Imperia

Arriving in Imperia felt like a reset.

Blue sky. Salt air. That first deep breath of Mediterranean atmosphere.

The marina immediately caught our attention. Large yachts, one beside the other. Winter residences of wealth. Not Monaco-level extravagance, but close enough to sense that this coastline attracts a certain class of traveler.

It was the first moment since the break-in in Turin where the tension fully dissolved.

We walked along the harbor, watched wingfoil surfers dancing across the water. A newer evolution of kitesurfing — lighter, almost floating above the surface.

The town itself stretches along the hillside, layered architecture climbing gently above the sea. Not overly polished. Not staged. Just authentically Ligurian.

That evening we found ourselves at Moment Bistrot del Duomo.

A small restaurant. Warm atmosphere. Genuine hospitality.

Due to gluten intolerance, eating out while traveling can sometimes become complicated. Here, it wasn’t. They prepared gluten-free pasta separately, with care and without hesitation. A simple gesture — but one that made the evening feel personal.

We stayed longer than planned. A good glass of wine. Good food. Mediterranean calm.

After the intensity of the previous day, Imperia felt restorative.