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Imperia is a working provincial capital on Italy’s western Riviera, formed in 1923 when Mussolini merged the hilltop town of Porto Maurizio with the flat port town of Oneglia across the River Impero. It anchors the Riviera dei Fiori (Coast of Flowers) and is Italy’s olive oil heartland, home to the Taggiasca olive and one of the world’s few dedicated olive museums. Expect a mild Mediterranean climate, a cycle path along the old railway, and prices well below nearby Sanremo. Use this hub to jump to our seven focused Imperia guides below.
Welcome to Imperia
Imperia sits on the Ligurian coast of northwestern Italy, roughly 28 km east of Sanremo and about 50 km from the French border at Ventimiglia. The city stretches across a sheltered bay where the River Impero meets the Mediterranean, with Porto Maurizio on a western peninsula and Oneglia on an eastern alluvial plain. Around 42,000 people live here, and tourism, olive oil, flowers and the port drive the economy. The famous admiral Andrea Doria was born in Oneglia in 1466, and the clown Grock retired to a villa here. If you are planning a trip, start with Imperia weather by month to pick your dates.
Imperia Weather at a Glance
Imperia has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. July and August peak at 27°C (81°F) by day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with July rainfall down to just 14 mm. Winter stays mild at 13-14°C (55-57°F) highs and 7-9°C (45-48°F) lows, with almost no freezing. The year brings about 796 mm (31.5 in) of rain over roughly 60 days, concentrated in autumn. November is the wettest month at 119 mm, while July is the driest. Sea temperatures reach 24-25°C (75-77°F) in August. For the full monthly table, see Imperia weather by month.
Seasonal Snapshot
Spring (March-May) warms from 15 to 21°C (59-69°F) as flower greenhouses hit peak production. Summer (June-August) is warm and dry for the beach, with the sea at its warmest. Autumn (September-November) stays mild but turns wet, and November hosts the Olioliva olive fair. Winter (December-February) is quiet, mild and cheap, ideal for food and walking trips. For date-specific advice, read the best time to visit Imperia.
Things to Do in Imperia
The two old towns bookend the city. Climb the carrugi of Parasio to the Basilica di San Maurizio, the largest church in Liguria, then cross to Oneglia for the Museo dell’Olivo (Olive Museum) and the quirky Villa Grock. Ride the 24 km Pista Ciclabile along the old coastal railway, and swim at Spiaggia d’Oro. The full list, with hours and prices, is in our things to do in Imperia guide.
Imperia Events and Festivals
The calendar peaks with Olioliva in early November, a three-day olive oil fair that fills Oneglia’s arcades with tastings and market stalls. Summer adds sailing regattas, open-air concerts and the patron feast of Saint Leonard on 26 November. See our Imperia events and festivals page for the dates.
Imperia Neighborhoods
Choose between the atmospheric hillside of Porto Maurizio, the flat and practical Oneglia, the beach strip of Borgo Prino, or the olive-grove hamlets of Montegrazie. Each changes the feel of your stay. Our Imperia neighborhoods guide maps them with typical hotel prices.
Where to Stay in Imperia
Hotels cluster around Porto Maurizio’s seafront and Oneglia’s town centre, with beach lodgings along Borgo Prino. Rates run roughly EUR 60-160 a night depending on season and position. For specific hotels and booking links, see where to stay in Imperia.
Suggested Hotels in Imperia
Hotel Croce di Malta
A four-star hotel in front of the beaches at Borgo Marina with full sea views and a rooftop terrace, rated 8.7 from over 950 reviews. Best for couples wanting a classic Riviera stay. Check rates and availability
B&B HOTEL Imperia Rossini al Teatro
A converted-theatre hotel on Piazza Rossini with a cocktail lounge and top-floor reading room, rated 9.3 from over 1,470 reviews. Best for couples and solo travelers who want a central base. Check rates and availability
Soggiorno Marino San Giuseppe
A family-run B&B with free parking, a restaurant and a bar, about a 10-minute walk from Spiaggia d’Oro. Best for budget travelers and families who want parking and beach access. Check rates and availability
Getting Around and Practical Tips
Imperia railway station sits in Oneglia on the Genoa-Ventimiglia line, with regional and Intercity trains linking Nice (about 1.5-2 hours) and Genoa (1-1.5 hours). Riviera Trasporti buses cover the province, and the flat coastal cycle path runs for 24 km. Full arrival, transport and visa details are in our Imperia travel tips and FAQ page.
Quick Facts
Best beach months: July and August, sea 24-25°C (75-77°F). Warmest month: August, 27°C (81°F). Coolest: January-February, 13°C (55°F). Wettest: November, 119 mm. Driest: July, 14 mm. Annual rainfall: 796 mm. Sunshine: up to 11 hours in July. Nearest airports: Nice (NCE) and Genoa (GOA). Currency: euro. Language: Italian.
