Provincia di Imperia in Liguria is where sun-soaked coastlines meet olive-scented hills and medieval lanes. This Riviera dei Fiori playground blends glamorous promenades with intimate coves, making it an ideal backdrop for vacation rentals and holiday rentals. Whether you’re traveling with a crew of friends or seeking a flexible Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation to feel at home on the road, this coastline delivers. From the fashionable lanes of Sanremo to the old fishing harbors of Imperia and the cliffside villages near Dolceacqua, you’ll find a perfect blend of beach breaks, scenic hikes, and vibrant evenings. For easy planning and a wide range of accommodations in the area, a quick search on searchandstay.com helps you discover the right Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation that fits your style and your dates.
Why the Province of Imperia is the perfect holiday destination
Liguria’s westernmost province sits between the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Sea, offering a sunlit diorama of turquoise water, pebble beaches, and terraced vineyards. The climate is mild most of the year, which means outdoor adventures almost any season—whether it’s a summer beach day or a spring hike through olive groves. The Riviera di Ponente coastline bursts with dramatic cliffs, rocky coves, and long promenades that invite strolls after sunset. Food lovers will delight in Ligurian specialties like pesto Genovese, fresh seafood, and olive oil pressed from orchards that have stood for centuries. If you’re selecting a vacation rental in this area, you’ll discover options that maximize access to both sea and countryside—perfect for groups, couples, and solo travelers who crave social moments with friends while keeping a private, comfortable base in a local neighborhood.
Top destinations to base your stay in the Imperia region
The Province of Imperia includes a string of appealing towns and villages, each with its own mood, beaches, and vantage points. Here are some standout bases for your next holiday rental search:
Sanremo — elegance, beaches, and festival vibes
Sanremo is the crown jewel of the western Ligurian coast, famous for its long seafront, palm-lined promenades, and a lively old town tucked behind its beaches. A vacation rental here offers easy access to chic cafes, historic architecture, and a thriving cultural agenda that ranges from music to markets. Consider a spacious Apartment Unit with a balcony overlooking the sea so you can start your mornings with a cappuccino and end them with an aperitivo as the sun sinks into the Tyrrhenian Sea. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, Sanremo invites you to explore the Ariston Theatre, the Casino, and nearby botanical gardens. For dining, the locale is abundant with trattorie where you can sample local seafood and pesto with a glass of Vermentino di Sanremo.
Imperia (Porto Maurizio and Oneglia) — coastal charm and leafy lanes
The provincial capital offers a quieter rhythm than Sanremo but with equally rich access to beaches, markets, and hillside trails. Porto Maurizio’s promenade is perfect for evening strolls, while Oneglia’s historic lanes reveal charming boutiques and osterias. A vacation rental here can be a bright apartment unit with a sun-drenched terrace, ideal for morning yoga and sunset wine. Imperia is a wonderful springboard for day trips into the inland valleys where you’ll find ancient hamlets and the famous Olio extravergine di oliva in family-run mills. If you’re into cycling or family-friendly hikes, Imperia is a smart base to reduce drive times and maximize beach days.
Bordighera and Dolceacqua — old-town flavor and wine country scenery
Bordighera exudes old-world charm with palm-lined axes, stone stairways, and a serene coastline. It’s a perfect setting for a relaxed vacation rental that feels like a home away from home. A little inland, the village of Dolceacqua offers dramatic medieval architecture and wine-tasting rooms that showcase Rossese di Dolceacqua. Booking a Unit / Apartment Unit close to both coast and hillside gives you the dual advantage of sea access and hillside exploration—great for day trips with friends who want a mix of beach and culture.
Ventimiglia, Taggia, and the Riviera di Levante-day trips
Ventimiglia is a gateway to the Italian and French borderlands, with bustling markets and nearby beaches. Taggia and other neighboring towns offer quieter beaches, traditional plazas, and intimate eateries. For vacation rentals, look for a compact Apartment Unit near the old town for easy access to markets and historical sites, plus a short drive to day-trip coastal towns. The Riviera di Levante may offer a different pace, but Imperia’s guest-friendly units ensure you always have a cozy base after a day of coastal exploring.
