What You Need to Know

Welcome to Italy!

The goal of this section is to provide you with useful tips practical information to help you make the most of your holiday in Imperia (and in Italy in general).

Directions and Parking

In Italy, blue road signs indicate urban routes, while green signs refer to highways.

When it comes to parking, there are three main types to distinguish:

  • White lines: free parking.
  • Blue lines: paid parking. You can purchase a ticket at nearby electronic machines. Remember to note your car’s license plate number, as it will be required to issue the ticket.
  • Yellow lines: reserved for specific categories, such as residents or disabled drivers.

In some blue parking areas, a parking disc is required instead of payment. Always check the maximum parking duration indicated.

If you’re traveling by camper, please be cautious: parking in spaces designated for cars is not allowed. You must use dedicated camper areas, which also provide facilities for waste disposal.

Shops, Supermarkets, Shopping Malls, and Restaurants

  • Supermarkets and shopping malls: They are generally open continuously from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. During the summer, they may close later. Most are open daily, though they usually close on Sundays and public holidays. On such occasions (e.g., Christmas, Easter), they often open only in the morning.
  • Small shops: Their hours vary, often with a lunch break. Typical hours are 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00 PM–7:30 PM, though some open as early as 8:30 AM or reopen at 3:30 PM.
    • Mondays: Many clothing stores and hairdressers are closed.
    • Wednesday afternoons: Butchers and delis are typically closed.
    • Saturdays: Some service-related businesses do not operate.
    • Sundays: Most small shops are closed.
  • Restaurants and pizzerias:
    • Many restaurants are open for both lunch and dinner, while pizzerias usually operate only in the evening, starting around 7:00 PM.
    • In Italy, meals are typically enjoyed later than in northern Europe. Finding restaurants open before noon for lunch or before 7:00 PM for dinner is uncommon.
    • Bars with kitchens: They serve breakfast, quick lunches (such as sandwiches and salads), aperitifs, and, in some cases, dinner.

Waste Disposal

  • If you’re staying in a hotel: The staff will handle waste disposal for you.
  • If you’ve rented an apartment: Waste management will be your responsibility.

In some areas of Imperia, a magnetic card is required to open street bins, which are only accessible at specific times and on specific days. The same applies to small bins provided with the accommodation, which must be placed in designated collection points at specific times. Your host should provide all necessary information.

Be sure to separate your waste correctly:

  • Yellow: plastics and metals.
  • Green: glass.
  • Blue: paper.
  • Black: non-recyclable waste.

Street bins are intended only for small waste items. Avoid using them for large quantities, as the areas are monitored, and violations can result in fines from local authorities.