Santa Margherita Ligure (Liguria name: Santa Margaita) is a small resort town (commune) situated in the East Ligurian Riviera (Riviera di Levante), in the inner part of the Gulf of Tigullio, between Rapallo and Portofino.
Due to the geographical location - on the West side the city is surrounded by hills covered with Mediterranean vegetation, and from the East the waters of the Ligurian sea, plus the proximity to the famous Portofino and the major city of Genoa, where the international airport and developed transport network, Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the most popular tourist and seaside resorts in the Italian part of the Ligurian coast.
The patron Saint of the city is Santa Margherita of Antioch. The holiday is celebrated annually on July 20.
The city center is concentrated in the northern part of Santa Margherita Ligure, near the border with Rapallo. It is in this part of Santa Margherita that the main tourist life flows, there are central beaches, the port and the embankment, which is a popular place for walks and recreation, as well as the historical and more modern parts of the resort, within which are the main attractions concentrated and the abundance of cafes, restaurants and shops.
The beaches of Santa Margherita Ligure (coast)
The coastline of Santa Margherita stretches almost 4 kilometers along the sea and is characterized by the existence of a long beach strip with the lack of secluded coves and rocky steep banks.
The city has been awarded the Blue flag for quality beaches.
The beaches of Santa Margherita Ligure are public, which are also attended by private beach clubs (Bangui), as on many other beaches of the Riviera, providing a full range of beach services: sun loungers and parasols, showers and toilets, changing cabins and chambers for storage of small items, beach cafes, bars, floorings for ease of movement, children's play areas, rescue centers and first aid. Some paid beach areas have pools.
The cost of renting chairs and umbrellas from the sun varies depending on Bangui and the line on which the sunbeds (the closer to the sea, the more expensive). Chaise lounge from 6 - 10 Euro umbrella from 5 - 8 euros. The daily pass is valid from 25 to 100 Euros.
On the coast of allocated and free areas of the beach where you can stay with your towel or beach Mat.
The beaches are mostly pebble, there are also concrete and (or) rocky areas and areas where there is a large gray sand, sometimes mixed with pebbles. Read more about beaches of Santa Margherita Ligure...
The Port Of Santa Margherita Ligure
The port of Santa Margarita Ligure (harbor, marina) is a rather large harbor for such a small town.
The port is located near the central part of the coast and the city, fenced off from the main part of the coast by breakwaters.
In spring and autumn the pier is the venue for prestigious sailing regattas.
The port is also equipped with structures for the landing of passengers from cruise ships. From the port you can take a boat trip in the nearby surroundings, for example, to visit Portofino, Sestri Levante or national Park Cinque Terre. Or rent a boat or a yacht to go in sea or fishing.
The closest to the Central beaches of the pier port of Maloncello (Molo Maloncello) is a tourist. On the pier site there is a sculpture dedicated to Saint Margherite of Antioch, the patroness of the city, who turned her face to the sea waters.
The Promenade Of Santa Margherita Ligure
The quay in Santa Margherita Ligure - a promenade that runs along the central beaches of the city, near the historical and tourist center, and along the seaport of Santa Margherita.
The length of the tourist part of the embankment is about 1 kilometer.
The embankment along the central beaches and the port is characterized by a walking area with seating, cafes and restaurants under the open sky, as well as a small park area - Seaside Park.
On the waterfront located: fountain, monuments, sculptures and some of the important sights in Santa Margherita Ligure.
On the waterfront is notable:
- a monumental fountain with a marble monument to Christopher Columbus, made by sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi in 1892.
Near the monument is the old gun (Il Cannone), probably used during hostilities.
- a bronze monument to the first king of a unified Italy, Victor Emanuel II, mounted on a high pedestal;
- a monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, italian commander, revolutionary and politician;
- a monument to Umberto I, where the busy part of the promenade ends. Further, along the road leading to Portofino, lies a narrow sidewalk, where you can also Hiking. Read more about the promenade in Santa Margherita Ligure...
