The Province of Imperia boasts remarkable botanical diversity: Mediterranean and Arctic-Alpine plant species can be found in the SIC M. TORAGGIO – M. PIETRAVECCHIA. The province’s varied natural landscapes include forests, mountain meadows and rocky high-altitude terrain. Those who enjoy exploring landscapes on foot will find detailed trail descriptions and clear distinctions between woodland, viewpoints and alpine terrain.
Mountain flora and trails
The Toraggio-Pietravecchia mountain group is one of the botanically significant landscape areas in Parco Alpi Liguri. Hikers can also follow the Sentiero degli Alpini through the park. To reach the visitor point for the SIC M. TORAGGIO – M. PIETRAVECCHIA, travel from the coast through Val Nervia, Pigna and Castelvittorio, then take the S.P. 65 di Colla Langan and the S.P. 67. The route heads 20 kilometres north to Pigna, followed by a further six kilometres along a paved road to Colla Melosa.
The visitor trail in the SIC M. MONEGA – M. PREARBA offers a different perspective on forests and views. It starts on a provincial road and initially passes through mixed woodland, then mainly through beech forest. At an elevation of 1,392 metres, the trail opens up to views over Valle Argentina and the Drego viewpoint. The sequence of woodland and viewpoints gives this trail a different focus from the botanical highlights of Toraggio-Pietravecchia.
A section of the route at Colle Garezzo passes through mountain meadows dotted with rocks and scree at an elevation of 1,700 metres. This landscape is markedly different from the transition from mixed woodland to beech forest in the SIC M. MONEGA – M. PREARBA. The Alta Valle Arroscia in the Imperia area is also characterised by broad pastures and extensive woodland. In this mountain region, open pastures, rocky terrain and forests offer contrasting scenery.
Riparian woodland, reeds and birdlife
The visitor trail in the SIC T. NERVIA features riparian woodland and a partially flooded reed bed. The trail leads to a lagoon-like bend at the river mouth where numerous birds gather. Riparian woodland, reeds and birdlife provide a specific focus for nature observation. If you are particularly interested in birds, the river bend is the ideal focal point along this trail; the woodland and reed beds add further habitats to the picture.
Cycling routes with different itineraries
A provincial report dated 23 July 2026 mentions around 30 kilometres of unpaved provincial roads that have been made available for cycling: the SP 2 from San Bernardo to Colle del Garezzo and the SP 76 from Colle del Garezzo to Colle Melosa. The report also describes a cycling route that runs to Monesi di Triora and then continues as far as the sea at Prino, a district of Imperia. It passes through the municipal areas of Mendatica, Montegrosso Pian Latte, Rezzo, Montalto Carpasio, Borgomaro, PrelĂ , Dolcedo and Imperia. This makes it possible to distinguish between two different options: the unpaved road sections mentioned above and a route that passes through several municipal areas on its way to the coast.
History and regional discoveries
The Province of Imperia has signposted memorial trails and visitor sites stretching from Grimaldi to Colle di Nava. They are connected with villages in the hinterland, hiking trails, military roads, fortifications and coastal beaches. This cultural and historical perspective extends beyond individual buildings to encompass a variety of places and landscapes. Triora preserves a medieval fortified complex with gates, arches, narrow passages and fortified houses. Together, these features make the complex a cohesive attraction.
In Cervo, the medieval castle houses the Museo Etnografico del Ponente Ligure. Alongside Triora’s defensive architecture, it offers two distinct cultural perspectives: an ethnographic museum in a historic castle and a surviving medieval fortification. Villa Grock in Imperia opened to the public in 2010; check current access arrangements before visiting.
Regional products can also be part of a trip through the province. Taggiasca olives come from Taggia in the Province of Imperia and are used to produce extra virgin olive oil with a mild, slightly tangy flavour. Their place of origin and production offer a tangible connection for anyone interested in the history of local products.
Discover more destinations: Molini Di Triora, Rocchetta Nervina, Bellissimi, Bordighera, Caravonica, Prela, Castellaro, Ceriana, Cervo, Chiusavecchia, Cipressa, Civezza, Collabassa, Colle San Bartolomeo, Costa Carnara, Costarainera, Diano Marina, Diano San Pietro, Dolcedo, Praelo, Imperia, Lecchiore, Lingueglietta, Montegrazie, Ospedaletti, Pantasina, Perinaldo, Piani Paorelli, Pietrabruna, Poggi, Pompeiana, Pontedassio, Prela Castello, Riva Faraldi, San Bartolomeo Al Mare, San Bartolomeo Di Caravonica, San Lorenzo Al Mare, San Remo, Santo Stefano Al Mare, Terzorio, Torrazza, Valloria, Ventimiglia, Villatalla, Borgomaro, Ville San Sebastiano, Triora, Riva Ligure, Pairola, Cesio, Diano Evigno, Badalucco, Chiusanico, Vasia, Diano Arentino, Bajardo, Olivetta San Michele, Serreta, Gorleri, San Romolo, Apricale, Moltedo, Dolceacqua, Airole, Camporosso, Borgo Sant'agata, San Lazzaro Reale, Isolalunga, Torre Papone, Pieve Di Teco, Pigna, Borghetto D'arroscia, Pornassio, Fanghetto, Cartari, Cosio Di Arroscia, Diano Castello, Ville San Pietro, Glori, Ranzo, Vallebona, Gazzelli, Tavole, Ciapin, Rezzo, Aurigo, Montalto Ligure, Grimaldi Di Ventimiglia, Isolabona, Costa D'oneglia, Berzi, Latte, San Biagio Della Cima, Seborga, Mendatica, Conio, Calvo, Trucco, Carpasio, Taggia, Bussana, Poggialto, Borgo D'oneglia, Vallecrosia, Soldano, Vessalico, Borganzo, Termini, Deglio Faraldi, Monade Santa Lucia.
Return to the main travel overview: Liguria.
