Portofino may be the star of Italian Riviera but Santa Margherita Liguria, just six km from Portofino, is another paradise waiting for you. This lovely little town is perfect for nice walks along the seaside with the view of pastel coloured houses and spending time on a beach during summer. It feels like everything is made to make you happy.
Piazza Caprera, the main square of Santa Margherita, is a large square in front of the magnificent baroque church, Chiesa di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, with nice boutiques and bakeries.
Villa Durazzo is the most touristic monument in Santa Magherita. It was built in 1678 by Durazzo Family as a summerhouse and became property of the Municipality in 1973, who turned it into a museum with a prefect view over the bay.
From Santa Margherita you can either walk (about 5 km) or drive to Portofino. A surprise will be waiting for you between Santa Margherita and Portofino called Praggi. It’s a small lovely bay looking like heaven on earth.
Where to stay?
One of the most beautiful places to stay in Santa Margherita is Lido Palace Hotel just in the middle of the bay on the main avenue by the beach. To really enjoy the location of this hotel, you should stay in one of the sea view rooms. You’ll understand what I mean when you see the sunrise between the palm trees in front of your window.
Hotel Continental is another nice hotel on the way to Rapallo with its own beach.
If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel, you should definitely go to Imperiale Palace Hotel.
Where to Eat?
Da Nello – Imagine an Italian restaurant just next to the sea, with your feet almost in the water and serving delicious food. If you like the sound it, Da Nello will be your favourite restaurant. Via A. Gramsci, 105, 16038 Santa MargheritaLiguria Tel: +39 0185 286505
Da Nello
Da Nello – Imagine an Italian restaurant just next to the sea, with your feet almost in the water and serving delicious food. If you like the sound it, Da Nello will be your favourite restaurant. Via A. Gramsci, 105, 16038 Santa MargheritaLiguria Tel: +39 0185 286505
Da Michele – A traditional Italian restaurant near the Piazza Caprera. Via G Amendola, 17, 16038 Santa Margherita Liguria Tel: +39 0185 283660
Ristorante Pizzeria Palma – You can’t come back from Italy without eating pizza. Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 9, 16038 Santa Margherita Liguria GE, Italy Tel: +39 0185 287436
Bar Piero – Best place for nice cocktails and snacks. Bar Piero is a busy place the whole week, even on Sundays. Don’t be surprised when they offer you small sandwiches and a nice charcuterie plate for free with your cocktails. Bar PieroVia V. Veneto, 6, 16038 Santa Margherita Liguria GE, Italy Tel: +39 0185 287514
