In the heart of Imperia Oneglia you will find I Gelati di Fè, an ice-cream parlour that has conquered the palates of many thanks to the quality and variety of its proposals.
In addition to the classics timeless, you can taste their creations originals such as biscuit ice cream with salted caramel or ricotta and basil flavour. Also try their Sicilian granitas or their sweets handcrafted, such as the Torta Vittorio, a crisp Nutella sponge cake with Madagascar vanilla parfait, filled with Sicilian oranges and covered in crunchy chocolate.
Not surprisingly, it is among the best ice cream parlours in Italy according to the Red Prawn!
Few people know that the Ligurian Sea, has a high depth and other characteristics that make it a destination for many species of marine mammals and that, just off the Ligurian coast, lies the so-called Cetacean Sanctuary.
For this reason, one of the experiences we recommend you do not miss is Whale Watching: theobservation of whales and dolphins in their natural environment.
The boat excursion departs from Borgo Marina Port and lasts about 4 hoursunder the guidance of a prepared team who will accompany you along the route providing interesting information and will be on hand to answer any questions or curiosity.
Get ready to sharpen your eyes for fins, backs and puffs, it will be an exciting experience for adults and children alike!
Right in the city centre and recently renovated, the Urban Park is agreen area of almost 50 thousand metres frameworks bordering the sea.
Fancy a bit of simple relaxation in the open air? Here you will find a flat route for a walk suitable for everyone, flanked by a loop of cycle path of about 1.5 km and, for those in the mood for some sport, a "health path" consisting of 10 stations with exercise proposals for young and old, some with specific equipment made of wood.
The park also includes a playground for children, points refreshment and rental service bike.
If you want to take a walk or a longer bike ride in a westerly direction, you can reach Borgo Marina, cross the harbour and arrive at the picturesque 'Passeggiata degli Innamorati' (Lovers' Promenade) overlooking the sea, to the picturesque Borgo Foce.
Heading to the opposite side, towards the centre of Oneglia, walk along Calata Cuneo, a quay of the commercial port with a splendid backdrop of period houses and porticoes, followed by the wide Borgo Peri promenade. Even here a diversion to the top of the long quay is worthwhile for the splendid view of the port and the promontory of Porto Maurizio.
The '11 Antiche Vie' trekking trail retraces paths and ancient mule tracks, discovering the 11 former municipalities that, united in 1923, gave birth to Imperia.
The itinerary starts from the Oneglia Basilica, from here you will be guided by white and red signs and markers through dirt roads, paths, some asphalt stretches, as well as olive groves, small woods and meadows.
A perfect opportunity to spend time surrounded by nature and exercise, rediscovering the history of our ancient villages and enjoying fantastic views.
The route is a total of 38 kilometres long, to view the complete itinerary click here. You can also walk just a few of the 11 stages and, if tiredness takes you suddenly, all the villages are served by public transport and regular buses.
When you are there, a few metres above the rocks, overlooking the crystal-clear sea, walking calmly and perhaps enjoying a homemade ice cream, you will understand why we Imperiesi call the pedestrian street that connects Borgo Marina and Borgo Foce 'La Passeggiata degli Innamorati' (The Lovers' Promenade) and we don't even know its real name!
It is a very short walk, about 10 minutes, but it is special in its simplicity. During the day, if the sea is calm, the water is so clear that if you look out you can see the seabed perfectly, not to mention the atmosphere at night, with the lights of the harbour and the reflection of the moon on the horizon
Trattoria del mare 'il Pescematto' is a seafood restaurant on the seafront promenade in Borgo Prino, within easy reach of Villa LeA.
The style is informal and easygoing, the ingredients are fresh and quality, and the prices moderate for a fish restaurant.
Among our favourite dishes we definitely recommend the Fritto Misto and Linguine della Regina, pasta with a rich seafood sauce and a light gratin.
Having explored the possibilities that Imperia and its surroundings offer you, why not take advantage of its proximity to France?
The most beautiful cities on the French Riviera, such as Menton, Nice e Cannes are about an hour's motorway ride away, but of these, the destination that fascinates most remains the Principality of Monaco.
Famous for its offer of luxury and entertainment, it attracts stars and royalty from all over the world, Monaco offers a unique visitor experience!
In his neighbourhood of Monte Carlo you can feast your eyes on luxurious buildings, haute couture boutiques, hotels from a thousand and one nights and luxury cars everywhere. One of the district's main tourist attractions is undoubtedly its famous casinoto which the Principality of Monaco owes much of its incredible notoriety.
We also recommend you visit the old town, Le RocherStrolling through the streets of the Principality's historic centre, you will find yourself in front of the Prince's Palace, where Grace Kelly also lived. Here you can watch the changing of the guard, which takes place every day at 11.55 a.m. sharp.
