Santa Margherita Ligure Travel Guide: The Perfect Italian Riviera Escape for First-Timers
If you’re dreaming of pastel buildings, sparkling Mediterranean water, palm-lined promenades, and effortless Italian charm, Santa Margherita Ligure might just be your perfect base on the Italian Riviera.
Often overshadowed by glamorous Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure offers the same stunning scenery — but with fewer crowds, better prices, and a more authentic Ligurian atmosphere. It’s elegant yet relaxed, lively yet peaceful. For first-time visitors planning a 2–4 day escape, this seaside gem strikes the perfect balance.
Here’s your fully updated, SEO-optimized guide to the best things to do in Santa Margherita Ligure, plus insider tips and unforgettable experiences.
Why Visit Santa Margherita Ligure?
Located along the beautiful Italian Riviera, Santa Margherita Ligure sits on the Gulf of Tigullio between Genoa and Portofino. Its colorful harbor, historic villas, lush gardens, and easy access to iconic destinations make it one of the Riviera’s most strategic and charming towns.
Why travelers love it:
- Less crowded than Portofino
- More affordable accommodations
- Walkable and compact
- Stunning sea views everywhere
- Excellent food and aperitivo culture
Amazing fact: Santa Margherita Ligure has been a beloved seaside retreat since the 19th century, attracting aristocrats and artists who came for the mild climate and sea air.
Stroll the Waterfront in Santa Margherita Ligure
Start your visit with a walk along the palm-lined lungomare — the heart of Santa Margherita Ligure.
The promenade curves gently along the harbor, offering postcard views of:
- Colorful Ligurian buildings
- Fishing boats and luxury yachts
- Hills dotted with elegant villas
- The sparkling Mediterranean
Grab a cappuccino at a waterfront café or enjoy a cone of creamy Italian gelato while watching boats drift by. It’s simple, slow, and beautiful — the essence of Riviera living.
Sunset here is magical. The pastel buildings glow pink and gold as the sky reflects over the harbor.
Visit Villa Durazzo and Its Panoramic Gardens
One of the true highlights of Santa Margherita Ligure is Villa Durazzo.
This 17th-century villa sits above town and offers:
- Elegant frescoed interiors
- Antique chandeliers and artwork
- Expansive terraced gardens
- Sweeping views over the Gulf of Tigullio
The gardens are peaceful, romantic, and incredibly photogenic — filled with palm trees, fountains, statues, and blooming flowers.
Pro tip: Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer visitors.
Amazing fact: The villa complex actually includes multiple historic buildings and was once owned by prominent Genoese families.
Take a Boat Trip from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Santa Margherita Ligure is easy access to Portofino without paying Portofino prices.
Frequent ferries and boat taxis leave directly from the harbor, reaching Portofino in about 15 minutes. Approaching by sea is an unforgettable experience — colorful houses rising dramatically from the tiny harbor.
Once there, explore:
- The famous Piazzetta
- Scenic harbor viewpoints
- Luxury boutiques
- Coastal swimming spots
For nature lovers, continue hiking inside Portofino Regional Natural Park, where panoramic trails overlook the turquoise coastline.
Return to Santa Margherita Ligure for a relaxed evening — it’s quieter and far more comfortable after sunset.
Relax on the Beaches of Santa Margherita
While Ligurian beaches are mostly pebbled, the water is exceptionally clear and clean.
In Santa Margherita Ligure, you’ll find:
- Small public beach areas
- Private beach clubs (stabilimenti balneari)
- Scenic coves nearby
For a picturesque swimming spot, head toward Baia di Paraggi — a stunning emerald-green bay between Santa Margherita and Portofino.
Rent a lounger, sip a cold drink, and soak in Riviera sunshine.
Amazing fact: The clarity of water in this region often surprises visitors — it’s perfect for snorkeling.
Explore Churches and Historic Corners
Beyond the waterfront, Santa Margherita hides beautiful architectural gems.
Visit:
- Basilica di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia — known for its ornate baroque interior.
- Chiesa di San Giacomo di Corte — perched slightly uphill with lovely views.
- Castello di Santa Margherita — a seaside castle built to defend against pirates.
Wander the narrow pedestrian streets filled with boutiques, bakeries, and local shops for a true Ligurian experience.
Taste Authentic Ligurian Cuisine
Food is a major highlight of Santa Margherita.
Must-try dishes:
- Trofie al pesto (Ligurian pesto originates here)
- Pansoti with walnut sauce
- Fresh anchovies and seafood
- Focaccia from a local bakery
- Creamy Italian gelato
Pair your meal with Vermentino wine or a classic spritz during aperitivo hour.
Amazing fact: Ligurian pesto is traditionally made using basil grown on nearby hillsides, giving it a uniquely fragrant flavor.
Easy Hikes with Stunning Views
If you enjoy light hiking, follow coastal trails linking Santa Margherita to nearby villages.
Paths within Portofino Regional Natural Park offer:
- Panoramic sea views
- Shaded woodland sections
- Peaceful picnic spots
- Wild Mediterranean vegetation
Start early to avoid midday heat and bring water.
Unlike the busier Cinque Terre trails, these routes feel more tranquil and authentic.
Read also: Top Things to do in Arcachon
How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Santa Margherita
Day 1: Explore the harbor, old town, and Villa Durazzo. Sunset aperitivo by the water.
Day 2: Boat trip to Portofino and light hike in the natural park.
Day 3: Relax at Baia di Paraggi or a beach club, followed by seafood dinner in town.
This balanced pace lets you experience both relaxation and adventure.
Practical Travel Tips
- Best visited during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather.
- Walk everywhere — the town is compact and scenic.
- Use trains for easy connections to Genoa and Cinque Terre.
- Book restaurants ahead during peak travel periods.
- Stay near the harbor for the best atmosphere.
Why Santa Margherita Ligure Is Better Than You Expect
Santa Margherita Ligure delivers everything travelers want from the Italian Riviera — without overwhelming crowds. It’s romantic but approachable, elegant yet relaxed, lively yet peaceful.
It feels real. Locals still shop at bakeries, fishermen still dock their boats, and evenings are about strolling, not rushing.
For first-time Riviera visitors, it’s the smartest and most enjoyable base you could choose.