The Orange Flag Villages of the province of Imperia

Articolo del June 3, 2026. Pubblicato in VILLAGES & INLAND

The Orange Flag Villages of the Province of Imperia: A Journey Through Authentic Liguria

Between the sea, olive groves, and mountains, the province of Imperia preserves one of Liguria’s most valuable treasures: an extraordinary concentration of villages awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, a prestigious tourism and environmental quality label dedicated to small inland towns.

From west to east, from valleys descending towards the Mediterranean to the hilltop villages of the Ligurian Alps, these destinations tell stories of castles, rural traditions, art, gastronomy, and landscapes that remain deeply connected to their territory.

Airole: The Western Gateway to Liguria

Located in the Roya Valley, just a few kilometers from the French border, Airole is one of the first Ligurian villages encountered when entering Italy from the French Riviera. Its colorful houses stretch along the Roya River and preserve the authentic character of a borderland community. Thanks to its strategic location, Airole is also an excellent starting point for excursions between Liguria, Piedmont, and France.

Apricale: The Village of Artists

Apricale is considered one of the most picturesque villages in Liguria. Its stone houses climb the hillside around the Castello della Lucertola, creating a truly unique setting. Over the years, the village has become an open-air cultural center thanks to its murals, artistic installations, and theatrical performances that bring its squares to life during the summer months.

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Badalucco: The Village of Olive Oil and Murals

In the heart of the Argentina Valley, Badalucco is famous for the production of extra virgin olive oil made from the prized Taggiasca olives. Walking through its narrow streets, visitors encounter medieval bridges, traditional workshops, and numerous murals that tell the story of the village. It is also one of the most appreciated destinations for lovers of traditional Ligurian cuisine.

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Diano Castello: History and Views Over the Dianese Gulf

Perched on the hills behind the coast, Diano Castello still preserves its medieval urban layout protected by ancient walls. Its squares, historic churches, and panoramic views over the Dianese Gulf make it one of the most interesting inland destinations of the Riviera dei Fiori.

Dolceacqua: The Village Painted by Monet

One of the symbols of inland Liguria, Dolceacqua is famous for its magnificent medieval bridge and the Doria Castle that dominates the village. Claude Monet was so captivated by its beauty that he immortalized it in one of his famous paintings. Today it is one of the most visited destinations in the Nervia Valley and the homeland of the renowned Rossese di Dolceacqua wine.

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Perinaldo: The Village of the Stars

Overlooking both the sea and the mountains, Perinaldo is the birthplace of the astronomer Gian Domenico Cassini. Its historic center still preserves the atmosphere of an ancient Ligurian village and offers spectacular views over the Riviera dei Fiori and the nearby French Riviera. Astronomy-related activities and stargazing experiences are now among the village’s most distinctive attractions.

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Pigna: Thermal Springs, Nature and Tradition

Pigna is one of the most fascinating historic villages in the inland area of Imperia. Its medieval alleyways lead to the monumental Church of San Michele and squares that tell centuries of history. The village is also known for the nearby thermal baths and for the numerous hiking routes that extend into the Ligurian Alps Regional Nature Park.

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Seborga: The Village of the Principality

Few places in Liguria are surrounded by as much curiosity as Seborga. Famous for the story of the self-proclaimed Principality of Seborga, the village attracts visitors from around the world thanks to its unique identity, panoramic sea views, and the peaceful atmosphere of its squares and alleyways.

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Triora: The Village of Witches

Located in the upper Argentina Valley, Triora is one of the most spectacular medieval villages in Liguria. Its ancient stone houses, narrow lanes, and stories linked to the witch trials of the sixteenth century have helped create the mysterious charm that still defines the village today.

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Vallebona: Traditions and Village Life

Just a few minutes from Bordighera, Vallebona has preserved the charm of a small Ligurian village built around its characteristic medieval bridge. Known for traditional celebrations such as the Orange Blossom Festival and the Ravioli Festival, the village represents one of the most authentic expressions of community life in the inland Riviera dei Fiori.

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A Unique Territory in Italy

Few Italian provinces can boast such a high concentration of Orange Flag villages.

Visiting Airole, Apricale, Badalucco, Diano Castello, Dolceacqua, Perinaldo, Pigna, Seborga, Triora, and Vallebona means exploring a territory rich in identity, where every village preserves its own traditions, landscapes, and flavors.

For travelers wishing to discover Liguria beyond its coastline, these villages offer an authentic journey through history, culture, nature, and gastronomy, revealing the true heart of the Riviera dei Fiori.