If you prefer small towns to big cities, include in your tour of France the small but picturesque village of Eze: From its hill, you can admire the beautiful views of the French Riviera, stroll through the exotic garden attached to the castle ruins and visit the perfume factory-laboratory Fragonard.
The historic centre of Porto Maurizio rises high on a characteristic promontory overlooking Imperia and the sea.
Park your car in Piazza del Duomo (you can also arrive with the tourist minibus that leaves from Borgo Marina) and visit the 'Basilica di San Maurizio e Compagni Martiri', the largest church in Liguria, in neoclassical style, built at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Take the ascent following the 'Gira Parasio' route indicated by the signs scattered around the streets of the medieval village (the guide is also available online: click here to view).
The district is almost entirely pedestrianised, you will feel as if you are losing yourself in the tangle of carùggi, the alleys that weave the main street. At every corner you will find something to admire: churches, historical buildings, inimitable views of the sea and the valley. By the way, you cannot miss the Logge di Santa Chiara: the walk along the portico, between those arches, with a breathtaking sea view is truly priceless.
Make sure you are there at sunset time for great photos in a truly romantic setting.
A path of more than 25 km along the seareserved for cyclists and pedestrians: the cycle path from Imperia to Ospedaletti is perfect for a bit of outdoor activity and safe even for children.
The track connects Imperia (Borgo Prino) to San Lorenzo, which means that access to the track is very close to Villa Lea! All you have to do is walk down to the main street and take the road that runs alongside the athletics field, coming down Via Rappis you will find it right in front of you! In a few minutes on foot, always following the direction of the sea, you will soon reach the cycle path, which runs along the Borgo Prino promenade. Nearby there is the possibility to rent bicycles, including electric bikes and rickshaws (click here for nolobici location). All you have to do is enjoy a beautiful ride, run or walk sea view and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
Click here you can download the route map, with various suggested stops and detoursif you feel like taking the opportunity to visit the surrounding area.
Alternate a ride with a stop at one of the many food outlets or a dive into some cove in Aregai, get off the track at Bussana for a visit to the picturesque ruined village of Bussana Vecchiaand end the day in San Remo for a shopping trip.
Or set off on foot, get off the track for a little hike of trekking on the trail hills leading to Cipressa and its ancient tower Saracen 16th-century building with a breathtaking view, return to the track and rent a bike and continue to Ospedaletti through the gallery dedicated to the Milan - Sanremo.
The possibilities are many and all interesting, if you are looking for more information on planning a day trip on and around the cycle path click here for stages crossed by the track or here for itineraries suggested: each image will take you to a different experience!
Modern, simple and tasty cuisine, attention to detail and careful selection of ingredients. This restaurant will not disappoint if you are looking for a cosy and refined venue.
Its location in the heart of the historic Parasio centre makes it even more special.
Guests are particularly enthusiastic about the 'Intrecci' tasting menu with suggestions by chef Vincenzo, who has experience working in top restaurants on the international scene.
Starting from Varigotti, you will arrive in Noli via the top of a rocky chain overlooking the seathe view from up there is unique and along the way you will enjoy the most beautiful panoramas in western Liguria.
The main attraction of the walk is the Cave of the Brigands also called Forger's Cavern, a spectacular atrium created by the slow erosion of the sea millions of years ago, like a window framing the turquoise sea.
You can 'rappel' through an opening in the rock, enter the cave and take a well-deserved break while admiring the horizon and taking memorable photos.
Resume the gentle descent to Noli. In a moment you will be on the beach and can enjoy a nice bathroom regenerating! The centre of Noli is worth a visit, and is full of bars and restaurants.
To return to Varigotti, take bus No. 40, which runs every half hour or so, and end your day there: Varigotti is a really pretty village, with its colourful waterfront houses and one of the most famous beaches in the area: the beautiful Saracen Bay.
The hike is accessible to all, but suitable for people who are fairly well trained or otherwise used to walking. The first section is uphill for several metres, but don't be discouraged: the second half is all downhill! The route is well signposted with signs and markers at every junction, you can find a detailed description by clicking here.
Some important practical adviceStrictly wear trainers, bring a swimming costume, try to avoid the hottest hours or particularly sultry days, travel light but don't forget a good supply of water (there are no fountains along the way)!
The best way to enjoy this excursion is to devote the whole day to it. The walk along the pilgrim's path takes about 3 ½ to 4 hours. (approx. 6.3 km).
Leaving early in the morning, you can arrive in Noli in time for lunch and devote the afternoon to relaxing on the beach and visiting the two town centres.
"Every journey a discovery. With this philosophy I have travelled the world, working in prestigious kitchens in every corner of the planet and tasting the rarest and most curious wines that nature has to offer."This is how Gabriele, the owner of this small and characteristic wine bar at the foot of the Parasiothe historical centre of Porto Maurizio.
