Our B&B is situated in Lecchiore, one of the picturesque medieval hamlets that are typical of the Riviera dei Fiori hinterland. You get there from Imperia, reaching Dolcedo and then a four kilometres drive through olive groves takes you to Lecchiore. A few steps along a narrow lane will take you to the B&B entrance. The surrounding area is stunning: an unspoiled and timeless hilly landscape of olive groves, stone walls, ancient paths and charming hamlets. If you look north you can see the majestic Ligurian Alps, whilst looking south, you enjoy the sight of bucolic hills covered in olive groves that slope all the way to the sea.
Lecchiore is a real architectural delight: many of its stone houses are enriched by stunning top-floor covered terraces with arches (Logge or Loggiati), that were used in the past to dry fruit for the winter. Not far from the village the olive trees give way to dense oak woodland; where one finds the Rio dell’Acquasanta, (the Holywater stream), which is well known for its crystalline pools, where you can swim and refresh yourself during the hottest hours of the day.
In the lovely village of Dolcedo, just ten minutes drive from the B&B, you can find post office, ATM, pharmacy, a grocery store and a mechanic, as well as many restaurants and bars. In the area it’s also possible to buy high quality local wine and extra virgin olive oil directly from producers.
There are infinite opportunities to hike in the immediate surroundings: from short walks to explore villages, woods and the amazing freshwater pools, to hour long hikes to the mountains or along the coast. We love hiking and we will be happy to give you all the tips you need!
Imperia offers a wide variety of beaches that can meet anyone’s tastes: from the sandy beaches of Prino and the popular Marina of Porto Maurizio to the Oneglia coves, with sandy patches and pebbles and a particularly clean sea. There are many beach resorts where you can hire sun umbrellas and beach chairs, but also many “spiaggie libere”, free access beaches where you can bring your own. There you’ll also find free parking and free showers on the beach. And remember to bring your masks and snorkels! The sea is rich with fish, and the sea floor is of special naturalistic value.
Not many know that an area of approximately 100,000 Km2 that comprises waters between the French coast, Sardinia and Tuscany has been proclaimed International Sanctuary of the Cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea since 1993. This area, that covers the whole Ligurian Sea, hosts the highest concentration of cetaceans of the whole Mediterranean Sea: fin whales, sperm whales, many species of dolphins and of other cetaceans. From Imperia daily boat trips take nature lovers out of sea to observe these wonderful creatures in their own habitat, with marine biologists on board to give you all the information you want: don’t miss it! Some local fishermen also give tourists the possibility to spend a day on their boats, ad learn about traditional fishing techniques. And maybe eat some delicious fish on board afterwords…
Around our B&B there are countless opportunities to walk and enjoy the local natural environment, from easy, short trails to more committing itineraries, as well as many appreciated trails for mountain bikes. A wonderful 27 kilometres cycle paths along the old railway line connects Imperia to San Remo: rent a bike and cycle along the coast enjoying a stunning view of the sea (and stop to jump in it!). In Imperia you will also find diving, sailing and windsurf clubs, with courses for children and adults. A few kilometres inland, enjoy a thrilling canyoning experience with expert guides, suitable for both adults as well as children.
Both on the coast and inland there’s a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious traditional Ligurian dishes (just to name a few: torta verde, ravioli, rabbit “alla ligure”, focaccia…and of course fish of all sorts) and wines (like Pigato, Vermentino, Rossese…). Another occasion to explore the local gastronomic tradition are the many village festivals that take place all along the Summer. Most of them are characterized by a food speciality, that can go from fish to ravioli, from snails to frogs to mountain food…And then of course in this area the king of all typical product is the extra-virgin olive oil of Taggiasca variety: many are the oil mills (some organic) that give visitors the opportunity to try and eventually buy their delicious oil, still produced with the oldest traditional techniques.
The villages dotted around the west side of Liguria (the so called Ponente Ligure) are tiny architectural jewels, and it’s a delight to wander about their tiny lanes (carrugi) and discover a new wonder behind every corner. Dolcedo for example, the biggest village close to us (where biggest means 1.800 inhabitants), is absolutely enchanting, and so it’s the historic centre of Porto Maurizio, called Parasio, nestled on top of a promontory, ideal to enjoy magic sunset on the sea…
