Things to Do in Imperia

Imperia is two historic towns joined by the River Impero, so most things to do split naturally between the medieval hillside of Porto Maurizio and the flatter, more modern Oneglia. Expect Roman-era layers, a heavyweight olive oil museum, and a 24 km coastal cycle path, all reachable on foot or two wheels. Here is what to actually see and do, with hours and prices. For seasonal context, see the best time to visit Imperia.

Historic Sights in Imperia

Parasio, the Old Town of Porto Maurizio

Climb the carrugi (narrow lanes) of Parasio, the hilltop core of Porto Maurizio, which sits on a peninsula west of the river. The lanes wind up to the Duomo di San Maurizio, built between 1781 and 1832 and claimed as the largest church in Liguria, with a neoclassical facade by Gaetano Cantone. Free to wander; the cathedral is open to visitors outside service hours. From the top you get clear views over the yachting harbour and the Oneglia waterfront on the far side. Allow 1-2 hours. The area connects directly to the Porto Maurizio neighborhood guide.

Basilica di San Maurizio

The cathedral dominates the Parasio ridge and anchors Porto Maurizio’s skyline. It took 51 years to build and holds the relics of Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, the town’s patron, whose feast day is 26 November. Entry is free. The piazza in front hosts small markets on weekends. Pair a visit with a walk of the nearby Convento di Santa Chiara, founded in 1365 and rebuilt in 1741.

Museums in Imperia

Museo dell’Olivo (Olive Museum)

Housed in the Fratelli Carli building in Oneglia, this museum traces olive oil from ancient presses to modern bottling, with wooden and stone machinery, historic amphorae, and the Taggiasca olive front and center. It is one of the few dedicated olive-oil museums in the world. Entry costs around EUR 6 to 8, and hours are typically 9:00-12:30 and 15:00-18:30, closed Sunday afternoons and Monday. Check current times before visiting. It sits 300 metres from the Pirro Rossini al Teatro hotel. See our Olioliva festival guide for the November tie-in.

Villa Grock

Built in the 1920s for the Swiss clown Grock (Charles Adrien Wettach, 1880-1959) in Oneglia, this quirky villa blends art deco, Moorish and folly architecture, with a circus-ring courtyard and oversized decorative flourishes. Guided tours run on set days, generally weekends, and cost around EUR 8. It sits on the eastern edge of Oneglia near the river mouth. Book ahead in summer as slots are limited.

Outdoor Things to Do in Imperia

Pista Ciclabile della Riviera dei Fiori

The paved coastal cycle and walking path runs for about 24 km along the former Genoa-Ventimiglia railway line, passing right through Imperia’s waterfront. Rent a bike in town for roughly EUR 15-20 a day and pedal the flat, traffic-free route toward San Lorenzo al Mare to the east or Sanremo’s outskirts to the west. It is the best free thing to do on a clear day, with sea views the whole way.

Spiaggia d’Oro and the Oneglia Lidos

Imperia’s sand and pebble beaches run along both sides of the river mouth, with Spiaggia d’Oro (Golden Beach) the most popular stretch. Lido clubs provide sunbeds and umbrellas for around EUR 20-25 per day in summer, while free public sections sit between stabilimenti. The sea warms to 24-25°C (75-77°F) in July and August. Winter visitors can still walk the promenade and use the outdoor gym equipment. Also see our Imperia weather by month and Imperia travel tips and FAQ guides.

Food and Market Things to Do in Imperia

Oneglia Market and Calata G.B. Cuneo

The daily food and produce market fills Oneglia’s covered arcades most mornings, selling local Taggiasca olive oil, pesto, focaccia, and seasonal flowers from the hill nurseries. In the evening the Calata Giovanni Battista Cuneo quay turns into a string of seafood and pizza restaurants with tables over the water. Dinner for two with a bottle of Ligurian Vermentino runs EUR 50-70. Our where to stay guide suggests bases near the quay.