In his club, fromconvivial atmosphereyou can be guided through real tastings combined with fresh dishes with seasonal ingredients: let Gabriele, who knows his stuff, advise you!
Among the many venues in Calata Cuneo, Oneglia's seafront promenade, there is a truly unique one: Ping One, a fishing boat but also a small restaurant.
With its simple cooking you will enjoy all the genuine flavour of the fish very freshlulled by the waves of the sea, in an informal and friendly atmosphere.
In menu You will find: starters made with seasonal fish and vegetables, a first course to choose from the catch of the day, botargo or colatura di alici, the ever-present mixed fritto and a small selection of homemade desserts.
P.s. The boat will always remain moored in the harbour, so don't worry about rough seas!
The agriturismo Ca' Sottane is ideal for spending time in contact with nature: it is surrounded by greenery, among the olive trees of the Ligurian hinterland and includes a farm and an educational farm.
Here, aromatic herbs are grown (rosemary, thyme, sage, mint, lavender, lemon balm, luisa grass...) and animals are bred in the open air, free to roam in the vegetable garden. You will rediscover the taste of freshly harvested produce, with vegetables grown in the farm's vegetable gardens and meat raised and bred in the Imperia valley, in dishes of Ligurian cuisine combined with Provençal and Mediterranean flavours.
The ambience is simple and genuine, and family travellers will particularly appreciate the outdoor space where children are free to play in the open air.
Have you ever dined in a 16th century tower? Stone walls, vaulted ceilings and atmospheric lighting... the first impact with this place is bound to leave you speechless!
And the best part is that you only need to drive 15 minutes from Villa LeA to find yourself immersed in history.
The restaurant serves revisited Ligurian cuisine and impresses with its courteous staff. You can also choose from a meticulous and careful selection of wines, with labels exclusively from western Liguria.
Local and homemade cuisine, genuine and seasonal products, premises housed in an ancient 18th-century oil mill located in a small inland village: Censin da Bea is the typical Ligurian restaurant par excellence!
Amongst the rooms of the restaurant, you can still recognise the rooms of the oil mill, with the piles driven by water action, the presses and the channel that goes into the washing tanks.
We advise you to arrive hungry, because the restaurant's proposal is a tasting menu consisting of about 7/8 starters, 2 first courses, 2/3 second courses, desserts, sugar, coffee, lemon, water and wine, all at a very attractive fixed price.
Not far from the restaurant, a few metres from the centre of the village, there are some beautiful ponds: a cool, sheltered and hidden corner where you can enjoy shade and clear water in full contact with nature.
A beautiful seaside restaurant, if you book a little in advance you can grab a table on the beach and enjoy a classy dinner with your feet in the sand and the waves as a soundtrack.
The cuisine is unique and innovative, a fusion of tastes and cues from different traditions, from Mediterranean to Japanese cuisine, from meat to fish or vegetarian options. The desserts are the highlight of the menu, to be enjoyed until the last spoonful.
This restaurant is in Lingueglietta, one of the many wonderful little villages in our hinterland. It requires a twenty-minute drive, but it is well worth it: if you know how to go beyond the promenade and experience the authentic atmosphere of villages far from the usual tourism, then you will fully appreciate our land.
Reserve a table on the terrace, relax, enjoy the beautiful view and be amazed by the unusual, sometimes daring but always apt combinations of the creative chef of U Titti.
Il Moletto is a small, well-equipped beach in the Marina area, in a very pleasant location, away from the hustle and bustle of the main coastline and with easy access to the water.
It may be the relaxing atmosphere of the beach, it may be the privileged view of the Porto Maurizio promontory, or it may be the perfect location to enjoy beautiful sunsets over the sea, we love this beach that, in its simplicity, turns into a bar with a special atmosphere towards the evening.
Entering this kiosk overlooking the sea with its loud (often rock) music and tables made from reels or surfboards, you will immediately realise that you are in an informal, lively and youthful environment.
It is one of the most popular clubs for young people in Imperia and is located in the Prino area, very easy to reach from Villa LeA.
It offers a menu with many types of quality meat burgers, but also vegetarian alternatives, fried food and street food of various kinds. Among our favourites are the chicken wings and their potatoes (baked and full of flavour). The food is tasty and spicy - if you can't stand spicy, let the staff know!
At 6 p.m. aperitif time begins: along with their delicious drinks you will be served tasty appetisers.
The venue is open until late, so it is perfect to end the evening with an after-dinner drink in a lively and pleasant atmosphere.
If you want to treat yourself well without straying too far from Villa LeA, choose Sarri, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Do you like to be surprised? Then choose the 'Let me do it' menu, with six courses selected by the chef. You can count on fine products and fresh, km 0 ingredients.
