Discovering the Ligurian Riviera
Imperia's bicycle path: a picturesque sea view route
October 20, 2024
Inaugurated on July 02, 2022, the Imperia bike path runs along the former, now decommissioned, mostly sea-viewing, now renovated railway route connecting Borgo Prino to San Lorenzo al Mare.
In July 2023, a new 2.5-kilometer section was added from Incompiuta to Borgo San Moro, enhanced by a walkway suspended over the beach and the promise of a future connection by electric mini-bus. An excellent opportunity to explore this wonderful coastal stretch at leisure, admiring the landscape and avoiding traffic.
Map
Imperia bicycle path: from Borgo Prino to San Lorenzo al Mare
This new section of trail connects to the existing bicycle path that runs from San Lorenzo al Mare to Ospedaletti. Perfect for both pedestrians and bicycles, the bike path extends along the Riviera di Ponente, connecting with the route from Imperia to Bussana Mare and the next section from Bussana Mare to Ospedaletti.
The route
Departing from Le Girandole Farmholidays by bicycle, we quickly take the Incompiuta in Diano Marina, the old road by the sea that we have already mentioned in a previous article. Continuing in a westerly direction, you reach the Rotonda della Rabina, from which the new Imperia bike path section starts and a perfect place to rest under the trees.
Section of the bicycle path in the Rabina area
Continue toward Calata Cuneo in Imperia Oneglia, passing successively through Imperia's urban park, another strategic point to stop for a shady break, and cross Borgo Marina, finally reaching Borgo Prino, the starting point of the Imperia bike path.
To take the continuation of the bike path, simply reach the Prarola Tunnel, a few hundred meters away, which owes its name to the tower of the same name. A special feature of the gallery is that, in addition to being perhaps the coolest point on the entire bike path, background music is played inside.
Our ride through the Prarola Gallery with music in the background
Prarola Tower, a symbol of Imperia and recently restored, is what remains of an ancient defensive system from the 1500s to defend against raids by Barbary pirates.
In the vicinity of the Barbarossa locality, the panorama opens up, providing striking glimpses of the sea. It is possible to stop in the designated rest areas, equipped with benches and informative signs about the local flora and fauna.
Here it is also possible to find the informative sign showing the future project of the stretch of bicycle path that affects the municipality of Imperia, designed to connect the towns of Oneglia and Porto Maurizio. A prospect with a high landscape value that is part of the larger project of the famous Tyrrhenian cycleway from Rome to Ventimiglia.
The Imperia bike path then reaches the vicinity of the former San Lorenzo al Mare station.
The new section of the Imperia bike path
Inaugurated on July 8, 2023, the new section of the Imperia bike path adds 2.5 km to the existing route, connecting Borgo San Moro to the Incompiuta area. This expansion further enriches the experience of those who ride the bike path, offering new perspectives and amenities.
The suspended scenic section
One of the most striking passages of this new section is undoubtedly the steel walkway suspended over the beach, built in the very first meters of the bicycle path. This walkway offers a spectacular view of the coast below, providing a truly impressive experience for cyclists and pedestrians.
The electric mini bus project
In the first 500-600 meters, the route does not follow the old railway track because the Capo Berta tunnel, about 2.4 km long, has been earmarked for an innovative project: an electric mini-bus will quickly connect Imperia to Diano Marina, thus expanding local connections. This environmentally friendly public transportation is part of a local development project to facilitate tourism and improve the connection between the two municipalities. Currently, the tunnel is being adapted, with lighting and ventilation systems being installed. The project also includes integration with the Tyrrhenian bicycle route.
Continuity with the existing route
Once past this initial section, the bicycle path returns to the old railroad track, maintaining perfect continuity with the rest of the bicycle path in terms of signage, dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, and equipped parking spaces.
Picture of the bike path in the Borgo Peri esplanade
From Borgo Peri to the music gallery
The bicycle path then continues to Borgo Peri, passing by the Church of Our Lady of Loreto and reaching the only tunnel in the new section. As in the Prarola tunnel, a soundtrack has been introduced here to accompany visitors as they pass through.
First Gallery in Oneglia
The old Oneglia station and the Olio Carli plant
The tunnel passes under Via Agnesi and leads directly to the historic Imperia Oneglia station, which opened in 1872 and closed in 2016. The station once served the Oneglia ward along the Genoa-Ventimiglia railway. It was a single-track station with three passenger tracks and one trunk track, mainly for services to Cuneo. It was later decommissioned following the opening of a new double-track railroad track.
After passing the old station, the path passes by the Olio Carli plant, one of the city's industrial symbols, before reaching the bridge over the Impero stream.
End of the new section and future developments
The new section ends in Borgo Peri, but there are plans to extend it toward Porto Maurizio, a crossing that will definitively unite the entire city of Imperia along a single bicycle route. This ambitious project is eagerly awaited by residents and tourists alike.
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