Imperia
In the year 1923, by Mussolini's decree, IMPERIA has become the new provincial capital. It was created from the merger of the towns of ONEGLIA and PORTO MAURI-ZIO, lying on both sides of the river Impero. Oneglia to the east has large oil reservoirs on the harbor quay, and Porto Maurizio rises in a zig-zag fashion from the beach and the yacht marina to the top of the hill. The main artery of the city is Corso Matteotti. The AAST office is located at number 22 (in the summer Mon-Sat. 8.00-14.00 and 16.00-19.00; in winter only in the morning), which has a timetable for all buses in this province. Many of them stop right in front of the office (tickets are bought at the adjoining cafe). Shopping streets run parallel to Corso Matteotti, and beyond the top of the hill there is a large indoor food market.
Except for the stepped streets in the Old Town, Imperia doesn't have any monuments, but there is usually a chance for a spare room, when all other places are overcrowded. It is best to look for hotels in the area between Corso Matteotti and the sea. Ariston is the most pleasant here, Via Privata Rambaldi 7 (• 0183/61694), with double rooms with ensuite bathroom 45 000 L. There are numerous hotels below, in which, in addition to accommodation, you can enjoy breakfast and dinner. Example, Pension Irene, Via Rambaldi 30 (•0183/62996) i Pension Paola, Via Pirinoli 34 (•0183/650343) they offer complete subsistence for one person per 28000 L, or a double room for the same price.
North to Dolcedo
A largely agricultural valley runs from Imperia to the depths of the province. Greenhouses appear in the midst of the sea every now and then, like oases in the desert of palm trees, and there are olive groves on the hills, under which the harvesting nets are stretched. Buses towards PRELA (co 30 Min.) they pass a series of high-altitude towns, m.in. DOLCEDO on the river Prino, crossed by medieval bridges, and arcaded arcades run along the banks. This part of Liguria is called "Riviera dei Fiori". Under the protection of glass or wicker canopies because, flowers grow on all the slopes between Imperia and San Remo, which are picked every night and taken to the San Remo Flower Market.