Travel to Santa Margherita Lig - Italy

Discover Santa Margherita Lig's Wonders

Santa Margherita Ligure has a reputation for having some of the most beautiful and topographically diverse sets of beaches in Italy. Picturesque coves and undiscovered pebble and sandy beaches await you in this Mediterranean Eden. With castles and churches dating back to the 16th century, it is an oasis of peace unchanged by time, and not to be missed.

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Description

Portofino is a cosmopolitan holiday resort wrapped up in an aura of nostalgia for the 60s, the years during which the village started shaping into the luxury travel destination it is now. It managed to maintain the original allure of a fishing village that is abundant in local customs and traditions. La Piazzetta (Portofino's main square) is adjacent to the port and buzzes with life and people, filled as it is with yachts and upmarket restaurants. The alleys around the port feature boutiques and eateries, creating a district of quaint buildings interspersed with art galleries. From La Piazzetta, a walk through unspoiled nature leads to some of the highlights of this fishing hamlet. Then from the ancient San Giorgio's church head to Castle Brown and its beautiful garden and culminate your experience at the lighthouse. The best appearance of Portofino can only be captured on foot or by boat. If you’re travelling by the sea, a postcard-like view will open up in front of you, disclosing the colourful harbour and the majestic promontory.

Useful information

Population:

379 (2021)

Currency:

Euro

Emergency Info:

Police (carabinieri) :112
General emergency : 113
Fire brigade : 115

Opening Hours:

Shops normally open in the morning at 10am until 1pm and reopen after a lunch break from 3pm to 7pm.

Do & See

Abbazia San Fruttuoso

The two scenic trails, that unroll down Mount Portofino and from the bay along the coastline, lead to the ancient San Fruttuoso Abbey, alternatively reachable only by boat. The elegant architecture blends perfectly with the surrounding regional park, a protected gem that houses Mediterranean flora and fauna.

Castle Brown

Located on a promontory high above the sea level, Castle Brown overlooks the bay and offers a sweeping view of the harbour. Dating back to the 1400s, it served as a fortress for years, guarding Portofino with its majestic figure. Nowadays, Castle Brown houses exhibitions and special events, boasting a Mediterranean garden that flourishes with roses and local flora.

Chiesa di San Giorgio

St. Giorgio´s Church´s evocative location has fascinated travellers throughout the years, offering a beautiful terrace that dominates the bay. Dating back to 1154, it is perched on top of Portofino´s promontory, bravely standing on the peak of a cliff.

Chiesa Divo Martino

The old saying "you can´t judge a book by its cover" applies neatly to Divo Martino´s Church. The flat facade conceals the interiors built on the XII century. Once the massive bronze doors are opened, the decorated ceiling and the pillars enchant both tourists and locals alike.

Festa Patronale San Giorgio

On the 23rd of April, Portofino embraces a party atmosphere in the biggest celebration in town. This religious feast day culminates with a bonfire on the main square, a peculiar event that attracts both the young and older crowds.

Hiking Trails

Tortuous paths run through Mount Portofino and its park in an intricate knot of hiking trails. From Portofino, make your way through the local nature and a steep climb to get to the otherwise inaccessible San Fruttosio: the Abbey and the Bay are both worth visiting. Alternatively you can also enjoy walking up to the top of Mount Portofino or to St. Margherita Ligure.

La Piazzetta di Portofino

La Piazzetta is Portofino's iconic main square which, overlooking the harbour and the myriad of boats anchored at the port, is a peaceful spot where you can enjoy traditional specialties or just sit and experience firsthand the vastness of the Ligurian Sea. Plentiful boutiques, art galleries and restaurants are located in the surrounding area, making the bustling centre an ideal gathering point.

Paraggi Beach

Only a few hundred meters away from Portofino, Paraggi Beach is a natural inlet of emerald water and natural wonders. Loved by both tourists and locals alike it is renowned for its sea bottom, rich in red corals that belong to Portofino´s marine sanctuary. The myriad of restaurants and bars make Paraggi beach and village a favourite among party-lovers.

Dining

Da I Gemelli

Shrimps, oysters, sea-bass, mussels, clams and lots of other seafood delicacies combined with pasta and wine can be enjoyed at this restaurant, led by twins Paolo and Matteo. The menu contains a wide selection of seafood-based first and second courses, but also their signature cotoletta.

Da Ö Batti

Located just a few steps away from the main square, Da Ö Batti is renowned for its "Scampi alla Batti" and homemade pesto. Its walls are lined with pictures detailing the story of its past owners, and they match the colour of the pristine white furniture, contrasting with the wood flooring.

El Portico Pizzeria

There's not only pizza to be found here: pasta dishes, calamari and homemade desserts are all available, as well as salad options for vegetarians. This restaurant is very close to shops, boutiques and hotels, making it an easy place to reach.

