Santa Margherita is situated in the Liguria Region which is in the northwestern part of Italy. Liguria is the Italian Riviera and runs from the French Riviera down the magnificent Mediterranean coast to a town called La Spezia. There it is bordered by Tuscany.
The very pretty port Santa Margherita Liguria is situated in the Gulf of Tigullio, close to Genoa and only a couple of hours from Milan, Pisa, Torino and Nice.
The town is surrounded and protected by beautiful, green covered mountains so the climate is very mild all the year round. This whole area is called the Gulf of Dolphins, hence the very beautiful Coat Of Arms pictured with the dolphin, which adorns many buildings and even the decorative cast-iron drain covers!
Santa Margherita has beautiful views of the Mediterranean, grand old hotels and villas with lush green gardens, palm trees and Caribbean sunsets! Santa Margherita has not been consumed by tourism – it still has a working port and daily fish market. It has a friendly, relaxed and romantic atmosphere and you feel the warmth of the Italian Riviera from the moment you arrive.
Santa Margherita is cheaper to stay in than Portofino and less crowded than Rapallo. It is a good base both for taking boats and trains up and down the coast and for exploring the on foot.
Walking trails cross the Monte di Portofino promontory. There are marked paths from Santa M to Portofino (1 hour 30) , Pietre Street (1 hour 30) and also Olmi (1 hour 45 min)
From the sea looking at Santa Margherita you could be looking at an old painting because nothing has changed here. It is only 3 kms from its world famous and much more expensive neighbour, Portofino and the very fashionable Paraggi. Rapallo which is also close by is also worth a visit.
Santa Margherita has a small rocky beach which is semi-circular and in high season is covered with parasols and people – the place to see and be seen! There is also The Punta Pedalo beach - a small, sandy beach with a nice bar whom we have a special arrangement with, enabling all our clients, friends and families free access during the summer months.
The town is a fun, family town – there are plenty of water sports on the bay there is water skiing and sailing as well as diving with us – you can also rent boats from the harbour and a broad selection of day trips if you want to explore further field.. Genoa houses the largest aquarium in Europe and a great Maritime museum with interactive science museum all next to each other in the renovated port area. Great day out with the family.
The world famous and oldest golf club in Italy. The International Golf Club of Rapallo is 2 kms away and there is also tennis, horse riding and mountain bike hire available in Santa Margherita and Rapallo.
Places to see in Santa Margherita include the Villa Durrazo, a spectacular if faded monument to the Italian Riviera. The garden terraces are a public park with a coffee shop.. The small hill behind the waterfront takes you to church of San Giacomo in Corte, well known for the illuminated Madonna in the rock.
The whole promenade and squares by the port are buzzing in the evenings – cafes, bars mostly serving free tapas, restaurants and live music.
There are many different types of accommodation available from smart hotels through to small bed and breakfast places
This is a great place to base yourself to visit Genoa, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Rapallo and Paraggi. Camogli (Luca’s favourite sunset view in the area!) and Recco, another great place for stunning views are also very close by.
Santa Margherita and not Portofino as largely believed was also the place where the famous 1960’s movie with Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida was filmed; all the dancing action was filmed at the famous disco Covo di Nord Est!
Tourist office – Tel 0185.287.485 – located Via XXV Abrile 2b. open Mon – Sat 9 – 12.30 + 3.30 – 6.00 Sun 9.30 – 12.30