Car Hire in Imperia

About Imperia

Imperia is a city and municipality in the Liguria region of Italy. It is also the capital of the province of Imperia. The city was founded in 1923 by Benito Mussolini. He merged Porto Maurizio and Oneglia, as well as the surrounding village communities of Piani, Caramagna Ligure, Castelvecchio di Santa Maria Maggiore, Borgo Sant'Agata, Costa d'Oneglia, Poggi, Torrazza, Moltedo and Montegrazie. Although the city was founded only in 1923, this area and the settlements that are part of the city have a long and rich past.

Imperia is located on the Ligurian coast between the French border and Genoa and is a very popular summer destination for Italians and also for tourists and travellers from all over the world. Thanks to the excellent climate, you can visit Imperia all year round, it just depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for. If you prefer to relax on the beaches and swim in the sea, then, of course, you should come here in summer. But it's good to know that you'll have something interesting to see and do in winter, spring or fall as well. So if you are planning a road trip through Italy, no matter what time of year it is, you should put Imperia on the list of cities where you will stop and spend a few days. You will not regret it

Imperia is not only a summer vacation destination but it is also known as a city where large quantities of olive trees and flowers are grown. The export of olive oil and flowers is one of the main economic activities in the city of Imperia, along with tourism.

In Imperia, you will also find many interesting architectural creations that will enchant you. When you explore the old town, you will fall in love with the narrow old streets surrounded by buildings with colourful facades and many different flowers on the balconies and windows. In addition, there are many historical, religious and cultural objects and monuments that are worth visiting when staying in Imperia.

It is a very good idea to take a car with you, because there are many great places around Imperia, and it would be a pity if you missed them during your vacation here. Besides, the French border is very close by and you can perfectly combine exploring Italy and France. So if you have or are planning a road trip through France, you should also think about heading to the coast of Imperia for a day or two to relax under the Italian sun and, of course, taste the delicious Italian cuisine. As everywhere in Italy, here in Imperia, you will have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the fabulous tastes of Italian gastronomy because there are many great restaurants and taverns where you can order traditional and authentic Italian dishes or combine them with delicious menus from other parts of the world. One thing is for sure: your culinary side will be satisfied here in Imperia.

To sum up, here in Imperia there are many great historical, cultural and religious sites that you should visit, the city centre is beautiful, the beaches are great, the food is very tasty and the locals are very friendly - what more do you need if you are looking for a perfect vacation destination? I think Imperia has everything to offer and it's up to you to decide to visit this beautiful coastal town near the French border. Fasten your seatbelts and drive safely!

Basic info and car hire in Imperia

• Location: Liguria region, Italy
• Population: 42,328
• Official language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Imperia has a warm Mediterranean climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Imperia are in good condition.
• Car hire in Imperia:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Imperia is at the Imperia Downtown. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Imperia!

 Driving in Imperia

Driving in Imperia can be a bit stressful in the summer months, as there are many tourists from all over the world and most of them are not used to Italian traffic and traffic rules, so you should be extra careful when driving in the city in summer. The best way to explore the city centre is to leave your car in one of the many parking lots and explore Imperia on foot.

The roads here are in good condition, for the most part, so you will have a very pleasant experience exploring Imperia's surroundings. It is good to know that here you have the perfect opportunity to drive on the Riviera Dei Fiori, one of the best coastal roads in Italy. This 56.7-kilometre long road was built in 241 BC to connect Rome with what is now France. The route starts from Cervo. The entire route is as follows: Cervo - Imperia - San Lorenzo al Mare - Santo Stefano al Mare - Sanremo - Bordighera - Ventimiglia. It is also known as the Strada Statale 1 Via Aurelia (SS 1). This is one of the most iconic and famous roads in Italy and beyond, and for anyone looking for a perfect place to drive and combine driving with great sightseeing and a perfect vacation destination, this is undoubtedly the place for you. You will enjoy the conditions, the views, the weather, the resorts, the beaches, etc. All you have to do is come to Imperia car rental, buckle up and drive safely.

It is good to know that the police in Italy are very strict. So make sure you follow all the rules and obey all the traffic signs on the road. Above all, stick to the speed limits because there are many speed checks and you can get a fine even if you are not a resident. But of course, it is good to keep to the speed limits and other rules, not only because of the police but also for your safety and the safety of other road users

• Age limits: 21 years old-25 for larger vehicles
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passport), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance.   
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle (2 are required for all vehicles registered in Italy and 1 if coming from abroad), high visibility vest (recently made compulsory)- First aid kit (not compulsory, but we strongly recommend you have it with you, just in case).
• Children in the car: Children up to the age of 10 may only be taken in the back seat and a suitable child seat must be available up to a height of 1.50 meters.
• Driving side of the road: Right hand
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h.

Popular day trips from Imperia

This region is known as the Italian Riviera and there are many destinations near Imperia that are worth visiting. The best thing about exploring the Imperia area is that the roads here are in really good condition and besides visiting great places, you will have a lot of fun driving around. For example, you can visit Sanremo, which is best known for its festival of Italian songs. But it is also a fantastic destination in other ways, with many historical, cultural and religious sites that you can visit.

Another worthwhile destination for a day trip is Alassio, which is best known for its fantastic beaches.

You could also take a day trip to Nice. This iconic city is a destination not to be missed if you are near France. And if you are in Imperia, you are definitely near France, so you should also plan a day trip to this fantastic country with some truly iconic cities worth exploring.

What to see in Imperia

Imperia is not only a great destination for all tourists and travellers looking for a perfect destination where they can relax on the beach and refresh themselves swimming in the Adriatic Sea but also a great destination for those looking for a place where they can spend their vacation with a combination of beaches, bars, museums, exploring the streets of a city and so on.

