Santa Margherita is small and can be easily explored by foot, with nearby towns and beaches accessible by bus, train, or ferry. Parking is notoriously difficult, especially on the weekend.
PARAGGI
Our favourite beach in the world. We suggest walking there or taking the bus (very limited parking available so we do not recommend driving). Book sunbeds at Bagni Fiore for the most relaxing day.
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PORTOFINO
Doesn't require an introduction. About 1h walk from Santa but you can also take the bus or ferry. There is a parking lot but it fills up very early and the police will turn cars around when it's at capacity. Visit Castello Brown and Faro di Portofino for breathtaking views, or have a coffee (or aperol) in the Piazzetta.
RAPALLO
Stroll the seafront promenade, visit the Castello Sul Mare and take the cable car to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montallegro.
CAMOGLI
Walk along the promenade and enjoy the harbour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike from Camogli to Punta Chiappa.
SAN FRUTTUOSO
Spectacular abbey on the beach that can only be accessed by sea (there are regular ferries from Santa Margherita) or a 4h hike. We recommend going there during the day for lunch (book in advance) and spend the day on the beach.
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FIORDIPONTI
People from Santa Margherita take focaccia seriously. You are either team Fiordiponti or team Pinamonti. We are team Fiordiponti. Go early, prepare to queue and make sure to get the cheese focaccia.
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PINAMONTI
For people who don’t understand Focaccia. Good but not as good as the competition.
CAFE DEL PORTO
TORTUGA
VERNISSAGE
SABOT
OSTERIA NUMERO 7 (Santa Margherita)
A cosy osteria serving traditional Ligurian dishes, located in the historical centre of Santa Margherita. Our favourite for a relaxed Sunday lunch.
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BEPPE ACHILLI (Santa Margherita)
Traditional Ligurian food with a seaview.
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L’ALTRO EDEN (Santa Margherita)
Perfect place for a romantic dinner by the harbour, recommended for the fresh fish.
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RISTORANTE DA o BATTJ (Nozarego)
Great seafood with legendary prawns. They also have another location in Portofino but we prefer the one in Nozarego.
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LANGOSTERIA (Paraggi)
One of the most beautiful places in the world. A sister restaurant to the famous Milanese original. Book well in advance and ask for a table on the beach.
LA MANUELINA (Recco)
The home of focaccia al formaggio (cheese focaccia) which in Italy we call Focaccia di Recco. A short drive from Santa Margherita but definitely worth it.
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CONCORDIA (Portofino)
A hidden gem, 5 minutes walk from the Piazzetta, serving the best food in Portofino. The restaurant has been run by the same family for decades and if you're lucky, you might get a live piano show.
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O MAGAZÍN (Portofino)
Great food. Located at the end of the walkway of Portofino, it has a beautiful view of the town and the bay.
PUNY (Portofino)
You might brush shoulders with Jeff Bezos but the food is fairly average. But with that view... does it matter?
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SIMONETTI
GELATERIA CENTRALE
There are various public beaches ("spiaggia libera") in Santa Margherita Ligure, near the town centre and after the port (e.g. Punta Pedale).
Most of these are rocky rather than sandy and offer limited equipment (typically only showers).
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For a more comfortable experience, you can go to a private beach - there are many all along the coastline (we recommend calling them in advance to make sure they have availability).