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Via Cavour, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy (May 2022)
Santa Margherita Ligure
Situated along the picturesque Ligurian coastline, Santa Margherita Ligure is a seaside town that epitomizes the charm and elegance of the Italian Riviera. Located in the region of Liguria, in northwestern Italy, this stunning destination is renowned for its azure waters, lush hillsides, and colourful historic buildings that line the harbour. A favourite among travellers seeking both relaxation and a touch of glamour, Santa Margherita Ligure combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering a perfect blend of coastal tranquillity and sophisticated allure. Positioned between the bustling port city of Genoa and the glamorous village of Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure is a prime spot for those looking to explore the best of the Italian Riviera. While it may be overshadowed by the fame of nearby Portofino, Santa Margherita retains a distinct identity that offers visitors a more relaxed, authentic, and less crowded experience. Its charm lies in its ability to strike a balance between being an upscale resort town and a welcoming community, where the rhythm of daily life continues amidst the ebb and flow of tourism. The heart of Santa Margherita Ligure is its vibrant waterfront, lined with pastel-coloured
Historically, Santa Margherita Ligure has long been a retreat for aristocrats, artists, and travellers. Its origins date back to Roman times, but it grew in prominence during the 19th century when the European elite began flocking to the Italian Riviera for its mild climate and scenic beauty. The town’s architecture reflects this heritage, with grand villas, luxury hotels, and palazzos adorned with decorative frescoes and terracotta rooftops. One of the most striking examples is Villa Durazzo, a 17th-century mansion set within beautifully manicured gardens overlooking the sea. Today, the villa serves as a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions and concerts. In addition to its architectural beauty, Santa Margherita Ligure is also a gateway to natural wonders. The nearby Portofino Regional Natural Park offers hiking trails that meander through olive groves, pine forests, and rocky cliffs, providing breath-taking views of the coastline. One of the most popular hikes is the trail from Santa Margherita to Portofind’Antiochia, with its Baroque façade and richly decorated interior, stands as a testament to the town’s deep-rooted traditions. Throughout the year, Santa Margherita plays host to a variety of festivals, including the Festa della Primavera (Spring Festival), which celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, music, and fireworks. These local events provide a window into the town’s vibrant community life and offer visitors the chance to experience the warm hospitality for which Liguria is famous. Santa Margherita Ligure is a captivating destination that embodies the quintessential charm of the Italian Riviera. Whether you’re looking to bask in the Mediterranean sun, explore historical landmarks, or indulge in the region’s renowned cuisine, this coastal town offers a perfect escape. With its blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and timeless elegance, Santa Margherita Ligure is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a taste of Italian coastal luxury.
Worth a Visit

The Santuario di Nostra Signora della Rosa in Santa Margherita Ligure is a cherished place of devotion and history, nestled in the heart of the Ligurian Riviera. Dating back to the 17th century, the sanctuary was built to honor the Virgin Mary, who, according to local tradition, miraculously appeared holding a rose. Over time, it became a spiritual landmark for sailors, fishermen, and townspeople, who turned to the Madonna for protection and blessings. The church’s architecture reflects the Baroque style, with elegant lines, ornate decorations, and a serene interior that invites prayer and reflection. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes, sacred art, and the revered statue of the Madonna della Rosa. Still today, the sanctuary is not only a place of faith but also a cultural treasure, blending religious tradition with the maritime identity of Santa Margherita Ligure, offering peace and inspiration to pilgrims and travelers alike.

Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini is the vibrant heart of Santa Margherita Ligure, a lively seaside town on the Ligurian Riviera. Overlooking the picturesque harbour, this elegant square captures the charm and rhythm of local life, where residents and visitors gather to stroll, relax, and enjoy the views. Surrounded by colourful historic buildings with typical Ligurian facades, the piazza reflects the town’s maritime heritage and timeless Mediterranean atmosphere. Cafés, restaurants, and shops line the square, making it a perfect spot to savour traditional cuisine or simply watch the bustle of daily life against the backdrop of fishing boats and luxury yachts. The central location also makes it an excellent starting point for exploring Santa Margherita’s narrow streets, waterfront promenade, and cultural landmarks. Blending history, community spirit, and natural beauty, Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini remains a welcoming gateway to the elegance and warmth of Santa Margherita Ligure.

