Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the Italian Riviera’s most elegant seaside towns, where pastel buildings, palm-lined promenades, historic cafés and harbor views create a relaxed coastal shopping experience. Set near Portofino on the Gulf of Tigullio, the town offers a mix of gourmet shops, bakeries, boutiques, artisan goods and sea-inspired souvenirs that feel closely connected to Liguria.
The best things to buy in Santa Margherita include Ligurian pesto, focaccia genovese, Taggiasca olive oil, trofie pasta, Portofino art prints, Italian resort wear, Ligurian ceramics, limoncino, sea salt and a nautical keepsake. Some souvenirs reflect the region’s food traditions, while others capture the polished Riviera style and maritime character that make Santa Margherita Ligure such a memorable stop.
Here are 10 of the best Santa Margherita souvenirs to look for during your trip.
1. Ligurian Pesto
Ligurian pesto is one of the best things to buy in Santa Margherita Ligure. This famous green sauce is traditionally made with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and cheese, creating one of the most recognizable flavors of the region. Since pesto is closely tied to Liguria, it makes a natural souvenir from a coastal town near Genoa.
Look for small jars in gourmet shops, markets and specialty food stores. If you are traveling a long distance, choose sealed jars that can be packed safely in checked luggage. At home, toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches or spoon it over roasted vegetables for a simple taste of the Italian Riviera.
2. Focaccia Genovese
Focaccia genovese is a classic Ligurian treat and one of the most delicious souvenirs to enjoy in Santa Margherita. This golden, olive-oil-rich bread is crisp on the edges, soft inside and often sprinkled with coarse salt. It is best eaten fresh from a local bakery, especially while walking near the harbor or relaxing by the sea.
Because focaccia is freshest the day it is baked, it is not always the easiest item to bring home on a long trip. Instead, enjoy it during your visit or buy a small piece before returning to your ship or hotel. If you want something more travel-friendly, look for packaged Ligurian crackers or breadsticks inspired by the same savory flavors.
3. Taggiasca Olive Oil
Taggiasca olive oil is one of the most useful food souvenirs to bring home from Liguria. Made from small Taggiasca olives grown in the region, this olive oil is often prized for its smooth, delicate flavor. It is ideal for salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, pasta and simple bread dipping.
Choose a small sealed bottle if you plan to pack it in checked luggage. A bottle of Ligurian olive oil makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys cooking, especially when paired with sea salt or a jar of pesto. It is practical, flavorful and deeply connected to the coastal food traditions of the region.
4. Trofie Pasta
Trofie pasta is a perfect souvenir for recreating a Ligurian meal at home. This short, twisted pasta shape is commonly served with pesto, making it one of the most fitting food gifts to buy in Santa Margherita. Its shape helps hold sauce beautifully, especially thick basil pesto.
Look for dried trofie in grocery shops, markets or specialty food stores. It is lightweight, easy to pack and simple to pair with a jar of pesto for a complete Ligurian food souvenir. This is a great option if you want to bring home something affordable, authentic and useful.
5. Portofino Art Prints
Portofino art prints are a beautiful way to remember the scenery near Santa Margherita Ligure. Since Portofino is just a short distance away, many local shops sell illustrations of its colorful harbor, fishing boats, hillside homes and sparkling blue water. You may also find prints of Santa Margherita’s waterfront, churches and seaside promenade.
Art prints are easy to pack flat and can be framed once you return home. Look for watercolor styles, vintage travel poster designs or locally made illustrations for something more personal than a standard postcard. A Riviera art print brings home the color and elegance of this stretch of the Ligurian coast.
6. Italian Resort Wear
Italian resort wear is one of the most stylish things to buy in Santa Margherita. The town has a polished seaside feel, and its boutiques often carry breezy dresses, linen shirts, woven hats, swimsuits, sandals and accessories suited to the Riviera lifestyle. These pieces feel wearable during your trip and practical once you return home.
Look for lightweight fabrics, soft coastal colors and classic silhouettes that will not feel too trendy. A linen shirt, summer dress or woven hat can become a lasting reminder of afternoons spent strolling the harbor and old-town streets. This is a great souvenir if you want something fashionable but still useful.