Sights In Santa Margherita Ligure
The Castle Of Santa Margherita Ligure
The castle is situated along the promenade of Santa Margherita.
The construction of the castle dates back to 1550 for protection from the raids of pirates.
During the history the castle has undergone several structural interventions and upgrading. Since the eighteenth century it lost its military significance, primarily due to the cessation of pirate invasions.
In the nineteenth century the castle was twice at risk of demolition. At the end of the First world war it was rebuilt and named in memory of the fallen in the great war.
The Church of the Capuchin friars (Convent of the Capuchin Friars)
The Church is located near the castle and dates back to the 17th century.
Inside the Shrine are the wooden crucifix of the 15th century and a marble sculpture of the second half of the 12th century, depicting the enthroned Madonna.
Villa Durazzo
Villa Durazzo-Centurione is a complex of two historic buildings (Durazzo-Centurione and San Giacomo), one of which is a museum.
Near the houses there is an Italian park-garden, with panoramic views of the port and the coast of Santa Margherita Ligure, as well as the sea.
The Church of San Giacomo di Corte (Chiesa di S. Giacomo)
The parish church of San Giacomo di Corte, or the temple of Our Lady of the Letter (Santuario di Nostra Signora della Lettera) is located on a hill near the complex of Villa Durazzo.
The Church was built in the 17th century, but some historical sources describe the building in the year 1000.
Made in the Baroque style. Its main facade is decorated with a marble statue of St. James, located in a niche above the main entrance.
In the walls of the Church are remarkable: colorful murals, Golden color and large chandeliers and a statue of the Madonna della Lettera created in 1766 by an unknown sculptor, and several cycles of frescoes of the artist Nicolò Barabino.
Church of Sant Erasmo (Oratorio di Sant'erasmo)
The Church is located on the promenade of Santa Margherita Ligure.
In the walls of the Church are models of ships and collected items that belonged to the fishermen who inhabited this area.
Complex Cervara Abbey (L'abbazia della Cervara)
The complex is located on a hillside in the southern end of the coast of Santa Margherita Ligure.
The complex consists of Church, monastery and large Park with garden. In 1912 it was declared an Italian national monument. Currently at the Abbey, which is in private ownership, wedding ceremonies are held.
Basilica of St. Margaret of Antioch (Chiesa di Santa Margherita d Antiochia)
Formerly the temple of Our Lady of the Rose (Santuario di Nostra Signora della Rosa).
Big, beautiful and Central temple of the city, located in the heart of Santa Margherita Ligure on the square of Caprera (Piazza Caprera).
The construction of the Church in Baroque style was begun in 1658. The bell tower on the right was erected in 1750. The left side is the bell tower dates from 1927.
On the facade of the building is notable niches with statues of saints apostles Peter and Paul, and the two towers-the bell tower with the clock in the upper parts.
Giuseppe Mazzini Square (Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini)
A small square located in the centre of Santa Margherita Ligure, the center is the monument of Italian politician and patriot, writer and philosopher Giuseppe Mazzini (1805 - 1872).
Within the area stands a small Church - oratorio della Madonna del Suffragio (Oratorio della Madonna del Suffragio), also known as oratorio in prayer for the good death (Oratorio della Buona Morte e Orazione), located near the town Hall.
The Shrine was erected in 1523. Significant reconstruction dates back to the late nineteenth century, when the facade was completely rebuilt.
The Church of San Siro (Chiesa di San Siro)
The parish church of San Siro dates from the 14th century. It was restored in 1888 and today appears as a three-nave structure.
Inside are a wooden statue depicting the virgin Mary and a canvas depicting saints Sebastiano, Lorenzo and Rocco. Read more about all the sights of Santa Margherita Ligure...
What to visit near Santa Margherita Ligure (what to do)
From Santa Margherita Ligure to visit all the nearby towns and resorts. Including:
- on foot or by bus the nearby town of Rapallo,
- on foot, by bus or by boat to visit Portofino. Read more about Portofino...
