Travel Guide

Imperia/Liguria guide

It’s no secret that I’ve fallen in love with Liguria. While most people immediately think of Portofino or the Cinque Terre—both undeniably stunning—I’m actually talking about the lesser-known charm of North Liguria, near the French border. It reminds you of the French Riviera, but there's a world of difference. The beach here looks much cosier and less polished than that of the French neighbours. No chic restaurants, but friendly bars where the whole village gathers. No massive yachts in the harbour, but a few charming fishing boats

It’s far less known and much more affordable, but with the help of some locals, I’ve spent the past year curating a list of incredible spots that I’d love to share with you!

The first trip I made was to Imperia, I arrived here on a Saturday morning which is vibrant and busy because of the Saturday market.

These are my places to go:

Coffee at: Picardo caffe Oneglia

Visit the market: ( I bought lots of amazing food and nice and cheap table linen here)

A walk over the boulevard.

Later head to Porto Maurizio (the city of Imperia consists of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio, where Oneglia is more the city part and Porto Maurizio is the beachy part)

This is where you can spend time at the beach.

Head to La ruota for lunch

And for beach drinks to Il Moletto.

Stay in this amazing city apartment in Imperia: Roof terrace with sea view apartment Imperia

Or spend the night in Montegrazie:

6 guest house
2 guests house (Available for two adults + 2 kids)

In Montegrazie you go for dinner at Al Sanuario.

The next day: go for a hike in Dolcedo

Do some shopping at this amazing shop Pietranlica 1999

And go for lunch/dinner at Casa della Rocca, Dolcedo.

Head further to Bordighera for some more amazing restaurants:

Amarea

Caranca

A Scribetta

Or head to the port, where you can get fresh fish from the fisherman, personally I think there is no better place to eat than here.

And don’t miss the food market in Ventimiglia + the best vintage shop ever:

The Exnovo shop (just behind the station), you can find the most beautiful brands here for really fair prices! Especially the designer bags are worth having a look at.

When discovering the area of Ventimiglia and Bordighera you can stay at this amazing place of the owner of own of our favorite Amsterdam restaurants @buffetvanOdette, it is the perfect area to hike and chill out, plus to make visits to the beach.

Nature home Liguria