Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, a jewel of the Italian Riviera and a favorite port of call for luxury lines like Seabourn, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Azamara.
This charming resort town offers a more relaxed and authentic experience than larger, bustling ports.
Its main appeal lies in its picturesque harbor, elegant belle-époque architecture, and its role as the perfect gateway for exploring the enchanting village of Portofino and the stunning Ligurian coastline.
One of the most prominent landmarks is the Villa Durazzo, a stunning 17th-century villa set in a lush park with beautiful Italian gardens offering panoramic views of the bay; it's just a short uphill walk from the town center.
Dominating the waterfront is the 16th-century Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure, a historic fortress built to defend against pirates, which now hosts art exhibitions.
Be sure to visit the baroque Church of San Giacomo di Corte, perched above the harbor, which provides a peaceful escape and more lovely vistas.
Finally, a simple stroll along the Lungomare (seafront promenade) is a must-do to soak in the town's elegant atmosphere.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The most popular nearby destination is the world-famous village of Portofino.
It's just a 15-minute ferry ride away, offering a delightful trip across the bay to its iconic, pastel-colored harbor. For the adventurous, a scenic coastal walk takes about an hour.
Another excellent choice is the charming fishing village of Camogli, located a short 10-minute train ride north, known for its beautiful beachfront and colorful, tall houses.
For a longer day trip, the historic city of Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, is accessible via a 45-minute train journey.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Cruise ships visiting Santa Margherita do not dock at a pier; they anchor in the beautiful bay and passengers are brought ashore via tender boats.
The tender pier is located directly in the heart of town, depositing you right onto the main harborfront promenade.
Because of this central location, no shuttles or further transportation are needed to explore the town center. You will find yourself immediately surrounded by cafes, restaurants, shops, and the main sights of Santa Margherita.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The official currency in Santa Margherita is the Euro (€).
While some tourist-focused establishments might accept US dollars for a large purchase or as a tip, it is not common practice and the exchange rate will be unfavorable.
Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels.
For cash, ATMs, known locally as 'Bancomat', are plentiful throughout the town center and are the easiest way to get Euros.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Santa Margherita Ligure is considered a very safe and affluent resort town with a low crime rate.
Travelers can feel comfortable exploring the town center and waterfront independently, both day and night.
The main safety concern is petty crime, such as pickpocketing, which can occur in any tourist area. It's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded places like the ferry dock or markets.
There are no specific areas to avoid, and guided tours are not necessary for safety reasons.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The cruise season in Santa Margherita, from spring through autumn, generally features a pleasant Mediterranean climate.
Spring and fall see mild and comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 15-22°C (60-72°F), with a higher chance of rain showers.
Summers are warm, sunny, and dry, with average temperatures between 24-29°C (75-85°F), perfect for enjoying the sea.
Passengers should pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. It's also wise to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or for boat excursions.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Santa Margherita itself is very walkable, with most attractions easily reached on foot from the tender pier.
For exploring the surrounding Riviera, the ferry is a popular and scenic option. Frequent ferry services depart from the main harbor to nearby destinations like Portofino and San Fruttuoso.
The train station is a 10-15 minute walk from the port and offers excellent connections along the coast, making it a great choice for visiting Camogli or the villages of Cinque Terre.
Taxis are available but can be expensive, and local buses also serve the area.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Shopping in Santa Margherita offers a mix of high-end Italian boutiques, local artisan shops, and gourmet food stores.
The main shopping streets are Via Palestro and Corso Matteotti, where you can find designer clothing, leather goods, and jewelry.
For authentic souvenirs, look for Ligurian specialties like jars of pesto, local olive oil, and focaccia bread. Hand-painted ceramics and fine linens are also popular local products.
Prices in boutiques are fixed, and bargaining is not customary. The waterfront promenade also has several shops perfect for browsing.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
From Santa Margherita, the premier shore excursion is a private boat tour, often available by the hour to perfectly fit your port day schedule. You can explore the glamorous Gulf of Portofino to see its iconic harbor, luxury yachts, and the stunningly secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey. For a different perspective, some boat tours venture into the neighboring Golfo Paradiso, revealing authentic fishing villages and a more rugged, dramatic coastline.
This tour is guided by a passion for the sea and the beauty of the local villages. The guide's mission is to share this love and help you fall in love with the country. Embark on a journey designed to showcase the best of the region.
Sail along the coast to visit the region's most beautiful and authentic places, with opportunities to swim in the clear waters of exclusive bays. Listen as your commanders share stories and memorable facts about the area's ancient peoples. You will also taste typical local dishes and wines, all presented with service attentive to the smallest details.
Spend a day at sea discovering famous villages of the Ligurian Riviera aboard a wooden boat that is typical to this area. This unique experience allows you to sunbathe and dive into the sea for a refreshing swim. Guided by a deep knowledge of the area, this trip is designed to capture the true essence of these places set between land and sea.
Explore the breathtaking beauties of Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and the Marine Reserve while learning about the region's rich heritage. Dive into the Mediterranean for a swim, snorkel with marine life, or relax on the boat's outdoor sunbathing spaces. Your vessel is equipped with a toilet, freshwater shower, sun awning, stocked fridge, snorkeling gear, and towels. For a complete experience, the full-day option adds a typical Ligurian lunch at a sea-front restaurant and a visit to Golfo Paradiso.