Piazza Martiri della Libertà is one of the central gathering places in Santa Margherita Ligure, combining local history with the lively atmosphere of a seaside town. Named in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, the square holds deep symbolic value for the community while serving as a hub of social life. Framed by elegant pastel-coloured Ligurian buildings, the piazza opens into a welcoming space filled with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants, where both residents and visitors enjoy moments of relaxation. Its proximity to the town’s main streets and waterfront makes it a natural crossroads for exploration, whether heading toward the harbour, cultural landmarks, or charming hidden corners of Santa Margherita. With its mix of historical significance, everyday life, and Mediterranean charm, Piazza Martiri della Libertà embodies the spirit of the town—an inviting place where memory, tradition, and conviviality come together in the heart of the Riviera.

The Santuario di Nostra Signora della Lettera – Chiesa di San Giacomo is a spiritual and cultural landmark set in the hills above Santa Margherita Ligure, offering both tranquillity and breath-taking views of the Ligurian coast. Originally dedicated to Saint James, the church has long been a place of devotion, later enriched by the veneration of the Madonna della Lettera, a figure deeply tied to local faith and tradition. Its simple yet harmonious architecture reflects the charm of rural sanctuaries, while inside, visitors find a serene atmosphere, sacred artworks, and spaces for prayer. Surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, the sanctuary invites not only spiritual reflection but also moments of peace in nature. Reaching the church, whether on foot along scenic paths or by road, is itself a rewarding experience. The Santuario remains a cherished destination for pilgrims and travellers, uniting history, devotion, and the beauty of Santa Margherita Ligure.

Il Giardino di Villa Durazzo, located along Via San Francesco d’Assisi in Santa Margherita Ligure, is a splendid example of a historic Italian garden that perfectly blends art, nature, and landscape design. Surrounding the elegant 17th-century Villa Durazzo, the gardens extend across terraces overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the Ligurian coast. The layout combines formal geometric parterres, shaded pathways, and romantic corners enriched with statues, fountains, and Mediterranean vegetation. Majestic palm trees, centuries-old camellias, and colourful flowerbeds create a refined yet natural atmosphere, making it an oasis of peace away from the lively town below. Today, the gardens are open to the public, inviting leisurely walks, cultural events, and moments of quiet contemplation. With their harmony of history, art, and nature, the gardens of Villa Durazzo remain one of the most enchanting places in Santa Margherita Ligure, a timeless retreat for locals and travellers alike.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Via S. Michele to Loggia Amblingh
Approximately 1.23 km – 0.76 miles
The walk starts in Via S. Michele – Parco Villa Comunale, Viale Rimembranza – Viale Rimembranza – Piazza Guglielmo Marconi – Via Tre Segni – walk back to Piazza Guglielmo Marconi – Municipal Market Hall of Santa Chiara, Piazza Santa Chiara – Via Sportello – Via Tripoli – Via Santa Maria – Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore, Via Santa Maria – Via Santa Maria – Piazza del Tomolo – Via Catena – Porta Catena, Loggia Amblingh
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Piazza del Tomolo to Via Adriatica
Approximately 0.60 km – 0.37 miles
The walk starts in Piazza del Tomolo – Via Santa Maria – Via Giosia – Piazza L. V. Pudente – Cattedrale di San Giuseppe, Piazza L. V. Pudente – Piazza L. V. Pudente – Via Vescovado – Piazza L. V. Pudente – Piazza del Popolo – Via Adriatica
Photo Gallery of Walk 3 – Corso Dante Alighieri to Via Vittorio Veneto
Approximately 1.76 km – 1.09 miles
The walk starts in Corso Dante Alighieri – Via Palizzi – Via Aimone -walk back to Corso Dante Alighieri – Corso Plebiscito – Chiesa di Santa Maria Del Carmine, Via Vescovado – Via Valerico Laccetti – Via Giovanni Pascoli – Piazza Caprioli – Corso de Parma – Piazza Diomede – Piazza Barbacani – Piazza G. Rossetti – Corso Nuova Italia – Via Vittorio Veneto
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