Santa Margherita Ligure, Genoa, Italy cruises
Located on Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast, Santa Margherita Ligure is a unique historic town with a rich Italian character.
Surrounded by sparkling open water, Santa Margherita Ligure port is your gateway to authentic Italian adventure, ancient culture, and spectacular seafood.
Santa Margherita Ligure port guide
Colourful buildings drape over the coast as you arrive in Santa Margherita, revealing a tantalising glimpse of life in this picturesque seaside town. A traditional fishing village turned coastal resort, thousands of guests descend on Santa Margherita Ligure each year in search of true Italian delicacies and a slice of La Dolce Vita.
Located southeast of Genoa and next to chic Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure offers its guests an extraordinary stay on the brilliant Mediterranean coastline.
Top landmarks and sights in Santa Margherita Ligure
A town with so much historical significance, from the Saracen settlement to the golden age of tourism, there is plenty of sights to see in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure
Steeped with Mediterranean history is the Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure, a 16th-century fortress built as a defence from the Barbary pirate raids. Today, you can explore this medieval fortress and admire the panoramic sea views it sits above.
Gio e Rino beach
Discover the underwater world that inhabits the coast of Santa Margherita Ligure at Gio e Rino Beach. Dive from the pontoon, rent a beach chair, explore the caves, and swim in the crystal-clear water.
Cervara Abbey
On the coastal road to Portofino, the Cervara Abbey sits among the clifftops. A jewel to be discovered in Santa Margherita Ligure, this National Monument of Italy was founded in the 14th century by the Benedictine monks. Relax in the Italian gardens with an aperitif, admire the magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea, and experience a land that has travelled through time.
Things to do in Santa Margherita Ligure
Villa Durazzo Pallavicini
Immerse yourself in world-class art at the archaeological museum at Villa Durazzo Pallavicini, where you can find historical monuments, reservoirs, and a botanical garden. With many important exhibits, a visit here offers the opportunity to expand your understanding of Liguria’s past inhabitants, palaeolithic burials, and much more.
Scenic walks and hikes
Take a romantic stroll to Portofino by the seashore or hike the Portofino hills. Walk the world’s longest red carpet from Santa Margherita Ligure and pass beautiful coastal scenery, sandy beaches, and celebrity villas. Or hike the pleasant slopes through vines, flowers, and lush garden scenes. Either way, you’ll experience the wonderful beauty that Liguria has to offer.
Historic art and architecture
In the historic centre of town, you’ll find paintings, statues, and sacred buildings, such as the Cathedral of the Madonna della Rosa. The church of San Giacomo di Corte, the church of San Siro, and the church of Capuchin Friars, each make for a delightful visit and are comfortably within walking distance of one another.
Exploring the historic town centre also reveals many examples of the Genoese-style architecture that Santa Margherita Ligure is famous for. The facades and arcades of the palaces feature beautiful colours and intricate designs that can’t fail to be admired.
Eating and drinking in Santa Margherita Ligure
Well-recognised for its red shrimp, Santa Margherita Ligure has plenty to please the foodie traveller. Its thriving Riviera coastline provides this fishing village with a colourful array of fresh seafood, that arrives each morning while the majority of the town is still sleeping.
Italian cheeses, cold cuts, pickles, and shortbread cookies are just some of the delicacies that can be discovered here. Traditional Italian favourites such as focaccia, pesto, and gelato are also widely available in shops and restaurants.
Santa Margherita Ligure can also be considered a pasta lover's paradise. From ravioli filled with veal meat and greens to potato gnocchi, local specialities are sure to tantalise your tastebuds.
Getting around, Santa Margherita Ligure transport
Santa Margherita Ligure can easily be explored on foot and has an efficient bus service that connects the centre with surrounding towns and villages including Portofino, Rapallo, Nozarego, and Paraggi.
A tourist boat service is available to reach large centres such as Genova, and taxis are also widely available.
Car rentals are ideal for guests who wish to travel and explore Santa Margherita Ligure at their own pace.
Santa Margherita Ligure port facilities
The facilities available at Santa Margherita Ligure port include toilets, showers, and water stations. The port is minimal but is within walking distance from a row of shops and cafés.
A tourist information centre can be found in Santa Margherita Ligure town.
Santa Margherita Ligure quick tips
Currency
The Euro is the local currency in Santa Margherita Ligure. ATMs are available at the ship terminal and further into town. Currency exchanges can also be found throughout Santa Margherita Ligure.
Some small neighbouring towns may not accept card payments, so it is recommended you carry some cash with you during your visit.
Tipping is not required in Italy but a small bonus for exceptional service is greatly appreciated.
Weather
Santa Margherita Ligure has a warm and temperate climate with warm summers and very cold winters.
On average, temperatures reach highs of 27°C during the summer in Santa Margherita Ligure while the winter months reach lows of 5°C.
Guests can enjoy a gentle climate all year round as Santa Margherita Ligure experiences little rain. During May, June, September, and October the weather is pleasant and the town is unlikely to be crowded.