The provinces of Imperia and Savona

The province of Imperia stretches along the Riviera di Ponente in western Liguria from the French-Italian border at Monaco to the neighbouring province of Savona. The Roman Road Via Aurelia, which connects the Italian capital Rome in the Lazio region with the French town of Arles, runs through it. The coastal section of the province of Imperia is also known as the Riviera of Flowers, Riviera dei Fiori. In addition to the provincial capital of the same name, Imperia delights with lively harbour towns such as San Remo, Diano Marina, Dolceacqua and Pigna in the hinterland. Colourful vineyards, olive trees and the scent of Mediterranean plants dominate the picturesque landscape. The lush green foothills of the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Apennines partly reach the coast and contribute to the year-round mild Mediterranean climate.
The neighbouring province of Savona stretches over 1,550 km from Varazze to Andorra. Endless sandy beaches alternate with steep mountain foothills and small bays. Off the coast are the two islands of Bergeggi and Gallinara, which are protected nature reserves. More than half of the province is covered with forests dotted with small medieval villages. Particularly worth seeing are the picturesque coastal towns of Alassio with its famous little wall “Il Muretto”, Loano with its beautiful fountain, Pietra Ligure with the “Piazza San Nicolò” and Finale Ligure with its palm-lined promenade. The narrow, winding alleys called the “carruggi” are characteristic of the towns.