Tucked between the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea and lush Mediterranean hills, Santa Margherita Ligure offers the perfect starting point for unforgettable day trips. I discovered that hiking from this charming riviera town toward Portofino provides some of the most breathtaking coastal views you’ll find anywhere in Italy.
The trail connecting Santa Margherita to Portofino takes about two hours and rewards hikers with magnificent panoramas of the coastline, making it the ideal outdoor activity before cooling off with a refreshing swim.
For swimming enthusiasts, Giò e Rino Beach stands out as a local favorite with its clear waters, comfortable loungers, and cold beverages to enjoy after your dip. After working up an appetite from hiking and swimming, Santa Margherita’s dining scene awaits with fresh seafood specialties like red shrimp that showcase the region’s culinary treasures.
If you’re feeling adventurous, extend your day trip to include San Fruttuoso, a hidden gem featuring an ancient abbey nestled in a small cove between Camogli and Portofino. Accessible by ferry or hiking trail, this magical spot combines history, nature, and the quintessential Italian seaside experience all in one unforgettable destination.
Discovering Santa Margherita Ligure: The Gateway to Adventure
Santa Margherita Ligure sits perfectly positioned on the Italian Riviera, offering both relaxation and excitement for day-trippers. This elegant coastal town serves as an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the treasures of the Ligurian Coast.
The Charm of Santa Margherita Ligure
Walking through Santa Margherita Ligure feels like stepping into a postcard. The colorful buildings with their trompe l’oeil facades line the waterfront, creating a truly magical scene.
I was immediately struck by the town’s perfect mix of authentic Italian life and tourist-friendly amenities.
Unlike its more famous neighbor Portofino, Santa Margherita maintains a relaxed atmosphere even during peak season. The palm-lined promenade invites leisurely strolls, with the sparkling Ligurian Sea on one side and elegant shops and cafés on the other.
The harbor is filled with both working fishing boats and luxury yachts, highlighting the town’s dual nature as both a traditional fishing village and an upscale resort destination. Local fishermen still bring in fresh catches daily, which you’ll find on menus throughout town.
Navigating Your Arrival and Orientation
Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure is surprisingly easy. The town has its own train station on the Genoa-La Spezia line, with frequent connections to major cities. From the station, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the waterfront.
If you’re driving, be aware that parking can be challenging during summer months. I recommend using one of the paid lots near the outskirts and walking into town.
The tourist information office near the harbor provides excellent free maps and advice. They’re particularly helpful if you’re planning excursions to nearby Cinque Terre or Portofino.
For the best orientation, I suggest starting with a coffee at one of the harbor-front cafés. This gives you time to absorb the layout while watching boats come and go against the backdrop of the colorful Italian Riviera scenery.
Embarking on the Trails: Hiking the Ligurian Coast
The Ligurian coastline offers some of Italy’s most breathtaking hiking opportunities. With paths connecting charming villages and panoramic views of the Mediterranean around every corner, these trails combine natural beauty with cultural exploration.
Choosing Your Hiking Experience
When I explored the hiking options around Santa Margherita Ligure, I discovered trails for every ability level. The Portofino Peninsula is perfect for beginners, with well-marked paths and moderate inclines.
For something more challenging, the trails connecting the five villages of Cinque Terre offer steeper climbs but reward hikers with spectacular views. I particularly loved the Levanto to Monterosso trail, which provides stunning vistas of all the Cinque Terre villages.
The Santa Margherita to Portofino path is one of my favorites for a gentler experience. This coastal walk takes about an hour each way and follows a scenic route with plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the views.
Popular Hiking Routes:
- Santa Margherita → Portofino (easy, 5km)
- Riomaggiore → Manarola → Volastra → Corniglia (moderate, 9km)
- Levanto → Monterosso (moderate, 7km)
Preparation and Safety Tips
I always recommend starting hikes early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds. The Mediterranean sun can be intense, especially during summer months.
Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Proper footwear is essential – I learned the hard way that flip-flops aren’t suitable for these rocky paths! Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers with good grip are best.
Check trail conditions before setting out. Some paths, especially in Cinque Terre, can close due to landslides or maintenance. The local tourism offices in Santa Margherita Ligure provide updated information.
Cell reception can be spotty on remote sections of trail, so I always download offline maps beforehand. Telling someone your planned route and expected return time is also a good safety practice.
Unforgettable Routes and Scenic Views
The path from Camogli to San Fruttuoso Abbey offers some of the most dramatic scenery I’ve encountered. The trail winds through the Portofino Regional Park, with the deep blue Mediterranean constantly visible through pine trees.
For breathtaking photo opportunities, the high trail between Vernazza and Monterosso in Cinque Terre is unbeatable. I still remember rounding a bend to find the colorful buildings of Vernazza nestled against the sea below.
The quieter trails above Santa Margherita toward Monte di Portofino provide a different perspective. Here, olive groves and lemon trees line the path, and the scent of wild herbs fills the air.
Many trails connect to small beaches or swimming spots. I love packing a small towel to enjoy a refreshing dip after a few hours of hiking. There’s nothing better than cooling off in the crystal-clear waters after working up a sweat on the trails.
Delving Into the Blue: Swimming and Diving Spots
The waters around Santa Margherita Ligure offer some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating swimming and diving experiences. Crystal-clear blue waters invite visitors to explore both popular beaches and hidden underwater treasures.