Where to stay: vacation rentals, Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation options
In Provincia di Imperia, you’ll find a wide spectrum of accommodations designed to meet diverse preferences and group sizes. When searching for a vacation rental or holiday rental, consider the following layouts and features to maximize your experience with friends or as a couple:
- Studio Units with sea views, ideal for smaller groups or couples who prioritize location and ambiance.
- One-bedroom to two-bedroom Apartments with fully equipped kitchens for cooking pilgrimages with fresh Ligurian ingredients.
- Duplex or loft-style Apartment Units for a social setup where a living area doubles as a gathering spot after a day on the coast.
- Sea-view Apartments with balconies or terraces for sunset aperitifs looking over the Ligurian Sea.
- Pet-friendly options in coastal towns where you can bring a four-legged friend on hikes and strolls along the promenade.
Key features to look for when booking include high-speed Wi-Fi for remote planning, air conditioning for hot summer days, in-unit laundry, elevator access for multi-floor buildings, secure parking, and proximity to beaches, markets, and public transport. Whether you’re chasing a romantic escape or a fun-filled friends’ retreat, the right Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation can tailor the vibe—from chic urban-luxe to cozy coastal comfort. For the best selection of accommodations in this region, searchandstay.com aggregates listings across the Imperia area, allowing you to compare neighborhoods, prices, and dates to fit your travel plan.
Activities and local experiences to savor in Imperia
The Imperia region is a playground of sea, hills, and cuisine. Here are some experiences you can weave into your itinerary when you book a vacation rental in the area:
- Beach days along the Riviera dei Fiori: long sunny afternoons on pebbled and sandy coves, with shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
- Boat trips and sailing: rent a small boat or join a skipper for a day on the Ligurian Sea, stopping at hidden coves for swims and photos.
- Old-town strolls and aperitivo culture: wander Sanremo’s historic center or Imperia’s medieval lanes, then enjoy local wines and Ligurian seafood.
- Hiking the Alpi Liguri: discover terraced olive groves, cork trees, and panoramic views along well-marked trails. The Parco Naturale Regionale delle Alpi Liguri is your gateway to lush forested slopes and wildlife viewing.
- Wine and olive oil tastings: Liguria’s Vermentino and Rossese wines pair beautifully with olive oil tasting and bruschetta made with locally pressed olives.
- Food markets and trattorie: daily markets in Imperia and surrounding towns offer fresh tomatoes, basil, wild greens, and regional cheeses.
- Cycling along scenic coastal routes: a mix of flat promenades and coastal climbs makes this a great choice for active travelers with friends.
- Day trips to Dolceacqua and nearby medieval villages: explore cobbled streets, stone houses, and a castle perched above the river valley.
- Seafood feasts and pesto-laden dishes: taste the region’s specialties—focaccia, trofie al pesto, and fresh fish with a side of local bread and olive oil.
Seasonal planning: what to do and when
Spring and early summer bring blossoming terraces, olive harvests, and long beach days. Autumn offers comfortable temperatures for hiking and wine tasting, with fewer crowds. Winter in coastal towns is milder than many destinations, making it an appealing option for those who crave quiet beaches, coastal walks, and cozy evenings in a rental with a fireplace or a warm kitchen. Regardless of season, you’ll find a range of activities that fit your pace and group dynamic, and a wide array of holiday rentals ready to host your adventures in the Imperia region.
How to find your perfect Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation
The best way to secure a vacation rental that fits your group, budget, and preferred vibe is to search with a specialized platform that aggregates Imperia-area listings and provides flexible search filters. Look for properties that highlight proximity to beaches, parks, and markets, as well as essential amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and reliable Wi-Fi. When you search on searchandstay.com, you can filter by:
- Number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy
- Distance to the coast or to specific towns like Sanremo or Imperia
- Type of accommodation (Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation)
- Seasonal rates, availability, and flexible cancellation options
- Pet-friendly policies and other special requirements
Pro tip: save multiple options and compare them side-by-side, then read recent guest reviews to confirm the neighborhood feel and accessibility to your preferred activities. The Imperia province offers both dramatic sea views and quiet village life, so reserve a Vacation Rental that harmonizes with your desired pace and social calendar.
