Santa Margherita Ligure Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Santa Margherita, Italian Reviera
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italian Reviera
Portofino Italy Panorama
Santa Margherita Ligure
panoramic view of Italian Riviera gulf near Santa Marherita

Take a holiday in Santa Margherita Ligure and discover the natural riches of Liguria, between the pristine nature of the Monte di Portofino and the beautiful Gulf.

Santa Margherita Ligure is located on the Italian Riviera, in Liguria, on the eastern side of the Portofino Promontory, in the innermost part of the Gulf of Tigullio. There is so much to discover in this town, which has a strong tourist vocation. You can stroll through the gardens along the waterfront or amble along the town centre streets for some shopping, venturing along the old creuse, the narrow streets that rise from the castle to the Capuchin convent, up to the Church of S. Giacomo di Corte, or travel out to scenic villages, including Nozarego or San Lorenzo della Costa, in search of peace and quiet. One of the symbols of the city is Villa Durazzo. Built in the seventeenth century by the Marquis Durazzo on a panoramic hill, located in the central area of the town, the villa was enlarged with the addition of five outbuildings created by the new owners, the Centurione Princes. Since 1973, the villa and the park have been taken over by the local authority. The park around Villa Durazzo allows visitors to stroll and relax in the shade of ancient trees. The Italian garden, with its paths of rounded pebbles and sinuous flower beds bordered by box hedges, is adorned with fountains and statues in neoclassical style. The park is enriched by the presence of majestic live oaks, placed near the villa, as well as a large number of trees, some of them very impressive, and plant species from around the world.

Another symbol of Santa Margherita is the Castle. Built on the rock of San Temo, the small fortress was erected during the sixteenth century and was used as a bulwark against incursions by pirates and privateers. Today the building is open to the public and hosts exhibitions and cultural and artistic events. If you want to end the day with an excellent dinner of fish or other Ligurian specialities, Santa Margherita offers a wide choice of restaurants and pizzerias. Both on the waterfront and in the old town, you’ll find a myriad of venues that meet every need: from exclusive restaurants to trattorias serving traditional local dishes. Holidays in Santa Margherita Ligure are also an excellent opportunity to discover new and unique flavours you won't find elsewhere.

With the tourism boom of the 1960s, Santa Margherita became a magnet for the young, whose meeting place was opposite the Central Cinema to have a chat and plan the evening. Today the young meet on Piazza Martiri della Libertà, opposite the waterfront Gardens. On this picturesque town square, you’ll find a host of bars offering music, drinks and aperitifs in the open air, alongside bathing facilities and fully equipped beaches. The Riviera di Levante and its charm await you: check out our holiday packages to Santa Margherita Ligure today and get ready for a new exciting adventure!

Hotel Laurin

Hotel Laurin

4 out of 5
Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi 3 Santa Margherita Ligure GE
The price is £221 per night from 10 May to 11 May
£221
per night
10 May - 11 May
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (811 reviews)
The staff were all incredibly kind, always ready to help and in plenty at the front desk all hours. Breakfast was very good. Location could not have been better. Would definitely recommend.

Reviewed on 2 May 2026

Hotel Laurin
Hotel Continental

Hotel Continental

4 out of 5
Via Pagana, 8 Santa Margherita Ligure GE
The price is £332 per night from 20 May to 21 May
£332
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this beach hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (325 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026

Hotel Continental
Imperiale Palace Hotel

Imperiale Palace Hotel

5 out of 5
Via Pagana, 19 Santa Margherita Ligure GE
The price is £398 per night from 12 May to 13 May
£398
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this luxury hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (416 reviews)
Absolutely loved this hotel and Santa Margherita de Ligure. It’s a fantastic place to stay, the area is absolutely beautiful and so easy to get around, the hotel is elegant, the staff are so friendly and welcoming, and the food was fantastic quality. The breakfasts were superb, the patisserie worthy ...

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Imperiale Palace Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
LHP Suite Santa Margherita

LHP Suite Santa Margherita

Corso Rainusso, 20 Santa Margherita Ligure GE
Stay at this apartment in Santa Margherita Ligure. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Paraggi Beach and Portofino ...
LHP Suite Santa Margherita
Riviera Flavour Apts by Wonderful Italy

Riviera Flavour Apts by Wonderful Italy

Via A. Gramsci 1 Santa Margherita Ligure GE
Stay at this apartment in Santa Margherita Ligure. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room espresso maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Paraggi Beach and Portofino ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
The location was excellent, walkable to the ferries, trains (10 mins), restaurants and bus stop that takes you to Portofino. It is a quiet area, much less traffic noise than directly on the port. There is an Ekom supermarket only 5 minutes from the unit which is well stocked. The unit is a great ...

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026

Riviera Flavour Apts by Wonderful Italy
Quiet with view of the Tigulio Gulf and Santa Margherita Ligure.

Quiet with view of the Tigulio Gulf and Santa Margherita Ligure.

Santa Margherita Ligure Liguria
Stay at this holiday home in Santa Margherita Ligure. Enjoy a garden, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Camogli Beach and Portofino Marina ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
Nice house above the see
No problem with communication. The description is accurate. I would recommend this property to everybody who wants to spend an active holiday in Italy.

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2021

Quiet with view of the Tigulio Gulf and Santa Margherita Ligure.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Santa Margherita Ligure

Explore a world of travel with Expedia