🌴 Top Santa Margherita Ligure Attractions You Can’t Miss

Nestled on Italy’s stunning Ligurian Riviera, Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the most elegant and picturesque seaside towns in Northern Italy. With colorful villas, palm-fringed promenades, and a relaxed coastal charm, it’s the perfect destination for travelers looking for authentic Italian beauty without the crowds of Cinque Terre.

Whether you’re planning a day trip (The Travel Wolf) or a relaxing weekend, here are the top Santa Margherita Ligure attractions you shouldn’t miss.

🌊 1. Santa Margherita Ligure Promenade

The town’s lively waterfront promenade is the heart of local life. Lined with pastel buildings, boutique shops, and seaside cafés, it’s the perfect place to start your visit.

Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch fishing boats bobbing in the marina. At sunset, the promenade glows with soft golden light — one of the most romantic scenes on the Riviera.

📸 Don’t miss: The colorful houses reflected in the water near the port.

🕍 2. Basilica di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia

This elegant baroque church dominates the central piazza and is dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Step inside to admire ornate frescoes, marble altars, and a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the town’s deep religious roots.

📍 Location: Piazza Caprera

🕰️ Open daily: Morning and evening hours vary by season.

🌿 3. Villa Durazzo and Its Gardens

One of Santa Margherita’s most beautiful attractions, Villa Durazzo is a 17th-century estate surrounded by lush Italian gardens overlooking the sea.

Inside, you can explore art collections, antique furnishings, and elegant frescoed rooms. Outside, the Gardens of Villa Durazzo offer walking paths, fountains, and incredible views of the coastline.

🌸 Tip: Bring your camera — this is one of the best photo spots in town.

🏖️ 4. Beaches of Santa Margherita Ligure

No visit is complete without a few hours on the beach. While many are pebble beaches, the crystal-clear waters make them perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Top spots include:

• Spiaggia Minaglia – Family-friendly and centrally located.
• Punta Pedale Beach – A quiet stretch with umbrellas and loungers.
• Paraggi Bay – A small, turquoise bay on the way to Portofino.

☀️ Best time to visit: May to September for warm, sunny weather.

🏛️ 5. La Cervara Abbey

A true hidden gem between Santa Margherita and Portofino, La Cervara Abbey is a 14th-century monastery overlooking the sea. It’s famous for its peaceful gardens, sea views, and wisteria-covered terraces.

📍 Address: Via Cervara 10

🎟️ Visits: Guided tours available on select days — book ahead!

🏞️ 6. Portofino Regional Park

Nature lovers will adore the Portofino Natural Park, which surrounds the area with hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints.

The most popular route is the scenic Santa Margherita → Portofino trail, which takes about 2 hours and rewards you with breathtaking views of the Riviera coastline.

🥾 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water — there are plenty of photo stops along the way!

⛪ 7. Oratorio di Sant’Erasmo

Perched above the marina, this small chapel offers a quiet escape with views of the sea. The Oratorio di Sant’Erasmo features maritime-themed decor and beautiful paintings that honor sailors and fishermen.

It’s a peaceful reminder of Santa Margherita’s seafaring past.

🍝 8. Discover Local Cuisine

After sightseeing, reward yourself with authentic Ligurian dishes. Santa Margherita’s restaurants serve some of the best pesto in Italy, made with fresh basil and olive oil from the region.

Must-try local specialties:

• Trofie al Pesto – Traditional Ligurian pasta with basil sauce
• Focaccia di Recco – Crispy cheese-filled flatbread
• Fresh seafood – Especially anchovies, calamari, and grilled fish

🍷 Best restaurants: Trattoria da Pezzi, Ristorante Antonio, or La Paranza.

🚤 9. Boat Trip to Portofino and San Fruttuoso

From the harbor, you can easily take a boat trip to nearby gems like Portofino and San Fruttuoso Abbey.

These short cruises offer unforgettable coastal views and are one of the best ways to experience the Italian Riviera’s beauty from the sea.

🎟️ Boats depart from: Santa Margherita harbor

🕐 Duration: 15 minutes to Portofino; 30 minutes to San Fruttuoso

🛍️ 10. Shopping and Local Market

Santa Margherita is full of elegant boutiques, artisan shops, and open-air markets.

Visit the Friday morning market on Corso Matteotti for local delicacies, handmade crafts, and Italian leather goods.

It’s the perfect place to pick up a piece of Liguria to take home.

🕘 Market hours: Fridays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

✨ Final Thoughts

With its elegant villas, peaceful beaches, and breathtaking coastal walks, Santa Margherita Ligure is a true hidden treasure on the Italian Riviera.

Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, sipping espresso on the promenade, or taking a boat ride to Portofino, every corner of this town offers something special.

It’s not just a stop between Rapallo and Portofino — it’s a destination worth savoring.