Discover the best of Santa Margherita Ligure with this travel guide covering 11 things to do, including beaches, boat tours, bars, day trips, and must-see spots on the Italian Riviera.
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I fell in love with Santa Margherita Ligure the first time I wandered its pastel streets, breathed the salty Ligurian air, and watched fishing boats drift into the harbor. This seaside town blends relaxed coastal life with history, culture, and unbeatable views - a perfect base for exploring the Riviera di Levante.
Where is Santa Margherita Ligure?
Looking to swap the whirlwind of Genoa for a breezier Italian Riviera vibe? Just 22 miles southeast of Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure awaits, offering a chill escape that makes the journey totally worth it.
Now, if you're jet-setting in from afar, the Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport might be your gateway. And sure, while you could summon a posh taxi, why not channel your inner budget-savvy globetrotter and opt for a local bus?
Top 11 Things to Do in Santa Margherita Ligure
This is how I'd experience Santa Margherita Ligure if you want a mix of beaches, food, views, and easy Riviera glam - without rushing.
1. Walk the Harbor & Seafront Promenade
Start slow. I love walking along the marina, watching boats come in, and stopping for a coffee or aperitivo by the water. It's the heart of town and sets the tone for your trip.
2. Relax at a Beach Club
Santa Margherita has both free beaches and private lidos. Rent a sunbed, order a cold drink, and settle in for a proper Italian beach day right in town.
3. Visit Villa Durazzo
This historic villa sits above town with gardens, fountains, and panoramic sea views. It's quiet, elegant, and one of my favorite spots for photos.
4. Swim at Paraggi Beach
Just outside town, Paraggi has unreal turquoise water. You can walk, bus, or boat here. It's one of the best swimming spots in the area.
5. Take a Boat Tour Along the Riviera
Boat tours from Santa Margherita are a must. You'll see the coastline from the water and can often stop at Paraggi, San Fruttuoso, or Portofino in one trip.
6. Visit Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure
Right on the water, this small historic castle adds character to the promenade and gives you a sense of the town's maritime past.
7. Aperitivo by the Sea
Grab a spritz or a glass of Ligurian white wine at one of the waterfront bars around golden hour. This is when Santa Margherita really shines.
8. Take a Day Trip to Portofino
Whether by boat, bus, or coastal walk, Portofino is an easy and iconic trip. Wander the harbor, hike up for views, or just people-watch.
9. Hike or Boat to San Fruttuoso Abbey
This hidden abbey and beach is one of the most special places on the Ligurian coast. Go by boat for ease or hike if you want something active.
10. Shop Local Boutiques & Food Stores
Browse small shops selling linen clothing, ceramics, olive oil, pesto, and local treats. It's perfect for slow afternoons between meals.
11. Sunset Walk + Gelato
End your day with a sunset stroll along the promenade and gelato in hand. Simple, classic, and very Santa Margherita Ligure.
Day Trips From Santa Margherita Ligure
Portofino
- A short ferry or coastal walk from Santa Margherita Ligure takes you to this glamorous fishing village with pastel houses and a tiny piazza on a picturesque harbour.
- Wander to Castello Brown for sea views or sip a drink by the waterfront.
- You can easily make this a half-day or full-day outing.
San Fruttuoso & the Abbey
- This secluded bay and medieval abbey sits between Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli - only reachable by boat or a scenic hike.
- It's one of the most peaceful, beautiful spots on the Riviera.
- Combine it with lunch by the water or a swim in clear sea.
Camogli
- Catch a train or ferry to this traditional ligurian fishing village with pastel buildings and a broad waterfront promenade.
- Explore Castello de Dragon and enjoy fresh seafood along the harbor.
- Pair this with a stop in San Fruttuoso by boat if you want a longer day.
Cinque Terre
- Hop on a train (regular service along the Ligurian coast) and visit two or more of the famous cliffside villages like Vernazza or Manarola.
- You can hike, swim, and walk the scenic trails linking towns.
- It's more active but one of the most iconic day trip experiences near Santa Margherita Ligure.
Rapallo
- A short train ride east brings you to another seaside town with a lively historic center and castle facing the sea.
- It's calmer than Portofino and pairs well with a walk along the waterfront.
Genoa
- Italy's largest port city is about 30-40 minutes by train.
- Visit the historic old town, aquariums, and vibrant markets - a completely different vibe from the Riviera towns.
Paraggi Beach
- Not exactly a town, but this beautiful cove between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure makes a perfect half-day escape.
- Swim, relax on the pebbles, or walk the coastal trail with views of the Gulf.
Paraggi → Portofino Cliff Walk
- If you like hiking, the cliffside path between Paraggi and Portofino rewards you with dramatic sea views.
- It's scenic, rewarding, and connects two amazing Riviera spots.
Sestri Levante & Baia del Silenzio
- A longer but doable trip by train, Sestri Levante's Bay of Silence is one of Liguria's most photographed beaches, perfect for swimming and seaside lunches.
Where to Stay in Santa Margherita Ligure?
