Soggiorna
Santa Margherita Ligure is the perfect base for the Tigullio: elegant but liveable, with a well-kept seafront, a working harbour and Portofino within walking distance — without the prices and the cramped space of its famous neighbour.
The seafront and the centre
The waterfront alternates Liberty-style buildings, gardens and the walk towards the harbour, where fishing boats sit alongside sailing yachts. In the centre, among squares and carruggi, you find an everyday life that has become rare in Portofino: small shops, focaccia bakeries, the fish market.
Villa Durazzo and the villas
Above the centre, the Villa Durazzo complex brings together two historic villas, an Italian garden and a wide view over the gulf: it is the green pause of the visit, a few minutes' walk from the sea.
Paraggi
Towards Portofino the coast bends into the bay of Paraggi, a strip of sand among the greenery with water in almost Caribbean colours. In summer the free space is very limited and the beach clubs exclusive; out of season, it is one of the loveliest corners of the eastern Riviera. You get there by bus, by boat or on foot along the panoramic footpath that continues to Portofino.
A base for the Tigullio
From Santa Margherita you can reach Portofino and the park on foot or by boat, Camogli and the Cinque Terre by train, Rapallo by bus: few places in Liguria offer the same density of car-free excursions.
Frequently asked questions
Better to stay in Santa Margherita or Portofino?
Santa Margherita offers more services, connections and choice of accommodation; Portofino is a visit, Santa Margherita a base.
Can you walk from Santa Margherita to Portofino?
Yes, along the seafront footpath via Paraggi: a panoramic walk that suits everyone.
Can you reach Santa Margherita by train?
Yes, the Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station is on the Genoa–La Spezia line, a few minutes' walk from the centre.