In the heart of Borgo Marina, perfect location for a nice walk on the pier after dinner.
The special feature of the menu is the 'giropizza': order a drink and for the rest of the evening you will be offered, one after the other, pizzas or pasta dishes to share with the rest of the table. If a proposal does not appeal to you, you can always skip the round and wait for the next one.
With this formula you will taste many different recipes, the perfect solution for those who are always undecided about what to order!
Crispy, light dough, selected ingredients, an original menu full of tasty treats... let's say it bluntly: Kilo is our favourite!
Here you will not eat the usual pizza, and this is no coincidence; the owner of the restaurant is in fact a top chef who has had experience in the most prestigious restaurants on the Riviera.
A word of advice? Don't skip dessert, it really is worth indulging in at the end of a meal.
In less than an hour by car, you can find yourself in Mendatica, surrounded by the green Ligurian Alps, admiring the view from the top of a tree!
If you are in the mood for a day of sportsof the fun and the naturehere you will find what you are looking for.
The Mendatica adventure park offers the thrill of theadventure in safetybridges and footbridges, nets, tunnels and all kinds of suspended obstacles from 1 to 12 metres in height are the mix for guaranteed fun, which also allows you to test your agility in the name of nature and the spirit of exploration.
The Mendatica Adventure Park consists of six different routes divided by degree of difficultyfrom the simplest, also suitable for children from 3 years upwards, to the more complicated, challenging and fun for even the most athletic and sporty.
The 'Le Canalette' Park is not only an adventure park, but also a children's playground including a five-a-side football, volleyball and tennis court, bowling alley, skating rink, mini-zoo, equipped barbecue area and kiosk. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the area.
For opening hours and specific information link here to the facebook page of the park.
A tangle of colourful houses climbing a hillside by a crystal-clear sea, surrounded by green hills, with artistic and historical evidence from Roman times, perfectly blended into a centre that is still inhabited today.
It will not be difficult for you to guess why Cervo has been included among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
You can start your visit from the top or the bottom of the hill, in either case you will immediately enter the medieval old town, which has remained unchanged for centuries and can only be visited on foot.
Walking through the narrow streets of the village, you will come to a large square, that of the Church of St John the Baptist, with its unique concave façade echoing the colours of the sea and a spectacular panorama.
Climbing further up you will come across the Clavesana Castle, dating from the 17th century and preserved in excellent condition. It now houses the Ethnographic Museum and art exhibitions during the summer period.
But Cervo is also a lively village. There are numerous bars and small shops and artisans' workshops selling their handmade products, such as 'la Boutique del Cuoio' just below the Piazza of the church of San Giovanni.
Stop for dinner in one of the many small restaurants in the village, after eating you will find the shops open and a perfect atmosphere to enjoy an evening stroll.
Various events and festivals are also often organised, which take on a special charm in such a wonderful setting.
Dolceacqua has been enchanting its visitors for decades and managed to enchant no less a person than Claude Monet, who made it famous with his paintings.
Visit the old part of the village among the characteristic 'carugi' (narrow streets) to discover shops, artists, wine cellars, the Enoteca Regionale with the famous Rossese di Dolceacqua PDO wine, up to the Doria Castle. We also recommend the panoramic walks along ancient mule tracks on the hills above the village, along which there are shrines and ancient churches.
There is a free app that you can download at this link, with an interactive multimedia guide that, thanks to your phone's GPS, will guide you along your visit, suggesting the best routes and providing lots of information and trivia.
A few kilometres away, there is another beautiful village: Apricale.
Our advice is to visit both villages on the same day, perhaps at the end of a morning at the beautiful Balzi Rossi beach in nearby Ventimiglia.
San Remo has, for years, been one of the most touristic cities on the western Riviera.
It is famous for its flowers and the Festival of song Italian which takes its name from the city and has been watched by millions of television viewers for more than 60 editions. The Ariston, the theatre where the show takes place, is open throughout the year as a cinema, in case you want to browse!
Sanremo is the right choice if you feel like shoppingThe pedestrian streets of the centre are a succession of renowned Made in Italy shops and boutiques. For lovers of designer labels, outside the centre, in the Valle Armea area, the recently opened 'The Mall' a shopping centre dedicated to the single-brand stores of major fashion designers.
The offer is combined with the Casinothe pretty historic centre and some fine buildings, such as the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church, a precious legacy of the 19th century, when San Remo was a holiday resort for European nobility.
One last tip: to park your car, it is best to follow the signs to the harbour, with a bit of luck you may even find some free parking there.
