Santa Margherita Ligure is located on the Italian Riviera, in Liguria, on the eastern side of the Portofino Promontory, in the innermost part of the Gulf of Tigullio. There is so much to discover in this town, which has a strong tourist vocation. You can stroll through the gardens along the waterfront or amble along the town centre streets for some shopping, venturing along the old creuse, the narrow streets that rise from the castle to the Capuchin convent, up to the Church of S. Giacomo di Corte, or travel out to scenic villages, including Nozarego or San Lorenzo della Costa, in search of peace and quiet. One of the symbols of the city is Villa Durazzo. Built in the seventeenth century by the Marquis Durazzo on a panoramic hill, located in the central area of the town, the villa was enlarged with the addition of five outbuildings created by the new owners, the Centurione Princes. Since 1973, the villa and the park have been taken over by the local authority. The park around Villa Durazzo allows visitors to stroll and relax in the shade of ancient trees. The Italian garden, with its paths of rounded pebbles and sinuous flower beds bordered by box hedges, is adorned with fountains and statues in neoclassical style. The park is enriched by the presence of majestic live oaks, placed near the villa, as well as a large number of trees, some of them very impressive, and plant species from around the world.
Another symbol of Santa Margherita is the Castle. Built on the rock of San Temo, the small fortress was erected during the sixteenth century and was used as a bulwark against incursions by pirates and privateers. Today the building is open to the public and hosts exhibitions and cultural and artistic events. If you want to end the day with an excellent dinner of fish or other Ligurian specialities, Santa Margherita offers a wide choice of restaurants and pizzerias. Both on the waterfront and in the old town, you’ll find a myriad of venues that meet every need: from exclusive restaurants to trattorias serving traditional local dishes. Holidays in Santa Margherita Ligure are also an excellent opportunity to discover new and unique flavours you won't find elsewhere.
With the tourism boom of the 1960s, Santa Margherita became a magnet for the young, whose meeting place was opposite the Central Cinema to have a chat and plan the evening. Today the young meet on Piazza Martiri della Libertà, opposite the waterfront Gardens. On this picturesque town square, you’ll find a host of bars offering music, drinks and aperitifs in the open air, alongside bathing facilities and fully equipped beaches. The Riviera di Levante and its charm await you: check out our holiday packages to Santa Margherita Ligure today and get ready for a new exciting adventure!