La Terrazza

Located at the legendary Hotel Splendido of Portofino, La Terrazza is an upscale restaurant headed by an Italian chef. Perched on the city´s promontory, it offers a wide view of the harbour and classic signature dishes, such as trofie pasta with basil pesto.

Lo Stella Restaurant

Located at the seafront, Lo Stella Restaurant boasts a view of the wharf and the yachts anchored at the bay, to be enjoyed from their covered patio. They also have specials that differ each day and host several kinds of events, such as karaoke nights.

Ö Magazin

The outdoor seating facing the Ligurian sea and the ever-changing menu combine to make booking a table at Ö Magazin a worthy choice. The offerings depend on the season and on what the local fishermen were able to catch during the day,since all their dishes are prepared at the moment.

Puny Restaurant

Puny is a well-established restaurant that is located in the town's main square, which can be admired from their covered patio. Be aware that reservations are necessary in order to eat here, where you'll be greeted by the owners Mr. and Mrs. Puny and be able to taste their pappardelle with pesto and tomato sauce.

Strainer

Among the dishes that are available at this restaurant, the "Strainer Style" shrimps and the "Gerardo Style" sea bass are the ones who stick out. They have both indoor and outdoor seating with a vista of the docks and the surrounding woods, as well as a patio.

Cafes

Al Faro di Portofino

Just below the lighthouse, on a terrace with a view of the sea, you can find the Al Faro Restaurant. After a walk up the stairway Salita San Giorgio you'll be met with their offering of sorbets and iced coffee, always accompanied by complementary snacks.

Caffè Excelsior

A landmark in the charming Portofino, Caffè Excelsior has a history that dates back to the 1924 and has been a popular gathering spot since then. This is where the Paciugo, a vanilla and raspberry ice cream with grenadine syrup, was first invented. A cocktail bar is available, serving drinks such as Negroni and Gin Tonic.

Calata 32

Located at Portofino's port, Calata 32 is mostly known for its gelato with whipped cream, which can either accompany you on your next stroll around town or be enjoyed in their outdoor seating area. Their selection also includes Italian coffee, sorbets and crepes.

Eldòlz

If you're up for travelling a bit further out of Portofino, you can take a ferry to the nearby town of Rapallo, where you'll find Eldòlz. Their chefs are able to serve fruit-based or mascarpone cakes and the traditional tiramisu, but also ice creams and savoury treats. They have vegetarian options too, and you can ask for custom orders.

Gepi Portofino

Whether you order for take-away or decide to relax on the seats just outside, Gepi's ice cream is one of the best in Portofino. With flavours like hazelnut, cinnamon and fig, the choice is not limited to just the classics. They also have other Italian specialities, such as cannoli and coffee with whipped cream.

Mariuccia Bar

This bar's location makes it possible to see both the boats docked at the bay and the bustling main square of the town from their veranda. Savoury appetisers made with ham and cheese as well as ice creams such as the Paciugo are available here.

Bars & Nightlife

Al Faro di Portofino

Just below the lighthouse, on a terrace with a view of the sea, you can find the Al Faro Restaurant. After a walk up the stairway "Salita San Giorgio" treat yourself with one of their cocktails or a glass of wine: either way, they're always accompanied by complementary snacks.

Covo Di Nord-Est

Covo Di Nord-Est is the Riviera's most famous nightclub, and features both indoor and outdoor sections: the bar is located in the former, while the dance floor and the sofas, arranged differently every night, can be found in the latter. Their main DJ console hosts local artists as well as more well known names in the music industry.

La Gritta

Dishes served here all follow the Italian tradition: they're mainly fish-based and joined by cocktails made with champagne and fresh fruit. La Gritta American bar also features a floating terrace, which can be booked for parties and events. It offers a sweeping view of the harbour.

Mariuccia Bar

This bar's location makes it possible to see both the boats docked at the bay and the bustling main square of the town from their veranda, all while sipping on a glass of Aperol or prosecco.

Winterose Bar

Located away from the more crowded alleys, Winterose is a bar in which you can enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by appetisers made with Parma ham and Valtellina cheese, all while enjoying a front row view of the bay.

Shopping

Antica Sartoria

Antica Sartoria offers you the "Positano" style. The hot summer that characterises the city begged for lighter clothes, which then evolved into the colourful pareos, sarongs and evening gowns that can be found here.

Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli´s works have a home in Portofino, too. This luxury boutique focuses mainly on menswear designed by one of the leading brands of the Italian fashion industry.

Brunetto Tiziano

Located in the fashion heart of Portofino and housing four boutiques, Brunetto Tiziano offers signature designs by many Italian fashion brands such as Peserico and Jacob Cohen. Their items range across ages and genders, going from menswear to women´s and kid´s clothing and accessories.

Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci is a well-renowned Italian brand name, so no wonder that it has opened a store in the shopping district of Portofino. Women, kids, or men´s clothing and accessories abound, but you can also find articles such as pillows, notebooks and water bottles under their "Unexpected Pucci" line .