Sample 5–day itinerary for a friends’ escape in Imperia
Day 1: Arrival and Sanremo stroll. Check into a sea-view Apartment Unit in Sanremo. Afternoon wander along Corso Matteotti and the promenade, then a sunset aperitivo at a rooftop bar. Evening seafood dinner and a gelato on the waterfront. Nightlife and live music in the town center if you’re in the mood for a little flirty fun with friends.
Day 2: Beach day and old town discovery. Spend the morning on the beach near Sanremo or Imperia, followed by a stroll through the old towns to admire pastel facades. Lunch at a trattoria with pesto Genovese and anchovies. Pick up a bottle of Vermentino at a local enoteca to bring back to your Unit / Apartment Unit for a wine-tasting evening.
Day 3: Day trip to Dolceacqua and the wine region. Explore the medieval castle, walk across the stone bridge, and sample Rossese di Dolceacqua. Return via a scenic hill road for sunset views over olive groves. Dinner at a hillside osteria with fresh seafood and regional wines.
Day 4: Hike and markets. Take a morning hike in the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Liguri, then visit a local market to pick up basil, tomatoes, and cheeses. Afternoon beach time, followed by an easy cycle along a coastal bike path. Evening in a lively Bordighera neighborhood with a casual bite and a stroll along the palm-lined sea.
Day 5: Relaxed finale. A final morning by the sea, coffee on the balcony, and packing. If time allows, a quick visit to Imperia’s old town and a last round of gelato before departure.
Booking and planning tips for a seamless Imperia experience
To optimize your trip, keep these practical tips in mind when searching for accommodations in the Provincia di Imperia:
- Book a Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation with easy access to public transport or parking, so you can explore beyond the immediate coast.
- Choose locations that balance beach access with access to hill trails and village markets for a richer local experience.
- Look for listings with flexible cancellation policies and transparent pricing to make last-minute changes stress-free.
- Read guest reviews focusing on noise levels, proximity to beaches, and the convenience of nearby services like grocery stores and pharmacies.
- Consider a multi-bedroom apartment if you’re traveling with friends, as shared spaces foster social vibe while preserving privacy in bedrooms.
Find the right accommodations in the area
Whether you want a bright Studio Unit for a quick coastal escape or a larger Apartment Unit for a week-long friends’ retreat, the Imperia coast has options that suit every mood and budget. For a comprehensive selection of vacation rentals and apartment accommodations across the Province of Imperia, use searchandstay.com. The platform specializes in listings throughout the area, helping you compare neighborhoods, verify amenities, and lock in a fantastic price for your stay. Search by town, distance to the sea, and specific features—like a balcony with a sea view or a kitchen that makes it easy to prepare pesto and pasta at home—and discover the ideal Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation that matches your travel plan.
Local experiences you’ll want to add to your Imperia itinerary
Besides laying out on sun-washed beaches, there are several quintessential experiences to weave into your Imperia holiday rental stay with friends:
- Sunrise jogs along the lungomare and a casual coffee at a seaside café.
- Wine and olive oil tastings in nearby villages, with scenic photo stops at terraced vineyards.
- A sunset cruise along the coast for dramatic views of Capo Berta, Capo Nero, and capes that jut into the sea.
- Visiting historic churches, chapels, and the old town quarters to glimpse Ligurian architecture and daily life.
- Shopping for local goods at markets: fresh produce, handmade pasta, herbs, and regional cheeses.
In short, Provincia di Imperia offers a versatile stage for a holiday rental experience that is both social and restorative. By choosing the right Unit / Apartment Unit / Apartment Accommodation, you’ll have a comfortable home base to drift between sea days, hillside explorations, and evenings spent with friends over good food and laughter. For a reliable starting point to explore the best accommodations in this Ligurian treasure, visit searchandstay.com and start curating a list of options that align with your dates, budget, and style. Your Imperia getaway—from beaches to vineyards to hillside villages—awaits.