Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Staying in the town center provides access to charming seaside hotels, elegant villas, and the picturesque harbor. For a quieter retreat, accommodations on the hills overlooking the sea offer panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere.

A 2 to 3-day stay is ideal for exploring the town’s historic sites, enjoying fresh seafood, and taking boat trips to Portofino. A 4-day stay allows for visiting nearby Rapallo, hiking in Portofino Natural Park, or relaxing on hidden beaches.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Santa Margherita Ligure. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Santa Margherita Ligure, located on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, is known for its charming seaside setting, colorful buildings, and picturesque harbor. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Santa Margherita Ligure:

1. Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit Santa Margherita Ligure as the weather begins to warm up, and the town comes alive with blooming flowers and vibrant colors. This season is ideal for exploring the town’s historic center, strolling along the promenade, and enjoying leisurely walks along the coast. Spring also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Portofino Regional Park and visiting the beautiful gardens of Villa Durazzo.
2. Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Santa Margherita Ligure, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches, including the popular Paraggi Beach and the sandy shores of Santa Margherita Lido. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Santa Margherita Ligure, including music concerts, art exhibitions, and food fairs. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
3. Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Santa Margherita Ligure, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring the town’s culinary scene, with its many seafood restaurants and trattorias offering delicious local specialties such as fresh seafood, pesto pasta, and focaccia bread. Fall also offers opportunities for scenic drives along the coast and wine tasting in the nearby vineyards of the Cinque Terre region.
4. Winter (December to February): Winter in Santa Margherita Ligure is relatively quiet, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures. This season offers a more intimate experience for visitors, with the opportunity to explore the town’s historic landmarks, such as the 16th-century Castle of Santa Margherita, without the crowds. Winter is also a great time to enjoy cozy meals in the town’s restaurants, shop for local crafts and souvenirs, and relax in the thermal baths of nearby Rapallo.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Santa Margherita Ligure depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in beach relaxation, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, Santa Margherita Ligure has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.

Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure by Plane

There are no airports located in Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo. Instead, the nearest airports are situated in major cities, including Genoa, Milan (including Bergamo), Turin, Pisa, Parma, Bologna, and more. The closest airport to Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo is in Genoa, with Milan, Bergamo, Turin, and Pisa also being convenient options for travelers.

Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure by Train

Santa Margherita Ligure’s train station is conveniently located in the town and offers excellent connections to the rest of Italy. It is situated on the main railway line between Pisa and Genoa, making it easily accessible from major cities like Rome and others. Depending on your route, you might need to change to a local or stopping train at a nearby station, such as Chiavari. However, local buses are available right outside the station, and the seafront and various hotels are within a short walking distance, making it convenient for travelers to access their accommodations and explore the town.

Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure by Ferry

Passenger ferries, while not particularly cheap, provide a convenient way to connect Santa Margherita Ligure with other coastal resorts. These ferry rides offer a great opportunity to explore the picturesque coastline and enjoy the scenic views. For example, the short trip to Portofino costs €8 for a return ticket and takes just a few minutes, making it an easy and enjoyable way to reach this nearby destination. Longer excursions down to the Cinque Terre are also available, offering a full-day adventure to explore the charming villages of the region. Keep in mind that these extended trips may not be offered every day, and their availability can vary, especially during the winter months when service frequencies are reduced. Nonetheless, even in the winter, boats maintain connections between Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso, ensuring that visitors can enjoy these coastal destinations year-round.