Santa Margherita Ligure holidays

How to reach Santa Margherita Ligure

Flight time: Flights to Santa Margherita Ligure generally land at Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport, the closest to the town at around 45km away. Direct flights from London to Genoa take about 2 hours, making it an easy destination for a weekend escape or a longer holiday.

Transfer time:

• A taxi or private transfer will get you from Genoa Airport to Santa Margherita Ligure in just under an hour.

• Alternatively, you can take the Volabus from the airport to Genoa’s Brignole train station, then catch a regional train to Santa Margherita Ligure – a journey that takes around 45 minutes.

Price:

• The Volabus to Genoa’s central stations costs €10, and a train ticket to Santa Margherita Ligure is around €5.

• A taxi from the airport will set you back between €80 and €100.

Best time to visit Santa Margherita Ligure

Choosing the best time for your holiday to Santa Margherita Ligure depends on whether you want to bask on its beaches in the summer sun, or explore its sights in cooler weather.

May to September is high season, when temperatures average around 24°C to 30°C. The town buzzes with life, the beaches are at their best and you can expect around 10–12 hours of daily sunshine. Rainfall is minimal, although you may experience the odd shower in September.

October to November brings cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C, and higher rainfall. The pace in Santa Margherita Ligure slows, making it an ideal time to explore the town or enjoy quiet meals in one of its many trattorias.

December to February is low season, when temperatures hover between 7°C and 13°C. While the town is quieter, the festive season injects a cosy charm, and you’ll be able to enjoy a more laid-back holiday experience. Rainfall increases, but sunny days are still common.

March to April marks the beginning of spring, and temperatures gradually climb to around 15°C to 18°C. It’s a fantastic time for walking or cycling along the Ligurian coast, with pretty wildflowers in bloom and fewer tourists to navigate. Sunshine hours also increase to 7–9 a day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, although English is widely spoken in tourist spots. However, knowing a few Italian phrases will enhance your experience and be much appreciated by the locals.

• Local habits and customs: Daily life in Santa Margherita Ligure moves at a leisurely pace. Many shops close for the afternoon “riposo” between 1 pm and 4 pm, while restaurants generally don’t fill up for dinner until around 8 pm. Make like the locals and lean into this more relaxed schedule.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. While ATMs are common and cards widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and markets.

• Getting around: Santa Margherita Ligure is compact and best explored on foot. Regional trains connect it to nearby towns like Portofino and Cinque Terre, with ticket fares starting at just €3 depending on the distance. Ferries also run regularly to Portofino and San Fruttuoso. Expect to pay about €10 for a round trip.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses standard European plugs with two round pins and 220 volts. UK travellers will need to bring an adaptor.

• Time zone: Santa Margherita Ligure is on Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Santa Margherita Ligure

Sitting on the Ligurian Riviera in northwest Italy, Santa Margherita Ligure is a picture-perfect blend of seaside elegance and relaxation. Holidays to Santa Margherita Ligure offer everything from scenic coastal walks to historical landmarks and luxury dining. Here are some ideas to help you plan:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Santa Margherita Ligure Castle: This 16th-century castle perched above the harbour offers panoramic views of the colourful town below and the shimmering Ligurian Sea beyond. The climb is short but rewarding, and the scene is particularly photo-worthy at sunset.

• Punta Pagana: This peaceful spot, situated a short walk from the town centre, is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a sweeping vista of the coastline.

The best districts

• Centro Storico (Old Town): Wander the narrow, twisting streets filled with chic boutiques, family-run gelaterias and traditional trattorias. The pastel-coloured buildings enhance the charm.

• Harbour: This lively area is perfect for people-watching, sipping a spritz or enjoying fresh seafood. Sit and watch the fishing boats come and go, or take a stroll past the luxury yachts.

Parks and gardens

• Parco di Villa Durazzo (Villa Durazzo Park): If you need a break from the bustling town, head to this park, which features terraced gardens, ancient trees and peaceful spots to relax. From the grounds of this 17th-century villa, you can also enjoy views of the harbour and surrounding countryside.