Sail slowly along the coast to discover a landscape shaped by nature and man, learning about local curiosities and stopping for refreshing swims. Visit the bay of Portofino to admire the village from the sea, with an option to disembark for a short walk or shopping. The tour continues past the lighthouse into the marine protected area of San Fruttuoso bay for another swim. Here, you can use masks to see the submerged Christ of the Abyss statue and admire the bay's famous abbey from the water.
Discover Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure on a private tour tailored to your preferences and led by a local expert. Stroll through the vibrant Piazzetta, admire historic sites, shop for local treasures, and enjoy a complimentary aperitivo. You will travel between the villages by ferry along the picturesque shoreline, with an option to swim in the crystalline waters. This experience can be further customized with optional wine tastings or traditional Ligurian cooking workshops.
Take a private excursion from Genoa on a 7m dinghy to explore the Portofino Natural Park and its historic villages of San Fruttuoso, Portofino, and Camogli. Enjoy stops to swim in the protected marine area, snorkel, or even play water polo. An evening tour option includes an aperitif or dinner at the dock in San Fruttuoso. Your trip can also be coordinated with special coastal events, such as floating candle festivals or seaside fireworks displays.
Learn the basic techniques of stand-up paddleboarding with an instructor in the calm Paraggi bay, which is closed to boat traffic for extra safety. After your lesson, put your new skills into practice by exploring the Portofino promontory and its protected marine area. This unique perspective allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the clear water below.
Discover the famous Italian fishing village of Portofino, known for its picturesque harbor and colorfully painted buildings lining the shore. The village's Piazzetta is fringed with high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants. On this tour, you will admire the 10th-century Church of San Martino, explore the cobbled square, and take in the scenic view from the Chiesa di San Giorgio.
Embark on a special tour to discover the 5 Terre, operated by a family with three generations of passionate experience. Departing from Portofino, this excursion is ready to guide you through the fantastic sights of the region. This tour is designed by those with a deep, generational connection to the area.
Depart from Portofino on an exclusive boat excursion reserved for a small group of just 12 guests. You will sail along the rugged coastline, marveling at the picturesque cliffs. See the colorful villages nestled between the green Mediterranean vegetation and the blue sea.
Choose your preferred boat for a private sunset tour departing from the Rotonda Marconi pier. Your captain will guide you on a personalized itinerary along the Ligurian coast, with options for a swim off Portofino or in the Bay of Paraggi. As you watch the sunset, enjoy an onboard aperitif featuring a bottle of Italian wine with local specialties like vegetable pies and Ligurian focaccia. This romantic experience is accompanied by background music for a perfect evening.
Embark on a full-day boat tour exploring the coastal destinations of Tigullio. Your maritime adventure begins in Portofino, then sails to the historic Abbey of San Fruttuoso, the wild beauty of Punta Chiappa, and the picturesque village of Camogli. Throughout the journey, you can dive into the crystal-clear waters to swim and enjoy the unique charm of each location. Please note this experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Explore Portofino on an expertly guided private tour, strolling along the picturesque harbor to admire colorful buildings, luxury yachts, and baroque churches. Choose from several itinerary options to fit your schedule, including a 2-hour walking tour of Portofino or a 4-hour tour that adds Santa Margherita Ligure via a scenic public ferry ride. A 5.5-hour option with roundtrip car service from Genoa is also available, and all itineraries can be adjusted to your plans.
Explore the Portofino Marine Reserve, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli aboard a traditional wooden boat built in Portofino. You can dive into the Mediterranean for a swim, snorkel among marine life, or relax on the large sunbathing areas with comfortable cushions. Your cruise includes the use of fresh towels, snorkeling gear, and Bluetooth music. A stocked fridge with water and drinks is also provided for your comfort.
Get a perfect introduction to Portofino on this concise, 40-minute walking tour with a professional local guide. Designed for a small group of a maximum of 15 people, this experience is ideal for first-time visitors needing to get oriented. As you stroll the picturesque streets, your guide will provide valuable insights and tips on the best attractions, dining, and shopping.
Embark on a customizable boat tour with a skipper to discover the wonders of the Portofino Natural Park and Paradiso Gulf. Visit charming beaches reachable only by sea, and stop at San Fruttuoso di Camogli to see its historic monastery and the submerged Christ of the Abyss statue. The itinerary includes time for snorkeling at Punta Chiappa, a break for lunch in the old fisherman's village of Camogli, and relaxing with a swim at Paraggi beach.
Embark on a customizable sunset adventure in the Gulf of Tigullio for a tailor-made experience. You will be welcomed on board with a local aperitif and a bottle of fine Italian wine. Enjoy a slow cruise as the sun sets, with an opportunity for a refreshing swim in the warm evening waters. The cruise route and sailing duration can be adapted to your personal requests.
Experience a unique blend of nature and history on a hiking tour through Portofino Park to the secluded village of San Fruttuoso. Along the way, you will see the charm of the promontory, from colorful Ligurian houses and hidden villas to the renowned Paraggi beach. This tour allows you to soak up the sun and indulge in the exquisite flavors of Ligurian cuisine, savoring authentic focaccia, renowned pesto, and local wine.
Discover Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure on a private tour with an expert local guide and driver. Begin in picturesque Portofino with its colorful houses, then drive along the breathtaking Niasca Bay for panoramic views. Conclude your adventure by wandering the lively streets of Santa Margherita Ligure to soak in its coastal charm. Please note that one hour of your total tour time is allocated for travel and a lunch break.
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Overall cruises visiting Santa Margherita are extremely affordable compared to other itineraries. Prices are roughly steady throughout the year. The diagram below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Santa Margherita.
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