Falconeri

Falconeri boasts a vast selection of "made in Italy" items: starting from woollen crew necks and roll necks, going through gloves and mittens made of cashmere, to silk scarves.They also offer custom pieces through their online store.

Gold Forever

Portofino doesn´t boast only exclusive clothing retails, but stands out also in the jewellery industry. Gold Forever is a destination visited by VIPs and Arab magnates alike, with their display of signature jewels.

Louis Vuitton

Another big name pops out in Portofino, at Molo Umberto I, right in front of the port. This Louis Vuitton shop features brightly lit white and wooden interiors that make its offering of high-end clothes, bags, shoes and accessories stand out even more.

Mara Sanguineti Art Gallery

The owner's works adorn the walls of this little gallery that also serves as a shop, located on one of the roads leading to the main square. If you want a souvenir to bring back home, here you can purchase oil and watercolour paintings, lithographs or posters inspired by the views and panoramas of the city.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Characterised by a Mediterranean climate, Portofino's temperature does vary between seasons, but the winds and the nearby sea influence its weather to make it pleasant year-round. The warmest period lies in the summer months: that's when you will find most of the city's festivals, but also the highest number of tourists and the priciest accommodation. If you instead prefer a cooler climate and more affordable prices, while still having the chance to pay a visit to the beach, then the seasons of autumn and winter are the best for you.

Passport / Visa

Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Airport

From the Airport of Genova you can take the bus 882 to Santa Margherita Ligure, from where you will take the train Roma - Genova - Torino (check www.trenitalia.com to see departures). Alternatively, you can book a taxi: Abacus Transfer Taxi. +39 331 1678040 / +39 373 8746794 Web: www.abacustaxi.it e-mail: abacus.taxi@yahoo.it From the Airport of Pisa you can take a train to Pisa Centrale and from there, take the line that will lead you to Portofino. If you intend to take a taxi, the service is run by CO.TA.PI (Pisa taxi cooperative) and the taxi stand is located in front of the terminal exit, at arrivals. To enjoy the view of the beautiful port of Portofino, it´s recommended travelling by boat from Golfo Paradiso (www.golfoparadiso.it) or Genova (www.battellierigenova). It also recommended because it´s not possible to reach the central by either car, bus or train because Portofino is a pedestrian area only. The city is reachable by car but you will have to park just outside the city borders and parking fees tend to be quite steep.

Public Transport

As the city of Portofino is a big, pedestrian area, there are no buses, trams or trains of any sort in the centre; on the other side, numerous walking trails connect the central area to the lighthouse and other destinations through Portofino Promontory. A bus line runs from S. Margherita Ligure Station to Martiri della Libertà Square, stopping at Covo Nord-Est and Paraggi.

Taxi Boat

As already mentioned, the best way to get to/from Portofino is by boat, and in Portofino you will find plentiful options to rent one. Portofino Taxi Boat +39 338 3168058 www.portofinotaxiboat.it Cesare Charter Portofino Molo Umberto I +39 342 141 5161 Taxi Enrico +39 339 352 5993 Santa Margherita Ligure

Electricity

In Italy the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F (two pins, compatible also with types C and E) and L (three pins, compatible also with type C).

Pharmacy

There is only one pharmacy within the city of Portofino, which is located at Piazza Martiri. When that is closed, you will find on the door a sign that directs you to the other open pharmacies in the surrounding cities.

Post

Italian post offices have a yellow PT sign popping out of the wall, which makes it easy to find the one and only office located in town. Here, you will find stamps and you will be able to post letters or postcards. Mail boxes are red, with "poste" written on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Santa Margherita Ligure?

The best time to visit Santa Margherita Ligure is from late spring to early fall, specifically May to September, when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits.

What are the top attractions in Santa Margherita Ligure?

Top attractions include the stunning Villa Durazzo with its beautiful gardens, the Basilica of Santa Margherita, and the picturesque harbor area, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

How can I get to Santa Margherita Ligure?

Santa Margherita Ligure is accessible by train from major Italian cities such as Genoa and Milan. The town is also reachable by car via the A12 motorway or by ferry from nearby coastal towns.

What local dishes should I try in Santa Margherita Ligure?

Try local specialties such as trofie al pesto, a pasta dish with basil pesto sauce, and focaccia di Recco, a thin, cheese-filled bread that is a regional favorite.

How many days should I spend in Santa Margherita Ligure?

A stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal to explore the town's attractions, enjoy the beaches, and take a day trip to nearby Portofino or the Cinque Terre.

What is the best way to get around Santa Margherita Ligure?

The town is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, you can use local buses or rent a bicycle to enjoy the scenic routes.

Are there any worthwhile day trips from Santa Margherita Ligure?

Yes, consider visiting Portofino, a charming village known for its harbor and colorful houses, or the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rugged coastline and hiking trails.

Trips

Portofino Italian Riviera Escapade

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