Santa Margherita Christmas Village
Festive holiday market with crafts, Ligurian treats, and Santa's grotto in the town center.
PlizioGo
The famous local red prawns, best enjoyed fresh in the seafood restaurants by the marina.
Handmade pasta triangles with walnut sauce, a Ligurian classic found in local trattorias.
Found in small bakeries throughout the town, great for a quick and authentic snack.
The main shopping artery featuring a mix of upscale fashion and local boutiques.
Well-suited for gourmet shopping, especially for local olive oil and authentic pesto.
Expansive gardens with exotic flora and peaceful benches overlooking the gulf.
A small, turquoise bay halfway to Portofino, usually more tranquil than the main beach.
Water temperature…
Festive holiday market with crafts, Ligurian treats, and Santa's grotto in the town center.
Mid-August national holiday celebrated with spectacular evening fireworks over the sea.
Patron saint festival with religious processions, stunning fireworks, and evening music by the sea.
Historical and fiercely contested rowing competition between the coastal towns of the Tigullio Gulf.
Annual prestigious sailing regatta gathering elegant historical yachts from around the world.
Traditional celebration welcoming spring with massive bonfires and local street food.
Santa Margherita Ligure, often affectionately called 'Santa' by locals, is the elegant lady of the Italian Riviera. The town flourished in the late 19th century, which is still evident in the magnificent Liberty-style facades of its hotels and residences. A cultural highlight is Villa Durazzo-Centurione, a 17th-century palace perched above the bay in a lush botanical garden filled with exotic plants and statues. The Baroque Basilica of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia dazzles visitors with its opulent interior, richly decorated with gold and intricate stucco work. Along the lively waterfront promenade, traditional fishing boats mingle with luxury yachts, giving the town a unique blend of authentic heritage and exclusive lifestyle. A special attraction is the 'Red Carpet', a literal painted path that serves as a coastal walkway leading directly to the neighboring world-famous Portofino.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 60 | 71 | 71 | 67 | 47 | 34 | 49 | 61 | 97 | 145 | 79 |
See what it looks like near Santa Margherita Ligure right now.
Santa Margherita Ligure: Hotel Laurin · 0.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day in the heart of town at the magnificent basilica and enjoy the Italian vibe at Piazza Caprera. Spend the morning in the gardens of Villa Durazzo before observing the maritime life at the harbour. After a fresh seafood lunch, explore the historic castle and finish your day with a relaxed stroll along the palm-lined promenade.
Morning starts under the protective arcades of the main square, safe from the rain. At noon, the gilded interior of the Basilica provides a magnificent and dry sanctuary. In the afternoon, we explore the museum rooms of Villa Durazzo and the castle's indoor exhibits. The evening ends in a cozy port-side bar, watching the raindrops dance on the sea surface under a misty sky.
The fresh sea air revitalizes us on a clear winter morning at the square. At noon, the low-lying sun warms the gardens of Villa Durazzo while we admire the panorama. In the afternoon, the town's pastel colors glow in the golden light before our castle visit. The early sunset paints the sky pink over the abbey, followed by a hot chocolate at the port.
Hop on your bike and follow the stunning coastal road. Cycle through the picturesque Paraggi Bay, where a swim break beckons, all the way to glamorous Portofino. After exploring the famous fishing village, head back to Santa Margherita for a well-deserved gelato and an atmospheric finish at the historic castle.
Despite the rain, cycling by the port offers a refreshing perspective. At noon we reach Villa Durazzo, where we park safely and visit the museum rooms. In the afternoon, we cycle carefully to the Basilica and the park, skillfully avoiding puddles. The day ends dry at the main square, while the wet streets mirror the city lights.
A winter bike tour offers clear views of the gulf. In the morning we cycle along the port where the boats shine in the sun. At noon we enjoy the warmth at Villa Durazzo and visit the Basilica. In the afternoon the path leads through the park to the abbey before the evening chill sets in. We finish the tour at the square with a hot drink.
Use the car for a combination of city sightseeing and a trip to Camogli. In the morning, explore the highlights of Santa Margherita on foot. At lunch, drive to nearby Camogli for an authentic seaside meal. On the way back, enjoy spectacular views from the high roads over the Gulf of Tigullio.
By car, we explore Santa Margherita comfortably and dry. We start at Villa Durazzo and visit the Basilica while it rains outside. At noon, we drive to the port and see the castle. In the afternoon, the drive leads to the scenic La Cervara Abbey and ends at San Giacomo church, enjoying the view from the warm car.
In winter, driving in Santa Margherita is relaxed and parking is easier. We visit Villa Durazzo and the Basilica under clear skies. At noon we enjoy the views at the port and the castle. The drive to the abbey is especially beautiful in the crisp winter air. We end the day at San Giacomo church as the winter sun slowly sinks into the sea.
Situated in Santa Margherita Ligure, Spiaggia Regina Elena presents a lovely spot for seaside recreation. The beach provides an elegant backdrop for a day dedicated to swimming, sunbathing, or reading by the water. With a refined local atmosphere, it attracts visitors looking for a sophisticated yet relaxing day out. Late afternoon is a particularly beautiful time to enjoy the coastal views from here.
Spiaggia di Travello forms a delightful coastal section within the town of Santa Margherita Ligure. It is a favored location for enjoying the calm waters and the warm sunshine of the Italian Riviera. The ambiance is pleasant and often features a mix of families and solo travelers soaking up the setting. Bringing a good book and some cold drinks will complete an excellent seaside afternoon.
