Soggiorna
Imperia was born in 1923 from the union of two distinct cities that have remained separate: Oneglia to the east and Porto Maurizio to the west, divided by a couple of kilometers and different characters. This is the first thing to know before booking, because "in Imperia" can refer to two places that don't resemble each other.
By train, and the surprise of the station
Since December 2016, the old coastal railway has been replaced by an inland line, and the stations of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio are no longer in service. Today the city has a single station, Imperia, which is not located on the promenade but higher up and further back from the sea.
Those arriving by train must therefore factor in a transfer to reach the center, the port, and the beaches: city bus or taxi. It's not a problem, but it is an extra leg to plan — especially with luggage, or in the evening, when services become less frequent. Ask your accommodation provider how to cover this distance and how long it really takes.
By car
Imperia is on the A10, the Autostrada dei Fiori between Genoa and the French border. There are two exits for the city, one towards Oneglia and one towards Porto Maurizio: choose the exit for the neighborhood where you are staying and check the name on your navigator before setting off, because crossing from one center to the other during high season, along the Via Aurelia, takes more time than it seems on the map.
Parking in Imperia: where to leave your car
Imperia has two main hubs, Oneglia and Porto Maurizio: it is best to choose parking based on the area you want to visit, rather than leaving your car anywhere in the city.
The manager of city parking indicates among dedicated areas Parcheggio Amadeo - Piazza Ricci, Parcheggio Angeloni - Piazza Duomo, Parcheggio Mameli, Molo Salvo, Molo San Lazzaro, Parcheggio Prino, Parcheggio Toscanini e Parcheggio Vecchia Stazione - Piazza Unità Nazionale. Before entering, always check the signage on site: rates, hours, and conditions may change.
Porto Maurizio, Parasio and Borgo Marina
For Porto Maurizio, the areas of Piazza Ricci (Amadeo), Piazza Duomo (Angeloni) and Piazza Mameli are particularly useful. For the seaside area and the port there are also Molo Salvo, Molo San Lazzaro and Parcheggio Prino.
Pay attention to Borgo Parasio: the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) is active 24 hours a day, year-round and is controlled by electronic gates. Guests of accommodation facilities may have access methods on arrival and departure days, but the license plate must be communicated according to the established rules. If you are staying in the historic center, ask your accommodation provider before driving in.
Borgo Marina also has a seasonal ZTL: it is active from May 1st to September 30th, 24 hours a day. In summer, it is therefore better to verify the route before simply following the navigator.
Oneglia
For Oneglia, the manager indicates, among dedicated areas, Parcheggio Vecchia Stazione - Piazza Unità Nazionale and Parcheggio Toscanini.
2026 Rates
The manager publishes the 2026 Parking Rate Plan. Rates vary depending on the parking lot and type of stay: before leaving your car, always check the vertical signage and the updated rate plan.
Official sources: Marina di Imperia - Parking and Comune di Imperia - ZTL.
Practical tip: if you need to reach the Parasio, don't just look at the distance in meters. The neighborhood is uphill, and a seemingly nearby parking spot can mean stairs and elevation changes with your luggage.
Oneglia or Porto Maurizio?
Oneglia is the more urban and commercial part: arcades, market, everyday life, and the tradition of olive oil. Porto Maurizio is the ancient part on the promontory, with the Parasio above and the beaches below. Neither is "the center" of the other: they are two centers.
If you are traveling without a car, this choice weighs heavily, because every trip between the two parts must be made by bus, taxi, or on foot along the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Imperia station near the sea?
No. Since 2016, the line runs inland and the station is detached from the promenade: you need a bus or a taxi.
Do the Oneglia and Porto Maurizio stations still exist?
They are no longer in service: the city has a single railway station.
Can you walk from Oneglia to Porto Maurizio?
They are a couple of kilometers apart along the sea: feasible on foot without luggage, less practical with suitcases or during hot summer hours.