We would like to provide some travel ideas to our guests: a series of 1-day trips at short distance from Imperia. 

Here below you can find our Top 8 destinations:

1. Sanremo
2. Cervo
3. Riviera Cycling path
4. Alassio
5. Nice
6. Montecarlo
7. Porto Maurizio Outback
8. Ligurian Alps

SANREMO, THE CITY OF FLOWERS

A capital of tourism, with a rich calendar of events, where you can let yourself be spoilt all year round. Between the Casino and the promenade

The Festival of Italian Song, the Tenco Prize, the Giraglia, the Milan-Sanremo race, the Casino: everything happens in Sanremo. But Sanremo is first of all one of the best-known tourist places on the Riviera dei Fiori.

A very famous street is Via Matteotti, called “Vasca”: it is the long pedestrianized street that contains the Teatro Ariston, and the most important and chic street in Sanremo, the one where high-level international shopping is concentrated.

A short way off in Corso degli Inglesi you find the Municipal Casino and the Russian Church, from the late nineteenth century. La Pigna, the primitive nucleus of the city, still alive and pulsating, is a labyrinth of caruggi (alleys) and houses. Special mention must be made of the villas and gardens of Sanremo: Villa Ormond with its park full of exotic plants; Villa Nobel, where Alfred Nobel lived and which today houses the museum of nineteenth-century discoveries and inventions, and Villa Zirio (the home of the Symphonic Orchestra, one of the oldest Italian musical foundations).

For those who love pedalling with a view of the sea, the Cycle Track of Western Liguria affords breathtaking views. It is an oasis suspended between green and blue, between maritime pines and beaches, coasting along the sea for no less than 24 km. You can go along it on foot, on a bicycle, on roller skates or on a skateboard. It is suitable for families with children, with refreshment points and bike rentals. Enjoyable the whole year, it is also endowed with Wi-Fi.

The Ulivi Golf Club is the oldest and most prestigious sporting institution in the city, an 18-hole course among the most popular in Liguria. Portosole is the tourist harbour of the city, with over 900 places for boats.

Sanremo is 23 km away from Imperia, and can be easily reached by train or by bus in about half an hour.

More information available at:

https://www.sanremoliveandlove.it/

CERVO, ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE IN ITALY

Cervo has kept intact its original characteristics of medieval village on the sea, protected by sixteenth century walls and towers and surrounded by green hills.

The historic center is walkable only on foot and has been preserved with its buildings, dating back to some centuries ago, and its cobbled alleys where there are shops of artisans and artists.

The coastline is characterized by the presence of small bathing establishments; for the rest, beaches and cliffs are free and discreet and you won’t  listen other voice than that of the sea. And the sea is always clear, with waters rich in algae and fish.

Upstream of the country, around the ruins of an earlier era, the hills are full of pine forests and olive groves, crossed by quiet paths where you can breathe clean air.

On the food side Cervo remained serenely faithful to the Mediterranean diet: here olive oil is still done by applying the ancient technique of cold pressing of the olives, the wine is produced with typical grapes of the zone (Pigato and Vermentino) and the dishes are cooked with the fish caught every morning.

The cultural heritage is remarkable: Cervo is dominated by a medieval castle, ancient home of the Marquises Clavesana, which now houses art exhibitions and the permanent Ethnographic Museum of Western Liguria; in the “Borgo”, ancient palaces open their doors on `carrugi` where overlook the portals of the Romanesque Oratory of St. Catherine; the churchyard Corallini, the Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist offers the concave façade which image is emblematic of the village.

Regarding events, Cervo is known for the International Music Festival which has been helding here for over 50 years and where the major  artists in Europe offer concerts in the moonlight, to live in rapt silence.

The Festival and the renowned music Academies have earned Cervo the title of `Borgo della Musica`.

