Impero Valley, Italy Travel Guide

Nestled between gentle mountains and flowing along the Impero river, the Impero Valley in Western Liguria offers travelers a peaceful escape from busy tourist spots. This green valley starts near the coastal city of Imperia and winds its way inland, revealing ancient villages and stunning landscapes as you travel. The Impero Valley showcases the authentic charm of Western Liguria with its olive groves, historic settlements, and the natural beauty of the river that gives the valley its name.

The Province of Imperia, where this valley is located, represents the westernmost part of the Liguria region, bordering France and the Mediterranean Sea. As you explore the valley, you’ll notice how the landscape transforms from coastal views near Imperia to the more rugged terrain of the inland mountains. The river itself forms when the Trexenda stream joins the waters of the Maro near Santo Lazzaro Reale, creating the Impero that flows through this picturesque region.

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For visitors looking to experience an undiscovered side of Italy, the Impero Valley provides perfect opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration. You can visit small villages perched on hillsides, sample local olive oils (a specialty of the area), or take a motorcycle trip through winding roads that reveal breathtaking views at every turn. The valley’s proximity to both the mountains and the sea makes it an ideal base for experiencing the diverse attractions of Western Liguria.

History of Impero Valley

The Impero Valley, located in Western Liguria, Italy, has a rich history that dates back centuries. This stunning valley gets its name from the Impero stream, which forms when the Trexenda stream joins the waters of the Maro near Santo Lazzaro Reale.

In 1357, an important milestone occurred when a duty on olive oil from the Impero Valley was established in Oneglia. This marked the beginning of the valley’s recognition for its exceptional olive oil production, which continues to this day.

The valley witnessed a significant transformation on October 21, 1923, when Benito Mussolini combined Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, along with surrounding village communes like Piani, to create the city of Imperia. This merger forever changed the administrative landscape of the region.

Throughout history, the Impero Valley served as a crucial link between the coastal areas and neighboring Piedmont. The valley’s strategic position made it an important trade route, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to inland territories.

Medieval villages dot the landscape of the Impero Valley, with their stone buildings and narrow streets telling stories of times long past. Many of these old villages still retain their original charm and character.

The valley’s terrain, nestled between the Ligurian Alps and the sea, created a perfect microclimate for olive cultivation. This natural advantage helped establish the Taggiasca olives as a prized variety in the region.

Today, as you travel through the Impero Valley, you’ll see endless olive groves covering the hillsides – a living testament to centuries of agricultural tradition that continues to flourish in this beautiful corner of the Riviera dei Fiori.

What to See in Impero Valley

Nestled in Western Liguria, Impero Valley offers charming villages and breathtaking landscapes that flow from the coastal city of Imperia toward the gentle mountains inland.

Begin your journey in Oneglia, one of Imperia’s historic centers known for its colorful harbor and the Museo dell’Olivo, where you can learn about the region’s olive oil traditions.

Cross to Porto Maurizio, Imperia’s other historic district, and visit the imposing Cathedral of San Maurizio perched dramatically above the sea. Its grand dome is visible from miles away.

The village of Borgomaro serves as the main center of the Impero Valley, with its stone bridges spanning the Impero river and narrow medieval streets perfect for exploration.

Nearby Diano Castello offers a step back in time with its well-preserved medieval layout. Wander through its ancient gates to discover hidden courtyards and panoramic viewpoints.

For beach lovers, head to Diano Marina with its golden shores and clear waters. The beach promenade is lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Don’t miss Cervo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, where you can climb to the baroque church of San Giovanni Battista for spectacular coastal views.

Adventure seekers should drive to Triora, known as the “town of witches,” with its mysterious stone houses and fascinating folklore museum.

For a taste of luxury, visit San Remo with its famous casino, elegant shopping streets, and palm-lined promenades reminiscent of the Belle Époque era.

How to Get to Impero Valley

Impero Valley lies in the beautiful province of Imperia in Western Liguria, Italy. Getting there is part of the adventure as you travel through stunning coastal landscapes.

By train, you can take the Trenitalia service from Genova Brignole to Imperia. This route offers scenic views of the Ligurian coastline, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

If you prefer driving, take the Aurelia road (SS1) along the coast. From the Gulf of Diano, head toward Capo Berta and continue to Imperia. From there, follow signs to Borgo Maro in the upper Impero Valley.

