March 24, 2025, 4:16 p.m. | Reading time: 4 minutes
The northern Italian region of Liguria is one of the most popular travel destinations in Italy, especially because of places like Portofino, Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre. They are all located south of the well-known port city of Genoa. But what few people know, at least in this country, is that the stretch of coast that stretches from Genoa to the border with France is also beautiful. Sunnytrips reveals what there is to discover on the so-called “Flower Riviera”.
Perhaps it is precisely because of the spectacular coastal motorway from Genoa via San Remo to Ventimiglia (and on to Monte Carlo and Nice) that the province of Imperia is one of Italy's relatively unknown travel destinations despite its attractive location. Even in high season, this western part of Liguria is largely only used for vacation by the Italians themselves.
However, if you decide to take one of the two exits from the provincial capital of Imperia and drive a few kilometers on the Via Aurelia, the coastal road, and then at some point turn right into the mountains if you're lucky, you could very quickly fall in love with this area, where, yes, it's simply authentically Italian and one magical, medieval mountain village is lined up after another, surrounded by olive groves as far as the eye can see.
In and around Imperia the prices in the beach shacks, bars and restaurants are quite high, as is usual in holiday areas, but still affordable. And if you're lucky enough to find one of the better places in one of the villages, you'll usually be offered fantastic cuisine without leaving yourself impoverished.
Now the province of Imperia is far from being a blank spot on the tourist map. But for those who want authentic Italian flair on vacation and want to go exploring, this 40-kilometer-wide stretch of coast is probably perfect.
Also interesting:The most beautiful travel destinations in Liguria
Explore the hinterland of Imperia
However, buses do not run frequently, especially inland. That's why you should own a car with an intact horn and not be afraid to drive on narrow, winding mountain and pass roads. Not only do you see delivery trucks and - very sporadically - a bus coming towards you, but also other explorers and a surprising number of cyclists and mountain href="https://riderace.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bikers who are panting and struggling up the steep hills. However, in spring and autumn the temperatures are much more pleasant than in mid-summer. Then it can be almost constantly 30 degrees hot - and more.
In the hinterland of Imperia you can explore beautiful and rustic villages. Some of these are spectacularly built on hills and offer a view of the sea. One of the better known places is Dolcedo, about 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 lead over the river, whose banks are densely overgrown on both sides and are home to what is probably the largest and most diverse frog orchestra in the country. This regularly starts with sunset. If you want to meditate, it is best to stand on the largest of the bridges that are still accessible today, the “Ponte dei Cavalieri diMalta”, which was built in 1282 by the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Culinary delights everywhere
The Benedictine monks had already taken their turn a little earlier than the Maltese. They founded the towering church of San Martino in 1119 and cultivated the cultivation of olive trees in Dolcedo. Today the best oil in the area, in Italy, or oh what, in the entire world is said to be pressed here, the locals say. In general, the area is ideal for lovers of good food. In addition to rustic pizzerias and trattorias, there is also sometimes fine, upscale cuisine. For example, the Casa de la Roccain Dolcedo, located a few steps above the village center. There you can get a four-course tasting menu for a fair 40 euros. You can also order dishes from the menu for 16 to 26 euros.
Of course, there are also many beautiful places to explore on the Imperia coast, including Cervo, Ventimiglia, Bordighera and Sanremo, known for Italy's most important music competition. The region is called the “Flower Riviera” because of the characteristic flower fields and flower markets there.
Text collaboration: Alexander Schuller
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