More information available online at

https://comune.cervo.im.it/cervo-turismo/

you can also download some useful brochures:

in English:

https://comune.cervo.im.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cervo-depliant-INGLESE_2019.pdf

in German:

https://comune.cervo.im.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cervo-depliant-TEDESCO_2017.pdf

https://comune.cervo.im.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/CERVO-SENTIERI-TED_2019.pdf

in French:

https://comune.cervo.im.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cervo-depliant-FRANCESE_2019.pdf

The “Riviera” cycling path is 24 Km of sport, nature and relax in “Riviera dei Fiori”

The pedestrian - cycling path of the Riviera dei Fiori’s Coastal Park runs on 24 km of the old railway line that served the Ligurian Riviera since 1872 to 2001.

This railway line, portrayed in many books and movies thanks to the beauty of the places it crosses, is a true piece of history, that witnessed the development and changes of the Riviera dei Fiori.

In fact, until the early ‘900, it was a luxury line, whose passenger were Italian, British, German and Russian members of the high society who came to spend the holidays in Riviera.

Then, during the Second World War,  the line became military and later in the years of the “Economic  Boom"  this railroad lead to the sea thousands of Italian tourists, in the early beginnings of mass tourism in a country in rapid growth.

The upstream repositioning of the rail network has brought an historic advantage for the western Ligurian Riviera: in addition to construction of the bike path on the former railway line, which has increased the tourist offer in the area, has finally released Sanremo and small villages crossed by a line cutting them in two parties, littered with level crossings and narrow underpasses. The gradual recovery of abandoned railway areas has also retrained many areas, and made possible the access to the beautiful coastline and amazing landscapes right next to the sea.

Since 2004, the company Area24 brought to life this lovely path, which attracted artists and intellectuals from all over Europe, enhancing the full potential and giving back to the community a space on a human scale in the heart of the Riviera designed and built to provide comfort, well-being and fun.

Indeed, it is reductive to define the Riviera dei Fiori  Coastal Park, a simple cycling path......

The first stage of the cycle path is Imperia. Right at the west of the town with its colourful houses owned by the fishermen overlooking the sea and protected behind the mountains our wonderful cycling track starts with almost 28 kilometers in total length, finishing in Ospedaletti.

On this leg and all others you can either walk or ride the bicycle but no matter what you will choose it is going to be a unique experience in the end.

The Mediterranean sea with its breaking waves on one side together with untouched nature on the other creates a unique vibe unlike any other bike path in Italy.

A variation of colours, scents and sensations will accompany you on those first steps of the bike track to Imperia and what makes it even more fascinating is that at one point this trail was inaccessible because of the railway that ran just along the narrow passage predefined by nature.

More info available visiting

https://www.imperiaexperience.it/en/leisure/poi.html?id=68108:la-ciclabile-di-imperia

https://www.pistaciclabile.com/en/

ALASSIO IS A TYPICAL LIGURIAN TOWN

It's only 25 Km away from Imperia, and can be easily reached by train in about 20/30 minutes.

Here you can find 10 good reasons to spend a day trip in Alassio:

1. totally sandy beach:

this is a strong point of Alassio as Liguria is known for having almost all the beaches made of stones.

2. Very nice promenade:

during the day or evening it is beautiful, romantic and relaxing to walk around the promenade watching the beaches and the blue sea. Just behind the promenade there are restaurants and hotels.

3. Nice and quality restaurants:

Ligurian cuisine is certainly good and Alassio enjoys wonderful restaurants located waterfront (in some you can even dine on the beach) and some others along the “budello” (ligurian word indicating a narrow street full of shops).

4. Long “budello” plenty of shops:

The “budello” is the historic course where you can find clothing stores, bakeries and restaurants. I suggest you take a ride along, as you can find shops that are a good value for money.

5. The “baci” of Alassio:

“Bacio” in Italian means kiss, and baci are the famous Ligurian treats made by chocolate and are definitely a specialty. Here you can find excellent bakeries to taste them.

6. “Muretto” of Alassio:

“Muretto” means little wall, definitely not to be missed, it is the historic symbol of the city. A long low stone wall where colored tiles were hung, and other decorations are marked by the signatures of famous people.

7. La Madonnina:

a small chapel overlooking the sea. It’s possible to get there through a beautiful promenade that stretches down to the harbor.

