Imperia is a city in Liguria, on the Italian Riviera in the north-west of the country. It was formed by the merging of two earlier towns, and that joined history still shapes how the place is laid out and how it feels to walk through it.
The city is known for two things above all: olive oil and flower cultivation. Both are part of the local landscape and economy, and for a visitor they make a natural theme for a stay. Olive groves and greenhouse-grown flowers are features of the surrounding area, and the produce of the region is a good reason to look at what is sold in the local markets and shops.
What a visit offers
- Local produce: olive oil and flowers are the city's signature products, well suited to a slow look around shops and markets.
- Ligurian coast: Imperia sits within the Riviera, so the wider coastline and its towns are within reach for day trips.
- A working city: rather than a purpose-built resort, Imperia offers an everyday Italian setting that suits visitors who like to see how a place really lives.
Deciding whether to go
Imperia suits travellers interested in Italian food and agriculture, in the rhythm of a Ligurian town, or in using the city as a base for exploring the coast. Those looking for a long list of famous monuments may find it quieter than the larger cities of Italy, but that quiet is part of its appeal. Plan your days around the markets, the countryside and the sea, and allow time to wander the streets at an unhurried pace.
