Welcome to Santa Margherita
Santa Margherita materialises like a calm Impressionist painting. You wouldn't want to change a single detail of its picture-perfect seaside promenade, where elegant hotels with Liberty facades overlook yachts in this fishing-village-turned-retirement-spot. It's decidedly less bling than Portofino, with some affordable hotel options and a surprisingly workaday town behind the waterfront.
Top experiences in Santa Margherita
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Food and drink
Travel guides
Starting at $36.39
Santa Margherita activities
Half-day Walking tour of Portofino and the Pearls of Tigullio Gulf
Meet your guide in Rapallo, where you'll walk through lively alleyways and the picturesque plazas of this seaside resort town. Next, you'll take a boat to Portofino, sailing along the coast of the Tigullio Gulf. The ride takes about 30 minutes. In Portofino you'll take a short walking tour then have free time to shop, eat, and take photos. Or, you can simply relax with an espresso or glass of wine while taking in the lush gardens and luxury yachts that characterize this town, which is a popular vacation spot for celebrities. Take a 15-minute trip from Portofino to the vibrant Santa Margherita Ligure. Visit the ancient Castle and Baroque Basilica, and walk through the historic center of the village. At the end of the tour you can spend more time on your own in Santa Margherita, or head back to Rapallo.
7-Days Italian Lakes and Riviera Tour from Milan
Day 1 Depart at 8:30am from the Starhotel Ritz in Milan to Lake Orta, a small and charming lake situated in the North-eastern side of the region Piedmont. Stop in the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio for a short visit. Then, take a private boat to the island of San Giulio, just in front of the village. After a short visit, back to Orta and depart by bus to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, tour Pescatori (Fishermen island) and Bella island by private boat. Return to Stresa. At the end of the visit depart to Como. Overnight in the heart of Como.Day 2 (B)After breakfast take a short visit of Como, an amazing small province rich of atmospheres, panoramas, and human takeovers. Board the boat to Bellagio. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon depart to Bergamo with a panoramic tour along the coast of the lake. The city is characterized by a division of the urban structure on two levels, the 'Lower town', modern and dynamic, and the famous 'Upper town', a truly historic and artistic jewel. Short walking tour inside the city center then transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Bergamo city centre.Day 3 (B)Have breakfast, depart for Lake Garda, the largest in Italy. Take a boat and get a nice view of the Sirmione Cape, the castle and the Catullo’s ruins. Next, depart for Riva del Garda on the north side of the lake. Its historic center shows the signs of the Venetian domain. Free time for lunch and then head to Verona. Overnight at the core of Verona.Day 4 (B)Have breakfast at the hotel. Visit the famous city of Verona, both ancient and modern. Stroll through its narrow streets and get in touch with its varied and fascinating past. In the afternoon depart for Genoa, with a stop at Lake Iseo and have some free time for lunch. Overnight in the centre of Genoa.Day 5 (B)Have breakfast and head to Sanremo, defined as the city of flowers and sun, known all over the world for the Italian Song Festival. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon return to Genoa along the Rivera di Ponente, passing through characteristic villages. Overnight at the hotel.Day 6 (B)Have breakfast and depart for Portovenere, a fishermen village located at the end of La Spezia Gulf. Ferry to Cinque Terre (if the atmospheric conditions don’t permit the boarding, the visit will be done with a panoramic itinerary in a minibus.) Free time for lunch. In the afternoon it's back to Genoa. Day 7 (B)Have breakfast and depart for Rapallo. Then, head to Portofino. Around a little square, you can have a nice view of a group of high, colored and picturesque houses. Finally, stop in Santa Margherita, famous seaside city of Riviera di Levante and free time for lunch. Return to Milan in the afternoon.
Best of Portofino: Boat and Walking Tour, Pesto Cooking and Lunch
Meeting in the morning with our professional tour leader in Santa Margherita Ligure near the ferry boat pier and enjoy the unforgettable Italian Riviera coast on the way to Portofino. The colors of the painted facades, the blue of the sea and the green of the mountain, will accompany you along this pleasant tour until the famous “Piazzetta”. Then explore Portofino by foot: passing through the small roadways of this magical village, it is possible to see the tall and narrow houses with pastel coloured façades. Continue right up to the Church of S. Giorgio to admire the scenery, take photos from the harbour brimming with boats and yachts. The focaccia tasting in the local bakery will make you feel better. Finish your Portofino experience with a pesto cooking lesson and then have lunch sitting comfortably on the waterfront at an outdoor table overlooking the liveliness of the shops and boutiques. The tour will end here. You have the opportunity to enjoy some free time tasting an ice-cream, exploring the worldwide famous Piazzetta or hiking along the walking trails of the Portofino Natural Park. Then come back to Santa Margherita Ligure by boat with the included tickets.