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Imperia is easy to reach by train and walkable once you arrive, but a few practical details make the trip smoother: which airport to fly into, how much the bus costs, and where to find parking. Here are the answers travelers ask most. Pair this with our Imperia weather by month page so you pack for the right season.
Imperia Travel Tips: Airports and Arrival
The nearest airports are Nice Cote d’Azur (NCE) about 50 km west in France and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (GOA) roughly 90 km east. From Nice, take a regional train toward Ventimiglia, change for the Genoa-Ventimiglia line, and get off at Imperia station; the trip runs about 1.5-2 hours. From Genoa, direct regional and Intercity trains reach Imperia in 1-1.5 hours. A taxi from the nearest large hubs is costly; the train is the practical choice. Riviera Trasporti (RT) buses link the airport towns and the coastal villages if you prefer wheels. See our best time to visit Imperia for more.
Imperia Travel Tips: Getting Around
The main Imperia railway station sits in Oneglia and opened in its current double-track form on 11 December 2016, replacing the old single-track coastal line and the former Imperia Porto Maurizio and Imperia Oneglia stations. From the station, the flat city and the two old-town cores are walkable, though the Parasio hill is steep. City and province buses (Riviera Trasporti) cost about EUR 1.50-2.50 per single ride. The Pista Ciclabile cycle path runs along the coast for 24 km if you rent a bike. Parking on the seafront is metered in summer; use the free lots uphill in Porto Maurizio.
Imperia Travel Tips: Money, Tipping and Language
Italy uses the euro. Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but keep some cash for small stalls and the market. Tipping is not required, service (coperto) is already added to restaurant bills, typically EUR 2-3 per person; leaving a euro or two for good service is fine. Most locals in Imperia speak Italian and Ligurian, with limited English outside the main hotels, so a few basic phrases help. Tap water is safe to drink throughout town. See our Imperia events and festivals for more.
Imperia Travel Tips: Safety and Practicalities
Imperia is a safe provincial city with low crime rates; normal precautions apply in the busier market and around the station after dark. Emergency number in Italy is 112, and pharmacies (farmacia) are marked by a green cross. The main carabinieri and police posts sit between Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Summers get hot but not extreme; winter is mild enough to skip heavy coats. See our neighborhoods guide to choose a base near what you plan to do.
Imperia Travel Tips: FAQ
Is Imperia worth visiting? Yes, for an authentic, non-resort slice of the western Riviera, with a major olive museum, a hilltop old town and 24 km of coastal cycle path, at lower prices than nearby Sanremo. How many days do I need? Two to three days cover both old towns, the museums and a cycle ride; add a day trip to Sanremo or the French border. Does Imperia have a beach? Yes, Spiaggia d’Oro and several lidos along the river mouth, with sand and pebbles. What language is spoken? Italian and Ligurian. Can I drink the tap water? Yes. See our where to stay in Imperia for more.
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