8. The Gallinara island:

the huge turtle-shaped island located in front of Alassio, is a reserve of seagulls and also used as a strategic point for scuba diving.

9. Shows streets and entertainment for all tastes:

during the summer season in the Partisans Square every night you can spend the evening entertained by various performances, ranging from those for children to musicals, from shows with fire up to the beautiful white night. The amusements are located throughout the city and the waterfront, and there is something for all ages, from the lounge bar for a quiet drink at discos for those who want to lash out with music.

10. Trails for mountain biking and hiking:

always staying in the area you can cover long trails for biking or walking while enjoying the wonderful view of the sea.

For all these reasons Alassio is a town for all, from sea lovers to those of social life, for the people who love good food and for those who just want a piece of cake and soak up the sun.

More informations available at

https://www.visitalassio.eu/

Nice, the capital of Cote d'Azur

The sun that shines 300 days a year, the breadth and wealth of the city's internationally-renowned history and culture, the shifting shimmer of its sea, its towering mountain peaks and astounding beauty, the warmth of its local accent or the dazzling lights that illuminate its nights.

Nobody knows exactly what lends Nice its unique light, yet all those who have set foot here retain the memory of a rare and precious moment in time, the memory of those who light the city from within, setting hearts alight and putting stars in visitors' eyes. 

Nice is located 80 km away from Imperia, and can be reached in an hour by car or an hour and a half by train.

https://www.explorenicecotedazur.com/

Montecarlo is 65 kms away from Imperia and can be reached in less than an hour by car, or one hour and 15 minutes by train.

Once in your life you have to go for a trip in Montecarlo. This mythic place, between the Alpes and the Mediterranean sea will offer you dreams and reality.

Alone, both or with your family, for romantic holidays, simple tourism or a business trip, the Principality of Monaco will offer you a univers of many facets.

Montecarlo provides you many discoveries, a highly cultured place with its many museums, nice welcome with its nicest hotels in the world, sumptuous gastronomy with his wellknown restaurants.

Everything is done for your satisfaction !

Linked to the Grimaldi family for seven hundred years, the Principality has progressively found its place at the centre of the world stage, particularly since the reign of Prince Rainier III and that of his son H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

Member of the United Nations and the Council of Europe, Monaco is a prosperous and conveniently located state, with a flourishing economy and undoubted international influence.

Above all, the Principality is an outstanding tourist destination. As well as its superb natural location, it has a large number of luxury hotels, gastronomic restaurants, top-of-the-range well-being centres, sports facilities and a lively night-life.

http://www.visitmonaco.com/en 

When you are on the Ligurian Riviera, it seems impossible that any road that goes towards the hinterland leads to villages rich in history and crosses amazing landscapes. Even the hinterland of Porto Maurizio offers a lot of surprises ...

Below we propose a route that can be done with the car in one day.

Let’s begin from Montegrazie, a small hamlet nestled in olive groves rich in history and traditions. It is known especially for the sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie, a majestic late Romanesque church that is located on the hill just in front of the village, a short distance. The eye, up there, is lost in the blue of the sea and the silvery green of the olive trees. The Alps lie in the background.

In the village of Dolcedo you can walk along the Prino creek with the wheels of the old mills and reach the bridge built by the Knights of Malta in 1292. The parish church, with a graceful churchyard, houses the "Martyrdom of St. Peter from Verona" by Gregorio De Ferrari. Nowadays, there are a large number of Germans who have bought home in the country, as can be seen from the announcements of real estate agencies hanging on houses.

Prelà, with its hamlets, is located in the high Prino valley: a territory rich of mills already in 1400. To visit the beautiful church of San Giovanni del Groppo. 

One of these hamlets, Valloria, is a unique spot. Through the alleys ("caruggi" in ligurian) you live the magic of being in an open art gallery, created by dozens of artists who have interpreted the ancient doors and gates of the village.

Above Pantasina lies the sanctuary of “Nostra Signora della Guardia”, from where you can see a unique panorama of the mountains and the sea. Continuing, you arrive at Colle d'Oggia and reach the Argentina and Arroscia valleys, passing a lunar landscape with a strong fascination.

