Santa Margherita Ligure sits like a colorful gem on the Italian Riviera, drawing visitors with its palm-lined seafront and pastel buildings. This coastal town in Liguria offers a great mix of relaxation and exploration without the crowds you’ll find in Portofino. You can get to Santa Margherita Ligure by train, car, boat, or bus, but honestly, the train’s the easiest since the station is just 150 meters from Ghiaia beach.
If you’re driving from Genoa, just hop on the A12 motorway south toward Livorno, exit at Rapallo, and follow the signs—usually takes about 45 minutes. From Milan, plan for around 2.5 hours via the A7 and A12. Trains connect Santa Margherita to major cities along the Genoa-La Spezia line, so day trips to Cinque Terre villages are a breeze.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure! Look for deals here:
Santa Margherita Ligure Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Want a more scenic arrival? Try the boat. The Tigullio Maritime Service brings you in with gorgeous views of the coast. It’s not the cheapest, but passenger ferries link Santa Margherita Ligure with nearby resorts, including an €8 trip to Portofino. When you step off, you’re right in the heart of one of Liguria’s prettiest towns, ready to explore.
Main Ways to Reach Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure’s got several transportation options. Just pick what fits your style, budget, and starting point.
Traveling by Train
The train’s honestly one of the best ways to get here. Santa Margherita Ligure has its own station on the Genoa-La Spezia line, so you can come in from most major Italian cities. The station’s right in the center, only 150 meters from Ghiaia beach.
From Genoa, trains run often and the ride takes about 30–40 minutes. If you’re coming from Milan, you’ll need to switch trains in Genoa.
When you step off at Santa Margherita Ligure station, you can walk to most hotels and attractions in just a few minutes. Not a fan of driving in Italy? This is the way to go.
Tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time in summer—these coastal trains fill up fast.
Arriving by Car
If you want flexibility, driving’s a solid choice. The A12 motorway brings you straight here.
Take the Rapallo exit off the A12 and follow signs for Santa Margherita Ligure—it’s only about 5 km from the toll booth. At the roundabout after you exit, just keep going straight and follow the signs.
Parking gets tight in peak season, so try to arrive early or check if your hotel offers parking. There are several paid lots around town.
The drive along the coast is gorgeous. If you’re coming from Genoa, the Via Aurelia coastal road is a scenic option—just expect it to take a bit longer than the highway.
Flying into Nearby Airports
The closest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo, about 35 km away. From there, you’ve got a few ways to get to Santa Margherita Ligure.
You can rent a car at the airport and drive via the A12. Usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Taxis are quick but pricey—usually €80–120. If you’re traveling on a budget, take the Volabus from the airport to Genoa’s Principe station, then hop on a train to Santa Margherita Ligure.
Pisa and Milan airports are other options, but the transfer takes longer.
Arriving by Train
Trains make it super easy to reach Santa Margherita Ligure. The station’s right in the middle of town and connects to major cities and coastal spots with regular service.
The Santa Margherita Ligure Station
You’ll find the train station just 150 meters from Ghiaia beach—hard to beat for convenience. It’s smack in the center, so you can walk to most hotels and sights within minutes.
The station has the basics: a ticket office, a small waiting area, and info boards with train times. Buy your ticket at the machine or the window when it’s open.
Once you step outside, you’re on Via Palestro, and the town center and waterfront wait just down the street.
Rail Connections from Genoa and Milan
Trains from Genoa (Genova) to Santa Margherita Ligure run often, taking about 30–45 minutes. You can catch them from Genova Piazza Principe or Genova Brignole stations.
If you’re coming from Milan, connect through Genoa. The Milan–Genoa ride takes 1.5–2 hours, then it’s a short hop to Santa Margherita. Direct trains from Milan are rare, so check the schedule.
Tickets start at about €5 for regional trains from Genoa. You can buy online with Trenitalia or at the station.
Access from La Spezia and Cinque Terre
You can easily get here from La Spezia or the Cinque Terre villages on the regional rail line.
The ride from La Spezia takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though the fastest trains do it in 47 minutes. There are around 32 trains a day on this line.
From Riomaggiore (the closest Cinque Terre village to La Spezia), the trip usually takes 1–1.5 hours, sometimes with a connection. The first train leaves super early, and the last one heads out before midnight.
Tickets are cheap, starting at €5 for regional trains. If you buy at the station, don’t forget to validate your ticket before you board.
Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure by Car
If you want to explore this beautiful coastal town and its neighbors at your own pace, driving is a good call. The A12 motorway brings you straight here, and the roads are well marked.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure! Look for deals here:
Santa Margherita Ligure Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Driving Directions from Major Cities
From Milan, you’ll need about 2.5 hours (170 km). Take the A7 south toward Genoa, then switch to the A12 heading east toward Livorno.
Genoa is even closer—just 40 minutes (35 km). Follow the A12 eastbound toward Livorno and enjoy the sea views along the way.
From Florence, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive (200 km). Take the A11 to Lucca, then hop on the A12 northbound toward Genoa.
Coming from Rome? That’s a longer trip—about 5 hours (450 km). Take the A1 north to Florence, then follow the same route as above.
Using the A12 Motorway
The A12 (E80) is your main road to Santa Margherita Ligure. Exit at the Rapallo toll booth; you’re only 5 km away at that point.
After the toll booth, go straight at the roundabout and follow the signs for Santa Margherita Ligure. The route is well marked and pretty easy to follow.
