Imperia e Dianese.
At the mouth of the Impero River, lie the remains of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio (now joined to form a single town, the lively and charming Imperia), formerly at war against each other for a long time. Here the colors of the sea merge with the fragrance of a rich vegetation that takes on the shapes and smells of an exotic, Mediterranean natural environment.

Evocative scenes and vast, panoramic overlooks of the entire gulf may be admired along the seaside promenade lined with African palms, and from the promontories strewn with ancient villas and winding, narrow medieval streets. Such is the layout of Parasio, Porto Maurizio's large old town, which is nestled in a large hill overlooking the coast and which is alternately dotted with medieval buildings, large baroque churches, porticoes overlooking the sea, and concentric, climbing narrow streets.

The restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes that incorporate fresh fish and locally produced olive oil, which have both traditionally been used to enhance the flavors of the local cuisine. A museum is devoted to the various phases involved in the production of extra-virgin olive oil and its centuries-old history. It is well worth a visit, along with the other historic and natural beauties the area has to offer, which extend from the coast to the immediately inland areas of Diana.

Amongst the baroque churches and other sites in the rural villages attesting to the area's religious traditions, such as the seventeenth-century country churches of Diano Aretino, the majestic Clavesana Castle stands out, with its original bastions and embrasures. The parish church of Cervo is also a remarkable example of Ligurian baroque architecture.

Art, history, and traditional culture coexist with the exciting nightlife offered by several clubs along the coast and the eclectic shopping opportunities to be found amongst the exclusive urban food and wine stores and elegant shops. The beaches and shorefronts are well equipped for quality seaside vacations.