March 21, 2025, 3:35 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The northern Italian region of Liguria is one of the most popular travel destinations in Italy, mainly because of places like Portofino, Porto Venere, and the Cinque Terre. They are all located south of the famous port city of Genoa. But what few people know, at least in this country: The stretch of coast that stretches from Genoa to the border with France is also beautiful. TRAVELBOOK reveals what there is to discover on the so-called “Riviera of Flowers.”
Perhaps it is because of the spectacular coastal highway from Genoa via San Remo to Ventimiglia (and on to Monte Carlo and Nice) that the province of Imperia, despite its attractive location, is one of Italy’s lesser-known destinations. Even during the bustling high season, this western slice of Liguria remains a cherished retreat predominantly for the Italians themselves.
But if you venture off the beaten path, taking one of the two exits from Imperia’s provincial capital and meandering along the Via Aurelia before veering right into the mountains, you might just find yourself enamored with the pure Italian charm of this region, where enchanting medieval villages nestle one after another amidst endless olive groves.
While the beach huts, bars, and restaurants in and around Imperia may sport the expected higher price tags of tourist hotspots, they remain within the realm of affordability. And if you are lucky enough to find one of the better establishments in one of the villages, you can usually enjoy fantastic cuisine without becoming impoverished.
Far from being an overlooked speck on the tourist map, the province of Imperia has much to offer. But for those who are looking for authentic Italian flair on vacation and want to go on a discovery tour, this 40-kilometer stretch of coast is probably perfect.
Exploring the Hinterland of Imperia
However, be mindful that buses, especially those heading inland, are not as frequent. Therefore, it’s wise to have a car with a trusty horn and a sense of adventure for navigating the narrow, winding mountain passes. On these roads, you’ll encounter not just delivery vans and the sporadic bus but also fellow explorers and a surprising number of cyclists and mountain bikers bravely tackling the steep ascents. In spring and fall, however, the temperatures are much more pleasant than in midsummer. At that time, the mercury can soar to a steady 30 degrees Celsius or even higher.
In the hinterland of Imperia, you can explore beautiful and quaint villages. Some of them are spectacularly built on hills and offer views of the sea. One of the better-known villages is Dolcedo, around five kilometers from the outskirts of the provincial capital, Imperia. It is located on the Prino river, which cuts through this tourist center on a broad front.
A total of five medieval bridges cross the little river, whose banks are densely overgrown on both sides and home to what is probably the largest and most diverse frog orchestra in the country. This regularly begins at sunset. If you want to meditate, it is best to stand on the largest of the bridges still accessible today, the “Ponte dei Cavalieri di Malta,” which was built in 1282 by the Knights of the Order of Malta.
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The Benedictine monks had already made their move somewhat earlier than the Maltese. They founded the towering church of San Martino in 1119 and cultivated olive trees in Dolcedo. Locals will proudly tell you that the finest olive oil — not just in the region or in Italy but in the entire world — is pressed right here. Overall, the area is a haven for food enthusiasts. In addition to rustic pizzerias and trattorias, there is also some fine upscale cuisine. For example, the Casa de la Rocca in Dolcedo is located a few steps above the village center. There, you can get a four-course tasting menu for a fair 40 euros. However, you can also order dishes from the menu for between 16 and 26 euros.
Of course, there are also many beautiful places to explore on the Imperia coast, including Cervo, Ventimiglia, Bordighera and Sanremo, famous for Italy’s most important music competition. The region has earned the nickname ‘Riviera of Flowers’ thanks to its iconic fields of blooms and vibrant flower markets.
Text contribution: Alexander Schuller