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Before you go
Your trip to Santa Margherita Ligure.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Santa Margherita Ligure – Ligúria Destination Gênova and Portofino about 31 km from Gênova
How to get there
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Aeroporto di Genova Cristoforo Colombo (GOA) Gênova · 38 km
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Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Confirm before booking. Take the train from Milão to Gênova and from there, on the regional train, to the Santa Margherita Ligure‑Portofino station, in about 30 to 45 minutes. The nearest airport is Gênova.
How many days
Half a day is enough for the seafront, the basilica and Villa Durazzo. As a base for Portofino and San Fruttuoso, two or three days work well.
When to go
From April to June and in September and October the weather is usually pleasant and boats to Portofino run more frequently. July and August are hot and crowded. In winter, from December to February, the town is quiet and some businesses reduce their hours.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The train station is close to the centre, and buses and boats to Portofino depart from Santa Margherita. If you arrive by car, leave it in a city car park and proceed to Portofino without it.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Santa Margherita Ligure
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Morning
Villa Durazzo
Go up to Villa Durazzo, stroll through the garden and park and take in the views of the gulf from above. Descend by the 16th‑century castle at the water's edge.
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Afternoon
Basilica and lunch
Visit the Basilica di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia on Piazza Caprera and have lunch in the town centre. Then take the bus or the boat to Portofino.
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Late afternoon
Seafront and port
Back in Santa Margherita, walk along the seafront between the port and the seaside gardens.
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Evening
Dinner near the port
Have dinner near the port from around 7:30–8:00 PM. Seafood and focaccia are the basis of the local cuisine.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth staying in Santa Margherita to visit Portofino?
Yes. The town has more accommodation than Portofino, a train station, and buses and boats to the neighbouring village. It is the most practical base for the promontory.
How far is it to Portofino?
Around 5 km via the coastal road. By bus or boat the journey is short; check schedules at the time, because boats run more services in the high season.
Does Santa Margherita have a beach?
There are small beaches along the seafront, many with paid facilities. the bay of Paraggi, on the way to Portofino, is the best known.
How to get from Gênova to Santa Margherita?
By regional train, from Genova Brignole station or Piazza Principe to Santa Margherita Ligure‑Portofino, in about 30 to 45 minutes.
Is there a tourist tax?
Yes. A tourist tax is charged on accommodation.