Santa Margherita Ligure is an elegant resort with a palm-lined promenade, a seafront castle, belle epoque villas and a lively harbour, and the usual stepping stone to Portofino.
Santa Margherita Ligure is about 30 km from Genoa and takes 35-40 minutes by regional train from Brignole or Principe for EUR 4.60 (~$5). It is the main gateway to Portofino by bus, boat or coastal path and has its own beaches, promenade and villas. The Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio runs year-round boats to Portofino and San Fruttuoso, and the AMT line 782 bus connects the town with Portofino for EUR 5 (~$6).
| Distance | 30 km southeast of Genoa |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 35-40 minutes by train |
| Getting there | Train (Trenitalia Regionale from Genova Brignole or Piazza Principe to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino, about 35-40 minutes, EUR 4.60 (~$5)) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Piazza Caprera, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Duration
- 35-40 minutes
- Cost
- EUR 4.60 (~$5)
- Notes
- Roughly every 20-30 minutes; the station is a 10-minute walk from the harbour
- Mode
- Boat from Genoa
- Duration
- About 1 hour 30 minutes
- Notes
- Golfo Paradiso boats to Portofino; Tigullio boats link Santa Margherita with Portofino and San Fruttuoso, +39 0185 284670
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- 40-50 minutes
- Notes
- A12 motorway exit Rapallo; parking near the harbour is limited
Suggested itinerary
- Arrive by mid-morning train, walk the seafront, visit Villa Durazzo, lunch at the harbour, take a boat or the coastal path to Portofino in the afternoon and return by train in the evening.
Location
Piazza Caprera, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy
44.3340, 9.2110 View on map
Highlights
- Seafront promenade and the Castello
- Villa Durazzo park and museum
- Harbour and fish restaurants
- Boats and the 782 bus to Portofino
- Coastal path to Portofino
Tips for visiting
- Use Santa Margherita as the base for Portofino because accommodation and parking are cheaper
- The Villa Durazzo gardens close at night; check hours before going
- Boats to Portofino run frequently in summer
When to visit
Spring and early autumn for walking; summer for swimming.
Accessibility
The seafront is flat and paved; the old town has gentle slopes and some steps.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Genoa to Santa Margherita?
About 35-40 minutes on a regional train, with trains roughly every 20-30 minutes.
Is it better to stay in Santa Margherita or Portofino?
Santa Margherita has more affordable lodging and good transport links; Portofino is a short bus or boat ride away.