Spring in Imperia Province: 10 Experiences Not to Miss

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Articolo del March 22, 2026. Pubblicato in History and curiosities

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to discover Western Liguria. Nature awakens, the hills turn green again and the days grow longer, inviting visitors to spend more time outdoors. With blooming gardens, villages to explore, local traditions and the first sunny days, it is the ideal season to visit the Riviera dei Fiori away from the crowds of summer. The generally mild temperatures make it possible to enjoy seaside walks, excursions into the hinterland and cycling trips, alternating outdoor activities with opportunities to discover local culture and gastronomy. Here are ten experiences not to miss if you want to enjoy spring in Imperia province and discover Western Liguria during a season full of colours, scents and opportunities to explore the area.

1. Visit the Hanbury Botanical Gardens During the Flowering Season

Spring is one of the most enchanting times to discover the gardens of Western Liguria, when flowers fill the landscape with colour and fragrance. Among the places not to miss are the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, located at Capo Mortola in the municipality of Ventimiglia. Overlooking the Mediterranean, this extraordinary garden is home to a rich collection of thousands of plant species from different parts of the world, creating a unique environment where Mediterranean vegetation blends with exotic plants. Spring is the ideal time to explore the garden's paths, thanks to the flowering of numerous species and the generally mild temperatures. As you walk among panoramic terraces, sea views and shady corners, you can admire the colours of the season and enjoy the fragrances of the vegetation. A visit is an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and discover one of Liguria's most fascinating historic botanical gardens.

2. Enjoy a Bike Ride Along the Riviera dei Fiori Cycling Path

Longer days and mild temperatures make spring the ideal time to explore Western Liguria by bike. Along the coast runs the Riviera dei Fiori cycling path, a scenic route largely built on the former railway line, allowing you to ride with the sea always in view. The route extends for approximately 33 kilometres between Ospedaletti and Diano Marina, passing through places such as Sanremo, Arma di Taggia, Riva Ligure and San Lorenzo al Mare. The path is mostly flat and paved, making it suitable for anyone who wants to spend a day outdoors without tackling challenging climbs. Along the way, you can stop for a walk along the seafront, take a break in one of the coastal villages or enjoy lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. Cycling is an excellent way to discover the area, taking time to appreciate landscapes and little details that often go unnoticed when travelling by car.

3. Go Hiking in Western Liguria

Spring is also the ideal season to enjoy the first hikes into the hinterland. After the winter months, vegetation becomes lush again, hills and mountains turn green, and wildflowers add colour to meadows, trails and country roads. The inland areas of Imperia province offer plenty of opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. You can choose between easy routes through olive groves, dry-stone walls and country lanes, or more challenging trails in the hills and mountains, winding through forests and valleys. On the clearest days, some viewpoints offer beautiful panoramas stretching all the way to the Mediterranean.

4. Take Part in the FAI Spring Days

The arrival of spring also offers an opportunity to discover historic and cultural sites that often remain outside traditional tourist itineraries. The FAI Spring Days, organised by the FAI (Italian National Trust), are a particularly interesting event for anyone wishing to explore Italy's heritage through special openings and dedicated guided visits. Historic villas, buildings of artistic interest, gardens and places that are usually difficult to access may become part of itineraries offering a different perspective on the area. In Liguria, the initiative also provides opportunities to learn more about the region's history and cultural heritage. Taking part in these days means not only visiting fascinating places, but also discovering the stories, people and traditions that help define the identity of local communities. It is an ideal experience for anyone who enjoys combining outdoor walks with art and culture. The programme changes every year, and the sites open to visitors may vary from one location to another. Before setting off, it is therefore advisable to consult the official FAI website to find out which places can be visited and what events are planned in Imperia province.

5. Pick Bitter Orange Blossoms in Vallebona

One of the most unusual spring experiences in Western Liguria is connected with the harvesting of bitter orange blossoms in Vallebona. This small village in the hinterland, just a few kilometres from Bordighera, preserves a tradition of harvesting and distilling these flowers to produce bitter orange blossom water, now recognised as a Slow Food Presidium. During the flowering season, generally between April and May depending on weather conditions, the surrounding countryside fills with an intense fragrance and becomes the setting for an activity that offers a glimpse into the area's traditional knowledge. After sheets are spread on the ground beneath the trees, the manual harvesting begins. Only open blossoms are picked and then separated from any leaves and small branches before being sent for distillation. It is a special occasion worth discovering, offering an opportunity to learn about a long-standing local tradition.

