From Imperia to Borgomaro: 15 km towards authentic Liguria

Fifteen kilometers are enough to make a journey through time and space that completely transforms the perception of Liguria. From the vibrant Imperia, with its harbor and maritime soul, to the small village of Borgomaro, nestled in the Maro Valley like a hidden jewel: it’s a route that tells of two different souls of the same wonderful land.

The starting point: Imperia and its history

Imperia represents the beating heart of the Western Riviera, a city born from the union of two historic villages: Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Here the sea still dictates the rhythms of daily life, with the harbor welcoming fishing boats and pleasure craft, while the historic center tells centuries of maritime history through its palaces and churches.

But Imperia is also the capital of Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil, with the Olive Museum that preserves the history of this Ligurian excellence. It’s from here that our journey inland begins, following the traces of that olive oil civilization that has shaped the landscape and culture of the entire region.

The road leading to Borgomaro starts from the center of Imperia and immediately winds inland, beginning that gentle ascent that characterizes all the Ligurian hinterland. Already in the first kilometers, the landscape begins to change: the houses by the sea give way to villas surrounded by gardens, then to terraced olive groves that climb the first hills.

The transforming landscape

As you move away from the coast, the landscape becomes increasingly authentic and wild. The fifteen kilometers separating Imperia from Borgomaro are a concentrate of that Ligurian beauty that often escapes the most hurried tourists, always attracted by the call of the sea.

Olive groves become the absolute protagonists of the panorama. These centuries-old trees, with their twisted and silvery forms, tell the story of generations of farmers who have been able to make even the most difficult terrain productive. The terraces, supported by dry stone walls built with local stone, draw perfect geometries on the hillsides, creating a scene of rare suggestion.

Along the route, small villages appear on the road like sentinels of time. Each has its own history, its peculiarities, its hidden treasures. These are places where time seems to have stopped, where stone houses cluster around the village church and where inhabitants all know each other by name.

The Maro Valley opens to view

Arriving in Borgomaro, the valley suddenly opens to view in all its beauty. The Maro stream, which gives its name to the village, flows peacefully between the hills, creating a small green oasis amid the reliefs. It’s here that the waters of the Maro meet those of the Trexenda to give life to the Impero river, which will return to the sea carrying with it the history of these places.

The village appears like a small nativity scene nestled in the valley. The stone houses, some dating back to the fifteenth century like the tower-house of the Ventimiglia family, are arranged in an orderly network of streets that tells of the urban planning desired by the Lascaris, ancient lords of these lands. Historic bridges cross the canals that once fed mills and oil presses, while the seventeenth-century church of Sant’Antonio Abate dominates the center of the village with its reassuring presence.

A territory that smells of tradition

What strikes most when arriving in Borgomaro after the journey from Imperia is the scent. The air here smells of aromatic herbs, of freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, of that mix of odors that only the Ligurian countryside can offer. It’s a scent that speaks of ancient traditions, of knowledge passed down from generation to generation, of an authentic relationship with the land.

The local oil mills, still active during the harvest season, spread in the air that characteristic aroma of freshly pressed oil that represents one of the absolute excellences of the territory. The Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil from this valley is considered among the best in the world for its delicacy and unmistakable flavor, the result of a tradition rooted in centuries.

The discovery of authentic hospitality

In this context of beauty and authenticity, the Relais del Maro fits perfectly, representing the ideal arrival point of this journey from sea to hinterland. The scattered hotel welcomes guests in its three historic houses distributed throughout the village, offering a hospitality experience that is the exact opposite of the anonymity of large coastal hotels.

Here hospitality still has the flavor of the past, that warm and genuine welcome that makes you feel part of the family from the first moment. The staff, predominantly local, knows every corner of the territory and can tell stories and anecdotes that no tourist guide could ever offer.

A journey that changes perspective

The fifteen kilometers from Imperia to Borgomaro are not just a geographical distance, but a real journey into the heart of the Ligurian soul. You start from the Liguria that everyone knows, that of the sea and coastal cities, to arrive at secret Liguria, that of small villages where traditions are still alive and authentic.

It’s a route that completely changes the perspective on this region. Behind the curtain of clichés about tourist Liguria, you discover a territory rich in history, culture, food and wine traditions, and landscapes of rare beauty. A territory where it’s still possible to live authentic experiences, away from crowds and mass tourism.

The return: carrying authenticity with you

When you retrace the road in reverse, from Borgomaro towards Imperia, you carry something different with you. The view of the sea opening again on the horizon is always exciting, but now it has a different flavor because it’s enriched by knowledge of the hinterland.

You understand that the real Liguria is not only that of the Cinque Terre or Portofino, but also that of small villages like Borgomaro, where time still flows slowly and where it’s possible to rediscover that authenticity that modern life often makes us forget.

Staying at the Relais del Maro means exactly this: having the opportunity to discover authentic Liguria just fifteen kilometers from the sea, but with the feeling of having arrived in a completely different world, where every detail tells a story and where every moment becomes a precious memory to carry forever in your heart.