Historical monuments

• Basilica di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia: This grand baroque church is an architectural gem, featuring intricate frescoes and a richly decorated interior that’s well worth seeing.

• Villa Durazzo: Set in beautifully manicured terraced gardens, this historic villa provides a glimpse into 17th-century aristocratic life. It also hosts various art exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Day trips in the area

• Portofino: Santa Margherita Ligure’s glamorous neighbour is a must-see. Take the 15-minute boat ride to Portofino and spend a few hours browsing the town’s upmarket boutiques, dining by the waterfront or hiking out to the lighthouse.

• Cinque Terre: These five iconic fishing villages, accessible by train or boat, are famous for their colourful cliffside houses and incredible hiking trails.

• San Fruttuoso Abbey: This secluded medieval abbey nestled in a small cove is only accessible by boat or on foot. Join a snorkelling excursion so you won’t miss the famous submerged Christ of the Abyss statue.

Activities for families in Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure holidays are a surprisingly family-friendly choice, offering plenty of activities to keep children entertained while adults soak up the scenery.

• Parks and gardens: The grounds at Villa Durazzo are a great spot for kids to run around, with shaded pathways and plenty of space to play. Similarly, the gardens at Punta Pagana also offer a quiet escape.

• Boat trips: A short boat ride to nearby Portofino or San Fruttuoso is a great activity for the whole family. These trips are a fun way to explore the coastline and often include opportunities for swimming or snorkelling too.

• Interactive museums: While not quite a traditional museum, the region’s maritime history can come alive at local events – perfect for igniting children’s curiosity.

• Beaches: Santa Margherita Ligure’s pebble beaches are safe and clean, ideal for paddling, swimming or snorkelling with youngsters. Many private lidos offer facilities like sun loungers and there are plenty of nearby restaurants, making for a hassle-free family beach trip.

Free things to do in Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure may be known for its luxury, but holidays to this exclusive Italian town needn’t blow the budget. Here are just some of the free and low-cost ways to make the most of its scenic beauty and vibrant culture.

• Explore the old town: Take a stroll through Santa Margherita Ligure’s network of streets, admiring the painted façades, charming shops and atmospheric piazzas.

• Visit local churches: You can enter the Basilica di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia and other smaller churches at no cost. These sites combine a peaceful escape with the chance to admire local art and architecture.

• Hiking trails: Several free-to-access walking paths connect Santa Margherita Ligure to nearby towns like Portofino, as well as inland areas. These trails are well-marked and offer fabulous views of the coastline.

• Relax by the harbour: Simply watching the fishing boats or enjoying the sea breeze along the waterfront costs nothing but time.

Food and drink in Santa Margherita Ligure

With its enviable position on Italy’s Ligurian coast, holidays to Santa Margherita Ligure are the perfect opportunity to indulge in some fresh, tasty seafood. Not tempted? The city will still delight you with its mix of traditional Italian fare, delicious sweet treats and local wines.

Some typical dishes

• Trofie al Pesto: This local dish, made with hand-rolled trofie pasta and fresh basil pesto, is a regional signature.

• Focaccia al Formaggio: A cracker-thin flatbread from nearby Recco, filled with oozing cheese. It’s best eaten hot from the oven.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Acciughe Marinate: Fresh anchovies marinated in olive oil, lemon and parsley. This seafood speciality is often served as an appetiser.

• Branzino al Forno: Oven-baked sea bass, seasoned simply with herbs and olive oil to highlight the freshness of the fish.

Sweets and desserts

• Canestrelli: You’ll find these buttery shortbread biscuits dusted with powdered sugar in bakeries all over the town. They’re a great accompaniment to a hot coffee.

• *Pandolce: A traditional cake from nearby Genoa, baked to a bread-like texture and packed with raisins and pine nuts. This sweet treat is typically enjoyed at Christmas time.

Local drinks

• Sciacchetrà: A sweet dessert wine from Cinque Terre, often enjoyed with biscuits or as a post-meal digestif.

• Liguria’s white wines: Crisp and aromatic, the region’s wines pair perfectly with its seafood-rich cuisine. Vermentino and Pigato are two to look out for.