Santa Margherita Ligure’s Beaches
I love starting my swimming adventures at the main beach near the marina. This well-maintained stretch offers crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip after a morning hike.
Beach umbrellas and loungers are available for rent, making it easy to set up a comfortable base for the day. The gentle slope into the sea makes this spot ideal for families with children.
For a more secluded experience, I recommend heading to Paraggi Beach. It’s a small cove with emerald waters just a short walk from town. The beach is nestled between lush hills, creating a stunning backdrop for swimmers.
Top beaches to visit:
- Main Town Beach (near the marina)
- Paraggi Beach (emerald waters, sheltered cove)
- Punta Pedale (rocky swimming spot with panoramic views)
Hidden Gems for Diving Enthusiasts
The Portofino National Park marine area is a diver’s paradise I never miss exploring. Il Grande Blu Diving Center offers excellent guided tours for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced divers.
The underwater landscape features colorful marine life, fascinating rock formations, and even some underwater statues. I was amazed by the visibility – often exceeding 20 meters on calm days.
Night dives reveal a completely different underwater world. The darkness brings out nocturnal creatures that hide during daylight hours.
For beginners, discovery dives with experienced instructors provide a safe introduction to the underwater world. Even if you’ve never dived before, the center offers refresher courses and snorkeling paths as alternatives.
The waters around Punta Chiappa contain some of the most diverse marine ecosystems I’ve encountered in the Mediterranean, with vibrant fish species darting between rock formations.
Savoring Local Flavors: Culinary Delights
No trip to the Italian Riviera is complete without indulging in the incredible food. The local cuisine here combines fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and traditional recipes that have been perfected over generations.
From Focaccia to Seafood: Dining Out
I discovered that Santa Margherita Ligure offers an amazing variety of dining options. Local restaurants serve authentic Ligurian cuisine with stunning sea views as a bonus.
For breakfast, I always grab a piece of warm focaccia from one of the small bakeries in town. This flatbread, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt, makes for a perfect morning snack.
Seafood dominates lunch and dinner menus here. I recommend trying the fresh catch of the day, often prepared simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs to highlight its natural flavors.
Many eateries offer private dining experiences where you can watch local chefs prepare traditional recipes. These intimate settings provide insight into cooking techniques passed down through generations.
The Quest for the Best Pesto Trofie
My personal mission in Santa Margherita was finding the perfect plate of trofie al pesto. This signature Ligurian dish features hand-rolled pasta tossed in bright green basil pesto.
The secret to authentic pesto lies in its ingredients: fresh Genovese basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino cheese, and high-quality olive oil. When blended together, these create a fragrant sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly.
I found the most amazing trofie at a small family-run trattoria just off the main square. The pasta was handmade each morning, and the pesto prepared in small batches using a mortar and pestle.
For those wanting to bring these flavors home, many shops sell locally-made pesto or offer cooking classes where you can learn to make your own.
Beyond Santa Margherita: Day Trips Worth Taking
While Santa Margherita Ligure is charming on its own, the surrounding Italian Riviera offers spectacular destinations that can easily be explored in a day. From luxury harbors to colorful fishing villages, each nearby location has its own unique appeal.
Portofino: Elegance Along the Coast
Portofino sits just a short boat ride away, and I can’t recommend it enough. This tiny harbor village showcases some of the most picturesque views in all of Italy. The iconic colorful buildings hugging the harbor create a postcard-perfect scene that’s impossible to forget.
I love walking up to Castello Brown for panoramic views of the bay. The climb takes about 15 minutes, but the vista is worth every step.
For lunch, I recommend trying a local pesto dish at one of the harborside restaurants. Yes, they’re pricey, but the setting justifies the splurge. If you’re on a budget, grab a focaccia from a bakery instead.
The best way to reach Portofino is by ferry from Santa Margherita, though buses run regularly too. I prefer the water route for those stunning coastal views!
The Colorful Charm of Cinque Terre
The five villages of Cinque Terre offer one of Italy’s most magical experiences. My favorite way to experience them is by train, which connects all five towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
Vernazza steals my heart with its natural harbor and castle ruins. The view from the trail approaching town is worth framing. Meanwhile, Monterosso offers the best beaches if you’re looking to swim.
For something less crowded but equally beautiful, consider Portovenere—often called “the sixth land.” I found it less touristy but just as charming.
The hiking trails between villages provide breathtaking coastal views. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) connects all five towns, though some sections may be closed due to landslides. Always check trail conditions before setting out!
Cultural Encounter in Genoa
Genoa, the capital of Liguria, offers a completely different experience from the resort towns. I love wandering through Europe’s largest medieval center. Narrow caruggi (alleyways) reveal hidden piazzas and historic buildings at every turn.
The Palazzi dei Rolli, Renaissance mansions now on the UNESCO World Heritage list, showcase the city’s former glory. Don’t miss the Palazzo Rosso and its impressive art collection.
For lunch, I always stop at a traditional friggitoria for fresh fried seafood wrapped in paper cones. The Porto Antico (Old Port) area, redesigned by architect Renzo Piano, makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll.
You can get to Genoa in about 40 minutes by train from Santa Margherita. I recommend an early start to make the most of your day in this underrated Italian city.
