Santa Margherita Ligure - beautiful coastal town in Liguria, popular luxury resort
The Italian Riviera's laid-back side

Cruise to Santa Margherita, Italy

Cruises to Santa Margherita, Italy, take you to a world of laid-back perfection. The former fishing village is now a coastal resort and a celebrated symbol of the famous Liguria region. While nearby Portofino brings the glamour, "Santa," as locals call it, brings an authentic charm that is uniquely local. Italians and resourceful travelers have been visiting this sun-splashed town for years, enjoying first-class eateries such as Trattoria de Pezzi, manicured Italian gardens at Villa Durazzo, and Instagrammable beaches such as Gio e Rino with its crystalline waters. You get all the perks of being on the Italian Riviera — the romantic piazzas, the lively seaside promenade and the elegant Liberty facades — without the crowds. Visit Santa Margherita, Italy, and immerse yourself in true Italian beauty and culture.
National Language Italian
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Santa Margherita

Shrine of Our Lady of the Letter (Church of S.Giacomo di Corte), Santa Margherita Ligure, Genoa

Legends of Italian Tradition

Shrine of Our Lady of the Letter (Church of S.Giacomo di Corte), Santa Margherita Ligure, Genoa

Shrine of Our Lady of the Letter (Church of S.Giacomo di Corte), Santa Margherita Ligure, Genoa

Legends of Italian Tradition

The Church of San Giacomo di Corte, with impressive central naves, is rooted in legend. One of its most cherished symbols, a Marian statue of the Virgin Mary, is believed to have been found by fishermen in 1783 after it fell into the ocean during an earthquake. Locals now hold patronal celebrations every year and carry the statue in procession around town.

Villa Durazzo, Ligurian Riviera

Discover a Treasure

Villa Durazzo, Ligurian Riviera

Villa Durazzo, Ligurian Riviera

Discover a Treasure

Exotic plants, Murano glass chandeliers and Genoese flooring are some of the treasures you'll find inside Villa Durazzo, a typical Alessian villa built in 1678 as the home of the Durazzo family. A visit to this fine villa is one of the best things to do in Santa Margherita, Italy, if you want to be surrounded by elegant gardens featuring bobbled paths, statues and flower boxes, all overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio.

Bay of Paraggi in Santa Margherita Ligure with paradise white beach, close to Portofino.
Bay of Paraggi in Santa Margherita Ligure with paradise white beach, close to Portofino.

Dive Into Italian Salt Life

During your Santa Margherita, Italy, trip, there will be plenty of time to saunter the town's streets and take in the man-made beauty. If you want to take a short break and bask in Italy's salty nature, then a visit to the town's beaches is mandatory. You can enjoy Gio e Rino Beach or Paraggi Bay (best for swimming) or the central beach by bringing your own towel and just laying down on the sand — or by renting a chair from one of the beach clubs found south of Central Bagni. You'll have access to great food, cold Peroni and the best gelato.

Spaghetti with homemade pesto sauce
Spaghetti with homemade pesto sauce

LOCAL CUISINE

Santa Margherita, Italy, travel means exploring a Liguria foodie capital. Liguria is touted as the birthplace of pesto, that delectable sauce made with heaps of fresh basil, garlic and olive oil. For traditional Ligurian cuisine, go straight to Trattoria da Pezzi, and for casual eats, stop by Pizzeria Il Delfino or DuCoq.

Italian Leather Men shoes
Italian Leather Men shoes

SHOPPING

Visit Santa Margherita, Italy, and indulge in some of the best shopping the Riviera has to offer. There are little shops, such as Suede, selling suede bags and Italian leather shoes at a great price, the hat haven, Cappelleria Cavallini, which sells colorful waterproof hats, or Isabella Campana, which features high-end attire for men inspired by life by the sea.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 A walk from Santa Margherita to famed Portofino and other cool spots is about 40-60 minutes, surrounded by nature.
2 Santa Margherita is one of those dream places where you can get a quick aperitivo with a glass of fine local wine in between adventures, and Vineria F.LLi Macchiavello is the place to do this.

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