub where plans are hatched, photos are shared, and laughter ripples across a terrace backdropped by a Ligurian sunset.
Seasonal travel tips for the Ligurian coast
Spring and early autumn are ideal for outdoor activities because the temperatures are comfortable and crowds are lighter. Summer brings long days of sunshine and buzzing beaches, which is perfect if you’re traveling with a group that loves beach-basket picnics and late-night strolls. Winter in the province is milder than many parts of Europe, but some coastal towns slow down; this can be a fantastic opportunity to find a vacation rental with a private pool or a warm, sunlit living room where you can curl up with a good book after a day of exploring olive groves and historic streets. Always check local ferry and train timetables if you’re planning to hop between towns—public transport can be convenient, but some schedules adjust with the season.
When booking, look for properties near the activities you love. A sea-facing apartment near Imperia or Sanremo is ideal for days on the water, while a hillside villa in Dolcedo or Taggia puts you close to vineyards, olive groves, and birdsong in the mornings. If you’re booking as a group of friends, target properties with multiple bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and a social space where you can gather after a day of adventures. And don’t underestimate a property with a balcony or garden where you can host a sunset aperitivo and plan the next day’s itinerary with your crew.
Practical planning and booking help
Finding the right place to stay in the Imperia area is easier when you use a platform that curates vacation rentals and holiday rentals with clear descriptions, real photos, and honest reviews. The search and discovery process is part of the travel thrill, especially when you’re searching for a unique base for a group trip. To explore a wide range of options across the Provincia di Imperia, visit searchandstay.com. You’ll find apartment rentals, villa rentals, and boutique stays that match different budgets, sizes, and desired vibes—from modern coastal flats to romantic hidesaways tucked into old-town lanes. This site helps you compare listings, view photos, check availability, and book accommodations that align with your holiday plans, making it a practical resource for planning your Ligurian adventure.
Sample 3-day holiday plan for a group of friends
Day 1 – Arrival and coastal stroll: Choose a sea-view apartment in Imperia or Sanremo. Spend the afternoon wandering the old towns, sample a gelato on the waterfront, and finish with a sunset aperitivo at a beach club. Evening: a seafood dinner at a trattoria with live music nearby.
Day 2 – Boats, beaches, and markets: Book a half-day boat excursion or stand-up paddleboarding near one of the quiet coves. In the afternoon, explore a local market for olive oil and pesto ingredients, then cook a Ligurian-style feast back at your rental. Evening: chill on the terrace with a bottle of Vermentino and a hillside view.
Day 3 – Hill towns and olive groves: Rent a car or join a guided day trip to Dolcedo or Taggia for olive oil tastings and pastries. Take a light hike in the olive groves, then head to a small osteria for a final feast. Return to your base to pack, reflect on the trip, and toast to the memories you made with friends in the Ligurian sunshine.
Local etiquette and travel tips
Italian hospitality in Liguria often revolves around meals and shared time with friends and family. Greet people with a warm “buongiorno” or “buonasera,” and be mindful of siesta hours in smaller towns that may slow shop openings in the early afternoon. Tipping isn’t obligatory but is appreciated in restaurants and bars that provide attentive service. If you’re traveling with a group, booking in advance for popular towns, markets, and day trips helps ensure you have your preferred vacation rental secure and ready for the stay you’ve planned. In terms of packing, bring lightweight layers, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone lanes, and a swimsuit for the many beaches along the coast. A portable charger, reusable water bottle, and a light rain jacket can be helpful for sudden weather changes along coastal paths.
Environmental mindfulness is part of daily life in Liguria. Keep reusable bags for market shopping, respect local beaches by using designated areas for sunbathing, and dispose of trash properly. Respecting the quiet hours and local guidelines in rural and hillside towns helps maintain the warm, welcoming vibe travelers love about the Imperia region. If you’re using a vacation rental with a pool or garden, be mindful of water usage and keep the space tidy so your hosts and future guests enjoy it as much as you did.
Final thoughts for planning your Imperia getaway
The Province of Imperia invites you to blend active days with relaxed evenings, to discover hidden coves and lively markets, and to savor Ligurian flavors that taste like sunshine. Whether you seek a modern apartment with sea views, a classic Ligurian villa with olive-wgroves as far as the eye can see, or a unique accommodation destination that becomes a memory itself, you’ll find the right vacation rental or holiday rental here. The area rewards curiosity: you’ll leave with a handful of recipes, a camera full of cliff-and-sea photographs, and a group of new friends who share your love of travel, laughter, and the joy of a perfect Ligurian sunset. For easy discovery and booking of accommodations in this region, remember to check searchandstay.com for options that fit your dates, budget, and the vibe your crew is chasing.
Every trip is a chance to collect new stories. In the Provincia di Imperia, those stories start with a great place to stay, an agenda that blends nature, culture, and cuisine, and a circle of friends who are ready to make the most of every moment. Whether you’re planning a quick escape or a longer escape with multiple friends, this coastline offers a tapestry of experiences, from water-slick days to hillside hikes, from fresh seafood feasts to sunset sails. Let the search begin, and let the adventures unfold in one of Liguria’s most captivating corners.