A sizeable town (40,000 inhabitants) where two riviera economies meet. At Porto Maurizio on the west side the flower-growing begins, at Oneglia to the east the olive-oil, pasta and wine production. Sailing schools and all aquatic amusements. The Naval museum is worthwhile (www.cec.it/Comuni/imperia/), the civic art gallery so-so. You could make a foray from Imperia into the sharp-faced hostile-looking hills where cosy little villages are embedded. Cross the autostrada and follow the Imperia torrent. At Vessalico turn east and return to the coast at Albenga (total distance 47 km) or west to the coast at Arma (71 km).