Another great idea to avoid the stress of traffic is to arrive by bicycle: the cycle path of the Riviera dei fiori runs through the town and is a very comfortable as well as pleasant solution. You can leave your car in San Lorenzo or in Riva Ligure, rent a bicycle at one of the rental points you come across on the track and enjoy a scenic ride!
When you have finished visiting Dolceacqua, get back in the car and continue uphill: you will soon notice Apricale, which appears on the road in an evocative, almost fairy-tale-like view, with the Maritime Alps forming the backdrop to a village built entirely of stone perched on a steep hillside always kissed by the sun.
The beating heart of village life is the beautiful central square, with its Gothic fountain and stone seats, surrounded by a cluster of houses, alleyways, stairways, buttresses, subways and vegetable gardens that hark back to a life of yesteryear.
This lively village has a busy annual calendar of exhibitions, cultural events and village festivals, which you can find by clicking on this link.
As you walk along the town's carrugi, you will discover many small shops selling food and typical products. Among the tasty local gastronomic specialities to try, a must is the pansarola: a typical pancake-like dessert to be dipped in hot zabaglione.
Villa Grock, was the eccentric home of the greatest clown of the 20th century: Adrien Wettach, aka Grock.
The house and gardens have a truly unique and surprising style, after all, they are a reflection of the personality of the artist, who oversaw much of the project himself: many details are reminiscent of the world of the circus and the overall effect has something of a fairy-tale about it.
The house, with its impressive staircase, is surrounded by a beautiful park, with palm trees, magnolias, olive trees and the typical vegetation of the Riviera's historic gardens.
The villa can be visited inside and houses the Clown Museum, dedicated to the world of Grock, his art and clowning. Original objects and biographical details will accompany you on a visit that is anything but ordinary!
Reservations are not necessary. Tickets can be purchased on site, at all other museums in the city network and online via the website vivaticket
Here, history and modernity intertwine in a journey that will take you through millennia-old olive trees, archaeological finds dating back to the 5th century B.C. and modern production processes used in the oil mill to produce the oil.
If you are looking for an experience that combines history, local tradition and taste, the Olive Tree Museum is for you.
Attached to the museum there is also an emporium, to end the visit by tasting products derived from the Taggiasca olive: the queen of local cuisine.
The walk up to Monte Calvario is short and suitable for everyone: it leads to one of the city's most impressive views, a sanctuary dating from 1690 and a small museum.
Next to the church of Borgo Prino (San Benedetto Revelli) begins a typical crêuza de ma, one of the many Ligurian roads between the coast and the hills. In particular, this is an old stone and cobblestone mule track, easy to walk, although uphill, and suitable for children.
When you reach the top, you will find a large lawn surrounded by cypress trees and a breathtaking panorama: the open view of the sea, the Parasio hill seen from above, the valleys with their centuries-old olive trees and the summit of Monte Faudo.
Culture lovers will certainly appreciate the Sanctuary of Santa Croce overlooking the square, dating back to 1690. There is also a small museum next to it, where vestments, sacred ornaments used in processions and iron chains, brought as a vow to the sanctuary by sailors taken prisoner during pirate raids and freed thanks to the confreres of the convent attached to the sanctuary, are kept. Other works on display include a medieval stone sculpture of the Madonna and Child and parts of a holy water stoup that is said to have been dissected and buried in the garden to save it from pillaging by Napoleon's troops.
A wonderful garden corner with a view, Café Ariel will be a pleasant stop during a visit to the medieval village of Cervo.
At the end of the climb, right at the top of the village, treat yourself to a relaxing break with cappuccino and croissants, a light lunch, or an appetising aperitif while enjoying a fantastic sea view!
At the entrance of this ice cream parlour you will almost always find a queue, but it is worth waiting a few minutes because their ice cream has a special taste.
We also recommend you try the Sicilian granita, very creamy and with a choice of many flavours!
Take the opportunity for a nice walk along the seafront in San Bartolomeo al Mare, a pretty town between Imperia and Diano Marina!
In a seaside town like ours, all the artisan ice-cream parlours offer quality ice cream and you will never be disappointed.
However, we would like to highlight this small workshop in the centre of Borgo Marina, which we particularly like because it offers a variety of flavours between creams and fruits, including several vegetable alternatives.
So you can enjoy great ice cream even if you are vegan or prefer to avoid dairy products!
To live the sea in all its charmwhy not plan a nice boat trip?
You can choose between a outing afternoonincluding a stop for a dip and a few hours of relaxation lulled by the waves, or a sunset aperitifwhen the sea and the coast offer their most beautiful colours. Or again water games and sighting of dolphins.
Departure is from the port of San Lorenzo by the sea (a few minutes from Villa LeA) and the boat will be exclusive for you, bookable from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 6 persons.
