Imperia lines the western end of the Italian Riviera, a south-facing stretch of Ligurian coast where surf arrives mostly on west and southwest swells crossing the open Mediterranean. The action concentrates around Sanremo, the province's main resort town, which holds a compact but characterful lineup rather than a long run of breaks.
The two main setups complement each other. A sandy beach break is the friendlier option, working across a wide window from the south around to the west and handling everything from small waves up to a solid overhead size on the bigger days, which makes it a sensible place to start out. Nearby, a boulder-bottom reef rewards a little more experience, tuning into west and northwest energy and keeping a cleaner shape up to around head-high before it maxes out. Notable spots include Bistrot and San Remo - Tre Ponti.
Wind usually decides the day on this coast. Because the shoreline faces the sea, offshore conditions blow off the land from the north and northeast, grooming the faces when a swell lines up with a light morning land breeze. Tide is forgiving, so both breaks can work through most of the tidal range once there is enough size in the water.
Like most of the Mediterranean, Imperia goes quiet through the calm summer months and comes alive when autumn and winter low-pressure systems drive wind and waves down the basin. Plan around one of those systems, watch for a west or southwest pulse, and choose the beach or the reef to match your level and the size on offer. For a simple read on Imperia surf spots, keep your focus on Sanremo and let the forecast, not the calendar, call the session.
