The region of Liguria is also called the Italian Riviera and is known for its resort towns and rocky coastline. Liguria occupies a thin strip of land along the Mediterranean sea which runs from the border with France to Tuscany. The region has a wonderful climate and landscape. Palm trees, citrus fruits, olive trees and flowers mark the landscape. Liguria is separated into the Riviera di Ponente to the west and the Riviera di Levante to the east with the city of Genoa separating the two. Our villa lies in Dolcedo, in the Riviera di Ponente which is home to unpretentious, authentic sea side resorts, charming villages and attractive medieval towns.
The city of Imperia is only 4 kilometres away from our villa. It has two historical districts: Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Porto Maurizio is a colorful district with its narrow winding lanes and large marina. Oneglia lies on the other side of the Impero river and has a fishing port, hosting many small restaurants and bars. The center of this district is the Dante Square which forms the heart of the shopping area. Imperia has many picturesque streets which are lined with ancient buildings and restaurants that serve good quality local food, fresh sea food and regional specialties.
Nearby gems along the coastal road Via Aurelia are Cervo, Alassio, Laigueglia and Loano, with their alley-laden old centres, as well as the medieval town of Albenga and the grand old resort of San Remo. All along the Ligurian coast, trips inland will take you to hillside villages and wooded mountains. Trips further afar can lead you to Genoa’s Porto Antico, elegant Portofino and the enchanting ‘Cinque Terre’, Monaco and the nearby French Riviera or the vineyards in the Piemonte region.
For those looking for action during the holidays the area offers plenty of sports activities, such as cycling in the mountains or on the coastal bike path, hiking in the hills, golf on two courses, tennis, midget golf, sailing and all types of water sports.
Tourist information
Turismo in Liguria
About Liguria
Restaurants
Sea side
Pizza Oasi, Porto Maurizio
Pane e vino, Oneglia
Damare, Oneglia
Olio Grosso, Porto Maurizio
La Piazetta di Oneglia or Porto Maurizio
Nero di Seppia, Porto Maurizio
Sarri, Porto Maurizio (high end)
Hills
Casa della Rocca, Dolcedo
Le Macine, Dolcedo
Val Prino, Molini de Prela
Al Santuario, Montegrazie
Lo Stregatto, Diana Castello
Cinque Torri, Civezza
Dalla Etta, Lucinasco
Olive oil and wine
Frantoio Ghiglione, Dolcedo
Poggio dei Gorleri, Diano Marina
Saglietto, Poggi
Beaches
Borgo Prino, Imperia – Baia Salata
Porto Maurizio – Bagni Mane
Diano Marina
Riva Ligure – La Scogliera
Attractions nearby
Coastal bike path – San Lorenzo al Mare – Ospedaletti
Coastal bike path – Imperia-Diano Marina (no bike rental)
Boat trip to Isola Gallinara – Dea Diana, Porto Maurizio
Whale watching – Imperia
Boat Rentals – Cantiere Nautico Diurno, Riva Ligure
Friday market, Ventimiglia
Shopping, San Remo
Attractions further away
Grotte di Toirano, Toirano
Boat Rentals – Dark Pelican, Villefranche (France)
Mondovicino Outlet Village, Mondovi (Piemonte)
Shopping, Nice
Genoa, Porto Antico, historic centre and shopping
Camogli-San Frutuoso-Porto Fino-Santa Margherita Ligure
Water parks
Parko Aquatico Le Caravelle, Ceriale
Marineland, Antibes (France)
Sports
Mountainbiking
Horse riding
Golf Club Garlenda – Albenga
Castellaro Golf – Castellaro
Circolo Tennis – Imperia
Canyoning, trekking, parapente