Santa Margherita Ligure is a beautiful ligurian city on the Riviera di Levante, just 5 km from Portofino.
Santa Margherita Ligure is a city synonymous of elegance with luxury hotels with high standards where tourist hospitality has been rooted in the culture of the citizens for years. There are many famous high fashion brands that show off their products in boutiques.
The city boasts a historic center that is absolutely worth a visit, with splendid buildings with facades and paintings in typical Genoese style and attractions rich in history, works of art and statues. There are many famous shops, pastry shops and ice cream parlors, bars and bakeries.
Santa Margherita has many well-equipped beaches for all tastes with crystal clear waters with sandy and rocky seabeds. It offers a wide variety of excellent seafood restaurants, aperitif venues with good music and breathtaking sea views.
From Santa Margherita, a 5 km walk along the sea takes you to Portofino, passing through the famous Paraggi beach.
Where to sleep in Santa Margherita
Santa Margherita has a huge choice of 5-star luxury hotels, very elegant and with sea views. Visit Hotels in Santa Margherita.
How to get to Santa Margherita
Santa Margherita Ligure is located about 35 km by car from Genoa and 83 km from the Cinque Terre.
By car: The nearest motorway exit to Santa Margherita is Rapallo, about 5 km from the center. Once you exit the Rapallo toll booth, continue towards the center and then follow the signs for Portofino.
By train: The train station is on the Genoa - La Spezia line. This station is also served by taxis and buses to reach Portofino.
By plane: The closest airport to Santa Margherita is Cristoforo Colombo Airport in Genoa. You can rent a car, take a taxi or ask the hotel directly. There is also a shuttle service from the airport to the Genoa Brignole train station.
By boat: Santa Margherita can also be reached by boat from Rapallo, Camogli, Cinque Terre and Genoa. The boat service is served by the Tigullio maritime service which is active from April to October. For more information www.traghettiportofino.it.
What to see in Santa Margherita Ligure
-
The historic center. In the narrow streets, the typical caruggi, many shops are enclosed between pastel-colored buildings and houses.
-
The Castle of Santa Margherita Ligure, located on the seafront promenade below Villa Durazzo. A defensive fortification at the time of the Saracens, today it occasionally hosts various exhibitions.
-
The small port, from here boats leave for the various cities in the surrounding area including Portofino and also reach the Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare) and Portovenere.
-
Villa Durazzo, a villa with a dominant position on the hills of the city with a view of the Gulf of Tigullio and a botanical garden. Park with fountains, statues and paths that lead to the terrace of the villa. It is also often the venue for conferences, conventions and events.
-
The Church of the Capuchin Friars
-
Cervara Abbey (Abbazia della Cervara)
-
The Oratory of the Madonna del Suffragio (Oratorio della Madonna del Suffragio)
-
The Oratory of Nostra Signora dell'Addolorata
-
The Cathedral of the Madonna della Rosa
-
The Church of San Siro
-
Paraggi Bay (baia di Paraggi)
-
Paraggi Castle (Castello di Paraggi)
Maps of Santa Margherita Ligure
Parking in Santa Margherita
In the center of Santa Margherita Ligure most of the parking places are paid. On the seafront are all paid parking with parking meter.
Other parking places closer to the seafront are between Santa Margherita and Portofino, where some are free with duration limit.