There are so many things to do and see here that you will be truly amazed at how rich the offer of this beautiful city is. For example, you should visit the Museo Navale del Ponente Ligure. This museum will give you a fantastic insight into the development of navigation in this region. You can learn a lot about sailing and the revolution of sailing from the point of view of local sailors. Another museum that you should not miss here is the Olive Museum or Museo dell Olivio. This area is known for the cultivation of olive trees and flowers. At the Museo dell Olivio, you will learn all about the cultivation of olive trees and olive oil production in this area. Another museum you can visit is the Grock Villa, which was the house of the famous Grock, but later it was transformed into a museum and today you can attend concerts or other cultural events, in addition to exhibitions.

Another place that is worth a visit is the Church of San Giovanni Battista or Duomo di Oneglia San Giovanni Battista. This wonderful church is located in the centre of the city and is of great importance among the locals. The church was built in the 18th century and is one of the most beautiful and most visited religious objects in the city.

In the centre of the city, you should take a walk through the port of Oneglia. Besides being a great route for an evening stroll, this port also offers a lot of other things. There are many great stores and boutiques in the port area and also some great bars and restaurants. This part of town gets very lively in the evenings, especially during tourist season, so you really should plan at least one evening for a stroll around this charming port. Another port you can visit here is Porto Maurizio. This is the older port and it is full of various historical and cultural sites.

The loggia of the Santa Chiara Monastery, which was founded in 1365, is another site you should visit here. This building has great importance in many ways. Besides the religious significance, this building probably has a great artistic significance as well, because there are many works of art in this monastery. It is also one of the best places to watch the sunset. So you should plan an evening here.

Imperia has a wide range of beaches and it is up to you which type of beach you prefer. There are many different types of beaches, some are more visited than others and some have better infrastructure and facilities than others. You can pursue different water sports, visit great restaurants on the beach, have a cocktail or just relax in the shade of the trees... it's up to you what you prefer. These are some beaches you can visit: Oneglia Beach, Borgo Prino, Koko Beach, Diana Marina, San Stefano al Mare...

Drive your rental car beyond Imperia

Imperia is a part of the Liguria region, also known as the Italian Riviera, where many famous and beautiful resorts are located. Besides many tourist destinations, there are also many smaller towns and villages where you can experience the traditional Italian way of life. The Liguria region borders France and Tuscany, which makes it even more famous. This means that if you rent a car here in Imperia, you can explore the whole region or even extend your vacation to France or Tuscany. It's up to you which type of vacation you prefer, but one thing is for sure: you will have fun no matter which direction you choose.

Imperia is such a fantastic combination of mountains, sea, villages and resorts that you will be hard-pressed to find a better destination for a vacation in Italy.

But there are so many other regions in Italy worth exploring. For example, if you have decided to stay in the Umbria region and take a road trip through it, one of the activities you should put on your wish list is undoubtedly truffle hunting. This region is famous for its truffles and truffle hunting is truly a unique experience. In the countryside, you will find many experts searching for these "black diamonds". Besides truffle hunting, you can also learn a lot about the history of the region and the daily life of the locals. The Marmore waterfalls are another sight you should not miss on your trip to Umbria. These are the largest man-made waterfalls in the world and the second-largest waterfalls in Italy. These amazing waterfalls were created by the Romans who wanted to divert the Velino River to use more fertile land. For this reason, the Marmore Waterfalls are one of the most visited attractions in this region. For people who prefer a more active vacation, there are many activities here, for example, rafting on the Nera River, cycling in nature, visiting the Monte Cucco Regional Park, a side trip to San Pietro

There are so many places to visit in Italy that you need to make a good plan if you want to take a road trip through Italy. Italy is a very diverse country with so much to see and do. But one thing is for sure, there is something for every kind of tourist here. Italy is known for its fantastic beaches, amazing cities, a large number of historical, religious and cultural monuments, great gastronomy, volcanic islands, the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, beautiful lakes and rivers, breathtaking landscapes, etc.

The capital is Rome, which of course you must see. It is considered one of the most iconic cities in the world and is certainly the most talked-about city in the history of mankind. Travelling from the north to the south of the country, you can experience so many different landscapes, people, cultures, cities and traditions that make Italy a special place. If we then add the truly rich and turbulent past of this trunk-shaped country, there is no doubt that you should visit Italy at least once in your lifetime.

If you prefer winter and winter sports, then you should go to the Dolomites, because there are some of the most famous ski resorts in the world, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo. However, if you are more interested in history, you should visit Pompei and other cities in the south of the country.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Imperia

In Imperia, you can enjoy wonderful Italian gastronomy at its best. The cuisine here is closely linked to the climate and almost all the ingredients used in the cuisine come from the region. The main ingredients are garlic, olive oil. Fish and other seafood, wheat, pasta, chestnuts, chicken, vegetables, French fries and cheese.

Among the most famous dishes that come from this area are undoubtedly pesto sauce (basil), pandolce genovese, focaccia, branzino al verde, cannolini in brodo, carciofi in imbrogliata, crepes al pesto, cuculli, focaccia salata.

Combine this with delicious Italian wine and you have a perfect gastronomic experience.

If you are looking for nightlife, you will find some great clubs here in town. Since this is a tourist destination, many parties and concerts are going on, especially during the summer months, so you can dance until the morning hours of the morning if you want, do not worry.

Best restaurant in Imperia

Lanterna Blu

La Foce - Non Solo Vino

Pizzeria la Rustica

Dalla Padella alla Brace

Osteria Didu

A' Livella Pizzeria Napoletana