- small and picturesque resort town of Sestri Levante. Read more about Sestri Levante...
- Camogli, Chiavari, national Park Cinque Terre, the administrative center of the region Liguria - city of Genoa, etc.
Take a boat trip to Portofino or the same national Park Cinque Terre. Rent a boat or yacht and go to sea fishing.
Go to one of the Hiking routes in the hills of the surrounding area of Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino promontory.
Roads and transport in Santa Margherita Ligure
The centre of Santa Margherita Ligure crosses the coastal provincial road 227, which connects Santa Margherita, and Rapallo to the East and Portofino in the West, where the road ends.
Highway 1 Via Aurelia does not directly pass in the center of Santa Margherita Ligure, but in turn is connected to the center of the city by a provincial road 39.
Santa Margherita Ligure has its own railway station on the line Genoa-Pisa served by regional and long-distance trains, including high-speed.
Maritime transport allows you to reach Portofino, San Fruttuoso di Camogli and Cinque Terre by boat, as well as to Sestri Levante.
How to get to Santa Margherita Ligure
There are no airport in Santa Margherita Ligure. Nearby airports are located in major cities, such as Genoa, Milan (including Bergamo), Turin, Pisa, Parma, Bologna, etc.
The closest airport is in Genoa, next in Milan, Bergamo, Turin and Pisa. Cheap flights to Italy...
From major cities to Santa Margherita Ligure can be reached:
Taxi
From any city in Italy, including to and from airports can be reached in Santa Margherita Ligure by taxi.
Book a taxi/Shuttle service is possible in advance, even from home. At any time of the day, at the airport, you will meet your driver with a sign, which will be written your name and surname. To order a taxi is enough to inform your flight details! View the price and book a taxi here...
Car
One of the most convenient ways independent movement in Italy is a car. You can rent a car in advance, even from home, the car will be waiting for you upon arrival. Cars can pick up and rent here...
Public transport
On the train to Santa Margherita Ligure can be reached either from Genoa or from La Spezia transfers in Genoa or La Spezia, respectively. Direct trains runs a bit.
Trains are the most convenient way to get from the center of Genoa. A direct train. The fare is € 2.80, journey time 16 minutes.
From La Spezia to Santa Margherita Ligure can be reached with a transfer in La Spezia. The fare from the La Spezia starts from 6,60 EUR, journey time 55 minutes.
Direct trains a bit and it all depends on what city the route begins. Few direct routes are, for example, from Milan, Parma, Pisa, Viareggio.
Tickets for trains can be viewed and purchased on the website Trenitalia or here.
Bus tickets to Genoa can be bought here (FlixBus) (for example, a direct bus from Bergamo airport, the fare is about 10 euros).
In Santa Margherita Ligure all trains arrive at the train station Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino, located in square Federico Raul Nobili (Nobili, Piazza Federico Raoul), which is approximately 220 metres from the historical and tourist center and the promenade.
From the railway station of Santa Margherita Ligure runs a bus to Portofino. Read more about how to get to Portofino...
Where to stay in Santa Margherita Ligure (hotels Santa Margherita Ligure)
The choice of accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure is very diverse, ranging from budget guesthouses, campsites and apartments, to 5 - star and 4-star hotels and houses located both near the beach and historical center, and more remotely from those.
Some hotels have their own beaches. Of these:
- 5-star hotel Imperiale Palace located in the historic 19th-century Villa.
In the hotel: private part of the beach, the saltwater pool and sun terrace.
Room rates include Breakfast. Link to the hotel
- 4-star hotel Metropole has a private beach, green area with an outdoor pool and a Wellness centre.
The room price includes: Breakfast or Breakfast and dinner. Link to the hotel
- 4 star hotel Best Western Regina Elena with an additional building which consists of a 4-star hotel Regina Elena Dependance.
In hotels: private beach area, rooftop pool and hot tub with views of the Ligurian coast, restaurant, terrace and gym.
All accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure it is possible to look and book here
Photo Of Santa Margherita Ligure
