Santa Margherita is a beautiful old resort town in the Cinque Terre region with plenty of palm trees, a marina packed with million dollar yachts, and attractive hotels and cafes. The fishing town is set on the Gulf of Tigullio and sandwiched between the towns Rapallo and Portofino, in a commune of the same name in the province of Genoa, in the northwestern part of Italy.
The town is surrounded by lush, green mountains, so it enjoys a mild climate through the whole year. The friendly, relaxed and romantic atmosphere welcomes you with warmth and you can feel it from the moment you arrive.
Some of the older buildings in this town are still decorated on the outside with the trompe l’oeil frescoes that are typical in this part of the Riviera. It is a spacious, less glitzy, more relaxing town, and that is why it is a favorite of well-to-do Italians.
A Little Bit Of History
Santa Magherita waterfront and the beach
The Burgh, then called Pescino, was captured by Rothari in 641 and by the Saracens in the 10th century.
The town later came under the Fieschi family and was under them until 1229, when the Republic of Genoa acquired it.
Santa Margherita Church
The fleet from Venice attacked the town in 1432 and the Rapallos joined in the attack in 1549.
The two burghs, Pescino and Corte, were united by Napoleon in 1813 and were called Porto Napoleone.
But two years later it was brought under the Kingdom of Sardinia and was known as the commune of Santa Margherita Ligure since then.
It became a part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. The town was connected by rail in the 20th century and then it became a popular tourist resort.
Festa di Primavera, a festival to celebrate the arrival of spring, is celebrated in February.
The Guido Prina and the Carlo Negri Cups are the two annual sailing competitions that are famous here.
Where is Santa Margherita?
- 3.1 miles/ 5 km from Portofino, Italy
- 22.3 miles/ 36 km from Genoa, Italy
- 130.4 miles/ 210 km from Florence, Italy
- 50.3 miles/ 81 km from La Spezia, Italy
- 124.2 miles/ 200 km from Turin, Italy
- 102.5 miles/ 165 km from Milan, Italy
- 26 miles/ 42 km from Genoa Airport, Italy
- 129.2 miles/ 208 km from Milan-Malpensa Airport, Italy
- 109.9 miles/ 177 km from Milan Linate Airport, Italy
- 139.8 miles/ 225 km from Milan Bergamo Airport, Italy
Things to See
The lush greenery of Santa Margherita
- Basilica
- Villa Durazzo
- Castle
- Piazza Mazzini
- Convento dei Frati Cappuccini
- Oratorio della Madonna del Suffragio
- Water Sports
Beaches
- The Town Beach
- Punta Pedalo Beach
- Bau Bau Beach
Excursions
- Portofino
- Village Walk
- San Fruttuoso
The palm-lined harbor, the beach and the friendly ambiance make Santa Margherita a wonderful place to settle down for a few days of fun and sun.
The seaside town is a renowned retreat but the town has not let its fame spoil its charm and it might just be the Mediterranean retreat of your dreams.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
