Santa Margherita Ligure is a delightful little sea-side city in Liguria, in the heart of the Italian Riviera,

Understand

Santa Margherita Ligure is capital of the gulf, Golfo del Tigullio.

Get in

• The airport of Genova "Cristoforo Colombo" is 42 km from the city. Take the "Volabus" shuttle bus for the Principe railway station in Genoa and from here continue by train to Santa Margherita Ligure (line for Genoa – La Spezia).
• The railway station S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino is in the town. A train to Genoa takes around 45 minutes and costs around €3.
• From all directions, take Autostrada A12 (Genova – La Spezia) and follow the signs for Rapallo. Exit at the Rapallo tollbooth and follow the signs for Santa Margherita Ligure.
• Visiting cruise ships moor or station-keep off-shore. Their tenders usually deliver passengers to docks virtually downtown.

Get around

It is very easy to get around Santa Margherita by foot. There is a charming seaside promenade to stroll. There is a bus service that goes along the sea road that can take you to either Portofino or Rapallo. There is also a boat service that can take you to either one of those towns.

See

16th-century fort

• 1 Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure. Built by the Republic of Genoa in 1550 as defence against the increasing attacks of North African pirates. It was designed by the same architect of the Castle of Rapallo. After World War I it was restored and dedicated to the Italian victims of that conflict.  
• Basilica of St. Margaret of Antiochia, built from 1658 on the remains of a 13th-century church.
• 2 Cervara Abbey (Abbazia della Cervara). A historically relevant abbey on the road to Portofino. The monastery building was built in 1361. (updated Dec 2020)

Villa Durazzo

• Villa Durazzo complex, including two patrician villas, a 16th-century castle and 17th-century park.

Do

Walk to Portofino on foot. You can follow the coastline or explore the many marked and unmarked trails slightly inland.

Sleep

Splurge

• Hotel Lido Palace, Viale A. Doria, 3, 16038, ☏ +39 0185 285821, fax: +39 0185 284708. 
• Grand Hotel Miramare