Budget (Value Without Sacrificing Comfort)
- Villa Gelsomino Exclusive House - Charming, adults-only B&B feel with great ratings for cleanliness and location in town.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/villa-gelsomino-exclusive-house.html - Park Hotel Suisse - Budget pick with a pool and sea views, close to harbor and beaches.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/park-hotel-suisse-santa-margherita-ligure.html - Albergo Annabella - Simple stay with great location under typical budget pricing.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/albergo-annabella.html
Mid-Range (Comfort & Style)
- Hotel Metropole - Classic seaside hotel with pools, spa, and private beach access - superb for longer stays.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/metropole-santa-margherita-ligure.html - Hotel Tigullio Et de Milan - Well-rated hotel right near the promenade, ideal if you want sea views at a reasonable price.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/tigullio-et-de-milan.html - Best Western Hotel Regina Elena - Reliable mid-range stay with classic service and sea views steps from the beach.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/regina-elena.html
Luxury (Splurge & Experience)
- Grand Hotel Miramare - One of Santa Margherita's most iconic luxury hotels with pool, garden, and unforgettable Gulf views.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/grand-hotel-miramare.html - LHP • Hotel Santa Margherita Palace & SPA - Stylish boutique hotel with spa and contemporary rooms near the train station.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/santa-margherita-palace.html - Imperiale Palace Hotel - Elegant choice with historic charm and refined service just off the promenade.
👉 https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/imperiale-palace-hotel.html
Best restaurants
Classic Ligurian & Seafood
- Trattoria da Pezzi
Traditional spot for trofie al pesto, seafood pasta, and classic Ligurian dishes. Casual, local, reliable. - Zi' Ninella Ristorante Gourmet
Elevated Italian cooking with a strong seafood focus. A great choice if you want something a bit more refined without feeling formal. - Trattoria dei Pescatori
Fish-forward menu close to the harbor. Go here if you want straightforward, no-frills seafood.
Casual Lunch & Easy Dinners
- Ristorante Da Alfredo
A solid all-day option for pasta, seafood, and pizza. Easy, dependable, central. - MOLO 10
Modern Mediterranean food near the beach. Good for a relaxed lunch or casual dinner after a swim. - Vineria Macchiavello
Wine bar meets restaurant. Ideal for aperitivo with small plates or a light dinner focused on local flavors.
Pizza & Relaxed Spots
- Master Ristorante
Good for groups with mixed tastes. Pizza, Mediterranean dishes, and an easygoing atmosphere. - Ristorante Karalis
Comfortable spot for pasta and seafood when you want something unfussy but well done.
Bakeries, Focaccia & Sweet Stops
- Panificio Pinamonti
Focaccia, pastries, and quick bites. Perfect for breakfast or a beach snack. - Antica Drogheria Seghezzo
Local food shop for Ligurian specialties, olive oil, pesto, and takeaway treats.
Best Time to Visit Santa Margherita Ligure
The best time to visit Santa Margherita Ligure is May-June and September. You'll get warm, sunny weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer.
July and August are lively with perfect beach weather, but expect crowds and higher hotel rates, especially in August. Spring and early fall are ideal for swimming, boat tours, and exploring without the rush.
How to Get to Santa Margherita Ligure:
The following are some of the most popular ways to get to Santa Margherita:
Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure by car:
From the A12 motorway, take the Rapallo exit which is just 5km away from Santa Margherita Ligure. Upon exiting the toll, head straight at the roundabout towards Santa Margherita Ligure. Proceed into the city and at the next small roundabout, turn right, following signs.
Cross the Boate stream bridge, and at the Aurelia intersection, make a right, immediately followed by a left onto Corso Cristoforo Columbus. Continue towards the port, then move uphill via San Michele, traveling from San Michele di Pagana to Santa Margherita Ligure along the coastline.
Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure by train:
The Genoa-La Spezia train line offers a hassle-free way to reach Santa Margherita Ligure, with the station situated just 150 meters from Ghiaia beach.
Get to Santa Margherita Ligure by boat
Opt for a scenic boat trip with Tigullio Maritime Service to reach Santa Margherita Ligure. Direct connections are available from Rapallo, Chiavari, Lavagna, Sestri Levante, Portovenere, and Monterosso.
The routes include:
1: Rapallo - Santa Margherita Ligure - Portofino - San Fruttuoso
2: Santa Margherita Ligure linking to Rapallo, Chiavari, Lavagna, Sestri Levante, Portovenere, and Cinque Terre
3: Santa Margherita Ligure to Rapallo, with an extended route to Cinque Terre.
FAQs
Yes! It is worth visiting.
No - Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino are not the same, but they're very closely connected.
Santa Margherita Ligure is a larger, more laid-back seaside town with beaches, hotels, restaurants, and a local feel. It's where most people stay because it's more practical and better priced.
Portofino is a small, glamorous harbor village known for luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and postcard views. Most visitors go for a few hours rather than overnight.
Santa Margherita Ligure is known for its elegant harbor, pastel waterfront, and relaxed Italian Riviera lifestyle. It's famous as a scenic base for visiting Portofino, for its clear-water beaches like Paraggi, historic villas such as Villa Durazzo, and a strong Ligurian food culture centered on seafood, pesto, and focaccia. Compared to nearby Portofino, it feels more livable, less flashy, and better for longer stays.
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Santi, thanks for stopping by and dropping a comment. We really appreciate the kind words.