We are at Ventimigliain 1867. Thomas Hanbury, an English trader in spices, tea and silk, bought an estate with a ruined old mansion and, thanks to a great passion for nature and the collaboration of the best botanists, agronomists and landscape architects of the time, transformed it into a wonderful botanical garden, which will become one of the most famous in the world.
The park still stretches 18 hectares on the entire Capo Mortola promontory, and is unparalleled in Europe both from a botanical point of view, with the 5800 plant species ornamental, medicinal and fruit trees, as well as the landscape, thanks to the harmony between buildings, ornamental elements and cultivated terraces.
With its unparalleled charm, Bussana Vecchia is also called the Borgo degli Artisti, because of its unique history.
After a violent earthquake destroyed a large part of the village in 1887, the inhabitants of the time abandoned their homes, and the village remained uninhabited and forgotten for many years.
Walking through the narrow streets of the village, one has the impression of being in an almost unreal place: one sees corners where nature has taken over, with buildings covered in climbing plants, old stone houses, ruins that have been restored but never distorted.
In the midst of all this, it is easy to come across artistic touches, paintings, murals, colourful chairs hanging on the wall, transformed into planters or statues embedded in the walls.
Yes, because in the late 1950s a community of artists settled in the Borgo and rebuilt it little by little using the tiles, stones and bricks salvaged from the rubble and adding a touch of originality.
Spend some time among the artists' shops and craftsmen's workshops; there are also several small restaurants and cafés to relax in. Then visit the main points of interest in the village, such as the garden among the ruins, a labyrinth of plants and flowers, or the Church of Sant'Egidio, with its open-air remains.
An experience you absolutely cannot miss, in a truly unique place.
If you feel like spending a slightly different day, a visit to Toirano may be an idea to combine culture, nature and history, indeed prehistory!
Just over 30 minutes by motorway from Imperia you will find a world-renowned archaeological siteamong the largest that can be visited in Europe.
On a guided tour lasting about 70 minutes, you will be accompanied among the exceptional traces of the passage of a small group of homo sapiens, who explored the cave about 14,000 years agoat the end of the Upper Palaeolithic, and through an important deposit of cave bear bones.
Not to mention the beautiful crystals and the stalactites spectacular scenery on the route: 1300 metres underground of pure wonder.
Reservation is compulsory, call +39 0182 98062 for all details.
A few kilometres from Toirano you can also visit the smaller, lesser-known caves of Borgio Verezzi. Over a distance of 800 metres, you will be amazed by the magnificent diversity of colours due to the presence of various minerals.
Thanks to a day trip, you can visit the magnificent caves that characterise this part of Liguria, uniting them either with a visit to the characteristic medieval villages of Noli, Verezzi, Finalborgo or Toirano itself, which received the tourist-environmental quality label orange flag by the Italian Touring Club.
You can also intersperse with a swim at one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, the wonderful Baia dei Saraceni.
Among the many churches and sanctuaries you will find in and around Imperia, the Cathedral of Porto Maurizio, or rather the Basilica of St Maurice and Companions Martyrscertainly deserves a special mention.
Yes, it is the one that stands out at the tip of the promontory in all the typical photos of Imperia taken from above, impossible not to notice it. Start your visit to the historic centre of the Parasio.
Standing in the square, at the foot of the cathedral in all its grandeur, you will not find it hard to believe that it is the largest church in Liguria. The sharp, clean lines of the style neoclassical blend well with the magnificence of the decorations. Walking inside with your gaze upwards, you will find yourself wondering in disbelief how they managed to decorate all those high vaults and domes.
A little curiosity? The basilica was built at the turn of the 18th century with the will to bring Porto Maurizio to the level of neighbouring Onegliawhich had already renovated its main church.
It had to be in the most up-to-date neoclassical style and follow canons of opulence and majesty, testifying to the wealth of the Maritime Republic of Genoa and Porto Maurizio.
In short, the church can be considered, if you like, a testimony to the eternal rivalry between the two towns later unified in Imperia: a 'competition' that still survives today in joking tones among us Imperiesi.
typical Ligurian cuisine and open brasserie with cooking on lava stone
Traditional Ligurian and non-Ligurian dishes...Brasserie on view on lava stoneGluten-free dishes for coeliacsHomemade desserts ALL
The mountains with the most incredible sea view are those of San Romolo, a village at an altitude of 800 metres not far from Sanremo.
If you are a keen hiker and love walking in the mountains, or want to escape the summer heat for a day, these trails are challenging enough and can be reached in less than an hour from Villa LeA!
Head towards Sanremo and take the Aurelia bis, a diversion will take you onto the winding road that climbs towards the mountain and you will soon arrive at the Prato di San Romolo, a spacious area perfect for an open-air picnic.
This is the starting point of several hiking and mountain biking trails, part of the San Romolo Nature Park, a protected area of 700 hectares of chestnut forests and Mediterranean maquis.