6. Stroll Through the Flower-Filled Carugi of Western Liguria's Villages

Spring is the ideal time to discover the villages of Western Liguria, when stone alleyways, little squares and balconies are decorated with colourful flowers. Walking through the carugi—the narrow lanes of historic centres—allows you to discover characteristic corners, traditional architecture and charming views while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Ligurian villages. One place definitely worth visiting is Dolceacqua, famous for its stone bridge and castle. Here, the Carugi in Fiore initiative transforms the historic centre into a floral trail, combining decorations with cultural activities and opportunities to socialise. Apricale, Pigna, Vallebona and Triora are also well worth a spring visit. Each village has its own distinctive identity, from small squares and stone buildings to covered passageways and panoramic views over the surrounding valleys.

7. Enjoy the First Sunny Days on the Beach

With the arrival of spring, the sea once again becomes a highlight of outdoor life. Pleasant temperatures and longer daylight hours invite you to stroll along the beach, sit in the sun with a book or simply listen to the waves away from the crowds of the summer months. The Riviera dei Fiori coastline offers beaches and stretches of shore with very different characteristics, from long sandy beaches in some towns to pebble beaches in others. On warmer days, the bravest visitors may even take their first dip of the season. Spring can also be a good opportunity to organise an early boat trip, always taking favourable weather and sea conditions into account.

8. Taste Perinaldo Artichokes at the Local Festival

Spring is also when the first village festivals begin. In Perinaldo, a local event dedicated to Perinaldo artichokes is traditionally held. This product is closely linked to local farming traditions and appreciated for its distinctive characteristics. The event offers an opportunity to discover this speciality, taste it prepared in different ways and explore other local products, including extra virgin olive oil made from Taggiasca olives. A visit is also a great excuse to stroll through Perinaldo's narrow lanes and admire the views over the surrounding valleys, in a setting that preserves the charm of Liguria's small inland villages. The festival traditionally takes place in May, but dates may change from year to year. Before travelling, it is therefore advisable to consult the municipality's official tourism channels and check the programme for the current edition.

9. Admire the Wild Broom in Bloom

One of the most beautiful displays of wildflowers in Western Liguria is the flowering of wild broom, whose bright yellow blossoms colour hillsides, trail edges and stretches of Mediterranean scrub. The contrast between the flowers, green vegetation and blue sea creates particularly striking views, ideal for anyone who enjoys walking in nature and photographing landscapes. The flowering period varies according to the species and weather conditions, but from late spring to early summer it is possible to admire landscapes coloured in shades of yellow. You do not necessarily need to plan a demanding hike to see the broom in bloom. Often, all it takes is choosing a trail through Mediterranean vegetation or stopping at a scenic viewpoint along the coast. Photography enthusiasts will find particularly beautiful conditions in the morning and late afternoon, when the light enhances the colours of the flowers and the sea.

10. Watch the Sant'Ampelio Fireworks in Bordighera

The final highlight of this spring journey through Western Liguria is the celebration of Sant'Ampelio, the patron saint of Bordighera. Traditionally held around mid-May, the festivities combine religious celebrations, food events and activities that bring together the local community and visitors. One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the fireworks display over the sea, illuminating the coastline and creating an evocative atmosphere around Capo Sant'Ampelio. The fireworks reflect on the water, transforming the shoreline into a particularly enchanting setting. If you would like to attend the celebrations, it is advisable to check the municipality's official programme for confirmed dates, times and events for the current year.

Why Visit Western Liguria in Spring?

From flower-filled village lanes to scenic roads through the hinterland, and from peaceful beaches to trails surrounded by greenery, spring offers plenty of reasons to explore Western Liguria. It is a season that encourages you to follow your curiosity and stop in lesser-known places, discovering the area through its landscapes, flavours and traditions. Whether you are planning a day trip or a few days away, spring is an excellent time to explore Imperia province and experience a different side of the Riviera from the one seen during the summer months, rich in colours, fragrances and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

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