Introducing Santa Margherita
Elegant hotels with Liberty façades, palms and moored million-dollar yachts line this fishing-village-turned-retirement-spot-of-choice for wealthy Milanese.
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Santa Margherita’s idyllic position in a sheltered bay on the turquoise Golfo di Tigullio makes it a good base for sailing, water-skiing and scuba diving. The tourist office (0185 28 74 85; www.apttigullio.liguria.it; Via XXV Aprile 2b; 9.30am-12.30pm & 2.30-5.30pm Mon-Sat) has a raft of information about water sports along the gulf. Those feeling less active can simply stretch out on its popular beach.
Pop into the headquarters of the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino (0185 28 94 79; www.parks.it/parco.portofino, www.parcoportofino.it; Viale Rainusso 1) to pick up walking maps and information. Alternatively, you can take an aromatic stroll among lemon trees, hydrangea and camellia hedges, and other flora typical of Santa Margherita’s hot climate, in the lavish gardens surrounding the 17th-century Villa Durazzo (0185 29 31 35; entrances at Piazzale San Giacomo 3, Via San Francesco d’Assisi 3 & Via Principe Centurione; admission free; 9.30am-6.30pm Mar-Oct, 9.40am-4.30pm Nov-Feb). The villa itself is slowly being restored and is closed to visitors.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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