If you are well-trained enough, we recommend you take the paths up to Monte Caggio or Monte Bignone, they are quite demanding (hiking shoes are essential), but really worth it. The open view of the mountains and the sea is priceless: if you are there on a fine day, you can enjoy some well-deserved rest while admiring the play of sunlight on the open sea. If, on the other hand, the sky is overcast on the coast, you may be treated to an even more fascinating spectacle: finding yourself above a soft, white expanse of clouds!
Clear blue sea, fine sand... this beach in Varigotti, enclosed by the cliffs overlooking the sea, will leave you speechless.
It is easily reached from the Via Aurelia and you can park nearby, but we advise you to arrive early to be sure of finding a place. Once there, you will have to walk a short path to reach the beach. It is free, but there is the possibility of renting deckchairs and parasols, and there are showers and a refreshment point. A small entrance fee is charged, which also provides assistance to bathers.
The Baia dei Saraceni is also ideal for children, as it has a shallow, sandy seabed.
If you are a skilled swimmer from here you can reach the small and charming beach of Punta Crena, which can only be reached by sea and is off limits to all motor boats.
Ventimiglia is home to one of the Riviera's best-known beaches, famous for its crystal-clear sea and numerous caves of archaeological interest, where prehistoric remains dating back to the Palaeolithic period have been discovered.
This stretch of sea consists of a rocky first part, which is open to the public free of charge, and the so-called 'Egg Beach', so called because it consists of perfectly smooth, white pebbles, with a small, exclusive bathing establishment offering all kinds of services, a gourmet restaurant, and a lounge bar by the sea. The standard is quite high, so don't be surprised if this is also reflected in your wallet!
If you plan a day at Balzi Rossi it is best to book the beach in advance, you can access the site by clicking here and also choose a half-day package.
For a more varied programme, set aside some time for a visit to the small prehistoric museum founded in 1898, where you can admire a number of animal skeletons from various eras and various objects found in caves.
A few kilometres away, you can also visit the beautiful Villa Hanbury Botanical Gardens, a park covering 18 hectares on the promontory, rich in plants from all over the world (more than 5800 species!).
In the location of an old mill, the Equilibrio restaurant recently won its first Michelin star, just two years after its opening!
Here, you will have an intimate and curated experience: the menu has been designed with the intention of providing a visual and taste experience, where each dish is intended to be a combination of flavour and amazement.
Chef Jacopo Chieppa is a volcano of ideas and has experience in several Michelin-starred kitchens, including the well-known three-star Michelin restaurant 'Mirazur'.
You will be offered two tasting menus: ORIGINI, consisting of six courses, and EGO, eight courses representing the highest expression of the Chef's creativity.
You can also order a la carte, i.e. extrapolate from the menu the dishes that intrigue you most.
Are you curious? You can read a description of the dishes on the highly original menu on the website.
In Borgo Prino, it is the closest to Villa Lea and offers the possibility of renting sun loungers, umbrellas and cabins, even for a single day, as well as various additional services.
The Bar is open from morning to evening: from breakfast to after-dinner drinks. The menu of the Restaurant includes pizza, appetisers, main courses, salads and numerous fish dishes. In the evenings, the beach bar comes alive with live music, DJ sets and evenings.
The beach will also provide you with plenty of options for your relaxation, sport and fun including surf school, SUP and snorkelling, sunset yoga classes, holistic massages and boat rides.
On a long shoreline of fine sand, lies the beach of Borgo Marina. Most of it is occupied by fully equipped establishments with cabins, cold or hot showers, bar-restaurant and often play areas for children. Some also offer free Wi-Fi access. However, there are also some stretches of free beach.
They are the most popular beaches of the city, especially by young people and families, and it is not uncommon to find them rather crowded, especially at weekends.
If you are travelling with your children, you will appreciate the sea here for its sloping seabedthat is, the water gradually becomes deep and touches several metres. A perfect situation for the little ones, who can play safely on the shore.
Free, wild, unspoilt. If you are looking for a place away from the crowds and establishments beach, this is the beach for you.
In this stretch of coastline you will find the beaches plus wild of the city, all free e with the clearest sea thanks to the absence of sand.
The beach is made of stones and rocks, so we recommend that you bring suitable shoes to enter the water more comfortably.
The sea is immediately deep, ideal for those who are able to swim and for snorkelling enthusiasts, less recommended for the young or inexperienced.
La Galeazza is among the most popular beaches among the people of Imperia. DIY usually reigns here, and many people bring their own 'comfort' from home with mats, deckchairs and parasols.
Drive past the Borgo Peri esplanade to the end of the road, park and drive onto theUnfinished, the scenic pedestrian promenade connecting Imperia with nearby Diano Marina. After a few metres you will see the suggestive Galeazza rock and you will have reached your destination.