Bus services connect Imperia to various towns in the valley. These local buses are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.

Another option is rideshare services, which operate between larger cities in Liguria and Imperia. This can be both economical and a great way to meet locals.

Once in Imperia, you’ll need to head inland to reach the heart of Impero Valley. Borgomaro, the most important center of the upper valley, is a good starting point for your exploration.

Best travel times: Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, making them ideal for exploring the valley’s charms.

Impero Valley Visitor Information

The Impero Valley in Western Liguria offers a scenic escape from the coastal bustle. Located just inland from Imperia, this green valley winds along the Impero river through gentle mountains and ancient villages.

Best Time to Visit:

Spring (April-June): Mild weather, blooming flowers
Fall (September-October): Harvest season, fewer tourists
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, busiest season

Getting to Impero Valley is simple. You can reach it by car from Imperia in about 15-20 minutes. The valley begins where the Trexenda stream joins the Maro waters near Santo Lazzaro Reale.

Must-See Villages:

Borgomaro – Medieval charm with narrow streets
Pontedassio – Known for olive oil production
Chiusavecchia – Historical buildings and olive groves

For accommodations, consider staying at Relais del Maro, an “albergo diffuso” (scattered hotel) in Borgomaro that offers an authentic local experience.

Explore the valley by motorbike for a thrilling adventure through winding mountain roads. The valley is perfect for day trips, offering hiking paths that connect villages perched on hillsides.

Don’t miss sampling the exceptional olive oil that makes this region famous. Many local producers offer tastings and tours of their olive groves and mills.

Photographers will appreciate the stunning landscapes where olive groves blanket the hillsides. The valley extends deep into Western Liguria, eventually reaching the mountains of Piedmont.

Where to Stay Near Impero Valley

When visiting Impero Valley in Western Liguria, you’ll find several charming accommodation options that capture the authentic spirit of this Italian region.

Borgomaro stands as the main center of the Maro valley, which forms the first part of the Impero Valley. The Relais del Maro operates as an “Albergo Diffuso” (scattered hotel) here, offering a unique stay experience integrated within the local community.

For those who prefer coastal proximity, Imperia-Oneglia provides an excellent base. From here, you can easily explore the valley while enjoying seaside amenities. The city serves as the gateway to Impero Valley and offers various accommodation options.

Traditional Ligurian houses with terraces can be found throughout the medieval villages that dot the hillsides. These authentic accommodations often feature stunning valley views and provide an immersive cultural experience.

Vacation apartments are popular in this region. Many offer terraces with beautiful vistas, cozy living spaces, and convenient access to the area’s attractions. These self-catering options give you freedom to explore at your own pace.

The entire Western Liguria region provides numerous stay options ranging from boutique hotels to vacation rentals. Prices can be quite reasonable, with some accommodations starting from around $61 per night.

For the best experience, consider staying in smaller villages along the valley to fully appreciate the gentle mountains, flowing Impero river, and the region’s famous olive oil production.

Things to Do Near Impero Valley

Impero Valley offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. When visiting this charming area in Western Liguria, you’ll find plenty of activities to fill your itinerary.

Hiking Opportunities

Explore the ancient olive groves on well-marked trails
Follow paths connecting small medieval villages
Discover the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri for panoramic ridge walks

The valley’s network of hiking trails provides stunning panoramic views of the Ligurian landscape. You can easily spend a day wandering through olive groves that have existed for centuries.

Cultural Visits

Museum of Peasant Civilization – see an ancient animal-driven oil mill
Castello dei Doria – explore medieval architecture
Local churches with impressive artwork including triptychs by Ludovico Brea

The small towns dotting the valley each have their own charm. Take time to wander their narrow streets and discover hidden gems.

For beach lovers, the sandy shores of Arma di Taggia are just a short drive away. This makes for a perfect day trip when you want to cool off after hiking.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate visiting local producers who still make wine using traditional methods. Many offer tastings paired with regional specialties.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see an authentic olive oil press in operation during harvest season. The region’s olive oil is renowned throughout Italy for its quality and flavor.