Dolcedo

Dolcedo is a small inland village in the province of Imperia, Liguria, nestled in the Prino valley just a few kilometres from the Riviera dei Fiori coastline. The village is crossed by an old humpback medieval bridge, a reminder of its historical role in trade and agriculture. The area is well known for olive cultivation, particularly the taggiasca variety, and several traditional mills still produce extra virgin olive oil using time-honoured methods. The hilly landscape, dotted with olive terraces and stone hamlets such as Lecchiore, offers a genuinely rural setting typical of the Ligurian hinterland. Narrow lanes and colourful houses lend the village an authentic atmosphere, well away from the bustle of the coastal resorts. Dolcedo makes a good starting point for walks or cycling routes through the surrounding hills, and the coastal town of Imperia is only around twenty minutes away by car. The mild Mediterranean climate makes the area pleasant to explore throughout the year, with spring and autumn being particularly good times to see agricultural work in progress and sample local produce.