There are few cities as scenic as Imperia, suspended between sea and mountains, with two souls, two beating hearts: the modern and dynamic one of Oneglia and the ancient and romantic one of Porto Maurizio, perched on Mt. Parasio. Crowning it are the small villages abutting the sea: Borgo Marina, Foce and Prino, while shrines from the top of the peaks protect it behind.

The best way to discover the city is on foot, walking through its seaside hamlets with colorful fishermen's houses overlooking the beach, walking along the Lovers' Walk, one of the most beautiful in Liguria and then climb up the steep crêuze to the Shrine of Mount Calvary and enjoy the view of the Parasio. After visiting the shrine and the interesting museum of the Brotherhoods, we descend and then ascend again via steep stairs to the top of the Parasio. It is a must to stop at the Loggias of St. Clare to enjoy the view, but most of all the silence. Silence reigns supreme here, and it is worth stopping for a moment to listen. The silences of the Parasio, so intense, are one of the most beautiful experiences one can have. We continue along the spiral street that winds among the medieval houses to reach the  Basilica of St. Maurice, the largest church in Liguria that contains 19th-century frescoes, paintings and sculptures. After finishing our visit to the Parasio with the house of St. Leonard, its small and quiet squares where noble palaces overlook, we descend again to Borgo Marina and from there we reach Piazza della Vittoria, where we end our tour.

Train departures from Albenga and other locations on request

Length: 12 km
Height difference: 150 m
Departure and arrival: Railway station - Imperia
Difficulty: T/E Tourist-hiking.
Level: Medium - Easy . Confident stride and stair habit required

More details
Route: loop
Panoramic: sea view
Fund: mixed. Mixed trail: road, beach, mule track. Stairs along the route.
Shoes: trekking or sneakers but with a sculpted sole suitable for walking on gravelly trails.
Clothing: layered technical, windproof, rainproof, bandana.
In your backpack: small first aid kit, usual medicines, sunscreen, water at least 1 liter, snacks and possible packed lunch.
The Guide may decide not to allow those who do not have the proper shoes or those who are deemed unfit to participate in the trek.

Participation fee: €55

fee includes: train transfer to and from places of departure (Savona, Pietra Ligure, Albenga, Imperia), insurance, licensed hiking and environmental guide, agency escort.

We relied on the technical organization of La Baia del Sole travel agency for this trek.

Info and reservations: Ylenia Cirillo +39 371 155 3580