By the way, at the end of your day at the sea, when the air is a little cooler, we recommend that you enjoy a nice walk on the unfinished beach, taking in the beautiful view, accompanied by the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks.
At the end of the 'Esplanade' promenade, looking down, you can't help but notice this café with décor total white and canopies sheltered by light curtains in the sunbathing area.
Koko Beach is among the most stylish of Imperia, not overcrowded and equipped with bar-restaurant open all day.
If you decide to try it, stay until thehappy hourYou can enjoy a drink with pleasant aperitif snacks, background music and the sea at sunset to frame it all.
After dinner, it turns into disco for several evenings a week. For information on events and evenings see the facebook page by clicking here
Very close to Oneglia, this establishment is excellent for those travelling with the family: adults can relax under the beach umbrella, children will have fun in the swimming pool with slide and the boys will have at their disposal a Beach Volleyballa table from Ping Pong and boxed games.
The wide beach is pebbly, with sunbeds well spaced out. For children there is also a sandy area with various games.
In addition, there are hot showers, Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a kiosk bar with cold drinks, freshly made sandwiches, seasonal fruit, ice cream and sweets.
This small beach is located in a protected bay from the inlets of the coast, away from the chaos of the most touristy areas, set in a beautiful setting at the foot of Imperia's historic centre. All you have to do is look up to admire the Parasio and the Logge di Santa Chiara.
Here you will find rocks and pebbles and you can settle on the public beach, with the convenience of the bar at your fingertips, or rent deckchairs and parasols at the equipped beach, for more complete relaxation.
The sea is always calm and excellent for snorkelling: just a few metres from the shore, the seabed is home to aquatic animals and plants.
A rocky beach, one of the most famous in Deerwill enchant you thanks to its rocky seabed that gives the water a crystal clarity.
'Il Porteghetto' is also the name of the bar-restaurant with a breathtaking view, built right on the cliff overlooking the beach, which also includes a equipped area with sun loungers, parasols and a walkway for easier access to the water.
In the area there are many free beachmost of them rocks and pebbles.
The seabed is ideal for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
We advise you to equip yourself with rock shoes, which you will especially need to enter the water since, among the many inhabitants of the marine fauna, there are often urchins near the shore!
Fancy a sweet treat? For a slightly special breakfast or snack, we recommend a brand new café-bakery in the centre of Oneglia, just a few steps from Piazza San Giovanni.
You can choose a cake or a tray of pastries to take away, or stop by the small and cosy cafeteria area and taste their different and delicious single portions accompanied by a nice cappuccino.
You will find sweets made with modern processes, from mirror icing to velvet icing, but also the more traditional ones, such as cream puffs, meringues or tarts, to artisanal brioche, biscuits and dry pastries.
From the centre of Oneglia, walking in the direction of the sea, you will find yourself on the quay of the port known as Calata Cuneo.
Along this promenade, there is a succession of restaurants for all tastes and price ranges, each with its own open-air terrace and culinary offerings: pizzerias, fish and meat restaurants, places for aperitifs or after-dinner drinks.
All you have to do is read the menus as you walk around and get inspired!
If you feel like taking a walk then you can opt for the long pier, which you can see right in front of you.
Enjoy the view from the sea of Calata Cuneo, with its arcade, typical colourful houses, and the characteristic promontory of Parasio in Porto Maurizio in the distance.
A modern trattoria with old-world charm, the Osteria dai Pippi has been in the heart of Borgo Marina for over twenty years and is very popular with the people of Imperia.
The service is efficient and the welcome warm, and the chef is experienced and creative. Sea and land ingredients typical of Ligurian cuisine are combined with products from various Italian regions, always with originality.
The menu is always changing because it depends on the supply of fresh produce, the changing seasons and also the chef's ongoing research. Our advice is to trust the staff and let them take you on a surprise tour that will not disappoint either on the food side or on the wine pairing side.
In their words: 'We are not starred, we do not have an à la carte menu, Chef Ivano likes to call himself an amateur cook. We are neither set nor combed ... We are restaurateurs who put our whole heart into what we do, even managing to bring a smile to your face'.
To try genuine, strictly typical Ligurian cuisine, go to Trattoria dalla Etta, in Borgomaro, a beautiful Ligurian village.
Here you can find typical dishes from the hinterland: vegetable appetisers that follow the seasonality of the products, home-made pastas such as herb ravioli and straccetti ('streppa e caccia là') with pesto sauce and potatoes and green beans, rabbit with thyme and roast beef with vermentino, and for lovers of specialities: Ligurian-style snails, stockfish buridda and in winter wild boar with pigato and 'zemin' with beans from Conio.
The desserts are all homemade, one more mouth-watering than the other.