What makes the hinterland of the province of Imperia even more fascinating is that almost all the valleys, from Diano Marina to Ventimiglia, are connected to each other. 

In Vasia you can visit the church of San Martino with the beautiful Romanesque bell tower. Or the pretty country church of Sant'Anna with a remarkable porch. The road leading to Imperia is placed on a ridge from which you can dominate the valleys around, the villages submerged in olive groves and sanctuaries.

The series of valleys that lead to Porto Maurizio are the depositors of a specific culture, the olive tree. In this dimension, they are united to other nearby territorial spheres, such as the Impero valley and the Diano valleys. Extra virgin olive oil is more and more a traditional, high-quality reality that meets the needs of modern nutrition. 

By climbing the valleys, you will face three realities. First, watercourses, which are often harnessed in canals, are useful for bringing water to mills and mills. Then the wide expanse of olive groves.

In the middle, the crown of gardens at middle-low quotas, with a production of vegetables and legumes that goes from spring to autumn forward. The peak production season is between summer and early fall. It's the triumph of stuffed vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers, trumpet zucchini ... everything is used to form the filling. 

There is no lack of relationship with the submontane areas, along the valleys. The chestnut culture is still alive in Pantasina, in an appreciated moment of sociality (chestnut festival, the second Sunday of October). The chestnut can be flanked, for example, with wild boar meat: a singular approach, typical of the autumn period.

Villatalla, on the other hand, appears as a point of contact with pastoral culture, at the margins of the ancient transhumance paths. Even in this valley there is no shortage of cheeses related to pastoral work. 

Finally, dulcis in fundo, a rarity. It can be said that in Pietrabruna, center behind San Lorenzo al Mare, linked to Porto Maurizio, one can find the only sweet olive oil. It is a specificity that can only be permitted by the particular characteristics of the extra-virgin cultivar taggiasca: oil, flour and sugar for the “stroscia”, small cake that breaks easily, pleasing to the palate.

Liguria is not only sea, sun and beaches. Just turn your shoulders to the sea and you will discover a really interesting and unique mountain territory. The Ligurian Alps Park welcomes you with wonders of nature, outdoor activities and sports, good food, historic events and villages.

Alps overlooking the sea and open air routes in a territory with a thousand surprises, with its exceptional biodiversity. Discovering the colors of art and charm of ancient stone, a journey through time between memories and traditions of the past

The Alps of the Sea (Ligurian Alps, Maritime Alps and Mercantour) are candidates for becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"Wepesto" Cultural Association, in conjunction with the association of Environmental and Hiking Guides "Ponente Experience", joined the Google Trekker Loaner program, accompanying the "Google Street View" eye from the sea to the most spectacular summits of Liguria.

The volunteers traced over 200km from the Hanbury Gardens near the border Italy/France, following the “Alta Via” of the Ligurian Alps to the Mount Saccarello, the highest peak in Liguria (2200m), finally descending to the sea through some of the most beautiful villages.

The route, which can be visited today on Google Street View, winds through ancient mountain trails used for millennia, such as the ancient Salt Roads, where volunteers went to discover history, art and tradition.

Breathtaking views, nature, culture, history and forgotten sites are still to be rediscovered: the ancient squares, shelter of shepherds and partisans, fortified buildings dating back to world conflicts and country churches are just some of the beauties immortalized in the project involving the two associations from August 2016 to November 2017.

These places of great interest have been brought to light and documented with photos, videos, spherical photos, 3D models and historical research. All the material is published on a single site that can be consulted for free by everyone: 

http://liguriawow.it/

The portal organizes routes to points of interest, providing clear and interactive travel information, precious for hikers, curious and scholars. The project also makes it possible for anyone to enjoy the most spectacular parts of our territory, such as the “Sentiero degli Alpini” (Alpine Path).

Liguriawow.it will be integrated in time with new video, research and interactive materials.

The development was possible thanks to the work, the imagination and the passion of archaeologists, biologists, college students, doctors, farmers and scholars in love with their land and willing to be able to tell and share to anyone.