7. Ligurian Ceramics
Ligurian ceramics make thoughtful souvenirs for travelers who want something decorative and useful. In Santa Margherita and nearby towns, you may find small bowls, plates, tiles, olive dishes and decorative pieces inspired by the sea, lemons, olive branches and Mediterranean colors. Blue, white, yellow and green are especially common in coastal designs.
A small ceramic dish is easier to pack than a large serving piece and can be used for jewelry, olives, salt or display. Look for hand-painted details and sturdy glazing. Ligurian ceramics are a lovely choice if you want to bring home a piece of the Riviera’s color and craftsmanship.
8. Limoncino
Limoncino is a citrus liqueur associated with Liguria and the Italian Riviera. Similar to limoncello, it is made with lemon peels, alcohol and sugar, creating a bright, sweet digestif often served chilled after meals. Along the coast, lemon-flavored products are easy to find in specialty food shops and souvenir stores.
A small bottle of limoncino makes a cheerful gift for someone who enjoys regional drinks. Choose a travel-sized bottle if you plan to pack it, and check customs rules before bringing alcohol home. Its sunny flavor feels especially fitting for a seaside destination filled with terraces, gardens and coastal views.
9. Sea Salt
Sea salt is a simple, useful souvenir that connects naturally to Santa Margherita’s coastal setting. Small jars or pouches are easy to pack and can be used at home to finish seafood, roasted vegetables, salads, pasta or bread with olive oil. Some versions may be plain, while others are blended with herbs, lemon or Mediterranean spices.
This is a good option if you want an affordable food souvenir that will not take up much room in your luggage. Pair it with Taggiasca olive oil or trofie pasta for a small Ligurian pantry gift. It is practical, lightweight and easy to share.
10. Nautical Keepsakes
A nautical keepsake is one of the most fitting souvenirs from Santa Margherita Ligure. The town’s harbor, fishing boats and Riviera setting make sea-inspired gifts feel especially connected to the destination. Look for small model boats, anchor ornaments, marine-themed jewelry, striped textiles, postcards or decorative pieces inspired by the Gulf of Tigullio.
A compact nautical souvenir is easy to display at home and often more specific than a generic Italy gift. Choose something subtle, such as a small ornament, art card or decorative dish, if you want a reminder of the town’s maritime charm without taking up too much space.
Shopping Excursions in Santa Margherita
Santa Margherita’s shopping experiences are often tied to food, coastal scenery and nearby Riviera towns. Guided experiences can help travelers explore the area while discovering local products and meaningful souvenirs along the way.
A Santa Margherita walking tour is a great way to pair sightseeing with shopping. As travelers explore the waterfront, historic center, churches and local streets, they may find boutiques, bakeries, ceramics, art prints and gourmet shops selling pesto, olive oil and pasta.
A Portofino visit can also lead to memorable souvenirs. The nearby village is known for its colorful harbor, upscale boutiques and coastal scenery, making it a natural place to browse for resort wear, art prints, nautical keepsakes and small gifts inspired by the Italian Riviera.
A food-focused experience is ideal for edible souvenirs. Local bakeries, markets and specialty food shops are good places to look for focaccia, pesto, trofie pasta, olive oil, sea salt and Ligurian sweets. These items help bring home the flavors of the region in a practical and memorable way.
Discover the Best Souvenirs to Bring Home From Santa Margherita
If you’re wondering what to buy in Santa Margherita Ligure, consider Ligurian pesto, focaccia genovese, Taggiasca olive oil, trofie pasta, Portofino art prints, Italian resort wear, Ligurian ceramics, limoncino, sea salt and a nautical keepsake. These souvenirs reflect the town’s mix of Riviera elegance, coastal flavor, local craft and maritime charm.
Planning a Trip to Santa Margherita?
Want to learn more about this Italian gem? Check out these guides to plan your next trip:
- Santa Margherita, Italy Shore Excursions - Plan your Santa Margherita excursion day with curated stops for coastline, culture, and Portofino‑area exploration.
- What is Santa Margherita, Italy Known For? - Discover Santa Margherita’s signature highlights from scenic promenades to elegant villas and waterfront cafés.