At the next small roundabout in town, turn right and keep following the signs toward the center. The last stretch gives you some lovely glimpses of the coast as you get closer.
Just a heads-up: the coastal road gets narrow and twisty near the end, so take it slow and enjoy the view.
Parking Options in Town
Parking in Santa Margherita Ligure can be a bit of a headache, especially when summer hits and the crowds arrive. Here’s what you’ll find:
Public Parking Lots:
- Piazzale Mazzini (right in the center, paid)
- Via Dogali (close to the train station, paid)
- Lungo Mare parking area (by the waterfront, paid)
Street Parking: Blue lines mean paid parking—keep an eye out for ticket machines. White lines are free, but usually time-limited and often snapped up quickly.
If you’re visiting between April and October, it pays to get there early. Parking fees usually fall between €1.50 and €2.50 per hour, and some lots have daily rates around €15-20.
Many hotels have their own parking for guests, sometimes for a fee. It’s worth checking with your hotel before you arrive.
Bus and Taxi Services
Getting around Santa Margherita Ligure is pretty straightforward. The town has a solid bus network and taxis are easy to find, so moving between towns or just across town isn’t much trouble.
Bus Routes from Rapallo and Genoa
Buses link Santa Margherita Ligure with nearby towns and cities. You’ll see the most frequent buses between Santa Margherita and Rapallo, leaving about every 20 minutes during busy times. The ride only takes around 10 minutes.
To reach Genoa, hop on a bus from the main station near Piazza V. Veneto. These usually run hourly and the trip takes 45-60 minutes, traffic depending. The S. Margherita/Hotel Lido stop is another handy pickup spot.
Local buses reach smaller coastal villages too. If you’re planning several rides, a day pass might save you some hassle. Buses are comfortable, though they can get pretty packed in the summer.
Taxi Availability and Fares
You’ll spot taxis at the train station and in the town center, and you can call for a pickup or find them near most big hotels.
A taxi from Genoa Airport to Santa Margherita costs about €80-100 and takes roughly 45 minutes. For shorter trips:
- Santa Margherita to Rapallo: €15-20
- Santa Margherita to Portofino: €20-25
Most taxis take credit cards, but it’s smart to carry some cash just in case. Drivers usually speak enough English for the basics, so you shouldn’t have much trouble communicating.
If you’re traveling with a group (up to 7 people), you can book a minivan taxi for a bit more. Services like Autonoleggio Daisy Tour offer pre-bookable transfers with professional drivers.
Arriving by Sea
Santa Margherita Ligure’s harbor is a real draw for travelers, whether you’re catching a ferry or just want to take in the view. Boats connect the town with other coastal destinations, and plenty of locals run scenic trips along the Ligurian Sea.
Ferry Connections and Boat Trips
Ferries run to Santa Margherita Ligure from several spots nearby. During tourist season, boats leave regularly for Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Rapallo, and even Cinque Terre. The Traghetto ferry (line 1) from Santa Margherita’s harbor is especially handy if you want to visit San Fruttuoso and its famous abbey.
Taking a boat is honestly one of the best ways to see the coastline. Local operators offer everything from quick 30-minute rides to Portofino to full-day Riviera excursions. Services run more often between April and October, and you can grab tickets at the harbor or book online ahead of time.
Santa Margherita Ligure Port
The port mixes old-school Italian charm with solid facilities. You’ll see a promenade lined with colorful houses and old fishing boats—a classic Ligurian scene.
If you’re arriving by private boat, the port offers mooring, but spots fill up fast in high season. Book your berth ahead if you can.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure! Look for deals here:
Santa Margherita Ligure Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
The port sits close to the town center, so you’re never far from restaurants, shops, or tourist info. Buses to other destinations stop near the harbor, making onward travel simple.
Tourist boat parking is at Lungomare Rossetti 1 from November to March, and at Via Garibotti 25 the rest of the year.
Access from Neighboring Coastal Towns
Santa Margherita Ligure is well-connected to the rest of the Gulf of Tigullio region, so exploring nearby towns is easy. You can hop between these spots by boat, bus, or train, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Portofino and Portofino Regional Park
Portofino sits just 5 km away, and you’ve got options. The boat ride is the most scenic—ferries run often from April to October and the trip only takes about 15 minutes. The views along the way are something else.
Bus #82 connects the towns all year, leaving every 30 minutes and taking around 15 minutes. The bus hugs the coast, so you’ll catch plenty of great scenery.
If you’re up for it, you can hike through Portofino Regional Park to reach the village. The trail takes about 1-1.5 hours and winds through olive groves and pine forests, with killer Mediterranean views along the way.
Rapallo, Camogli, and Sestri Levante
Rapallo is a quick 5-minute train ride from Santa Margherita Ligure, with trains leaving about every half hour. In summer, you can also hop on a boat for a scenic 10-minute ride.
Camogli, a lovely little fishing village, is just 10 minutes away by train. Boats link the towns in summer too, taking about 20 minutes and offering gorgeous coastal scenery.
Sestri Levante is a bit farther, about 25 minutes by train. Regional trains are affordable and run pretty often.
Buses also connect these towns, though you might wait longer than for a train. The upside? Buses often take the coastal roads, so you get more views for your money.
Day Trips from Cinque Terre
It’s easy to visit Cinque Terre from Santa Margherita Ligure for a day. The regional train is your best bet—expect a 45-60 minute ride to Monterosso, the first of the five villages.
In summer, boats run between Santa Margherita Ligure and Cinque Terre too. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours and you’ll get some unique sea views of the colorful villages.
The Cinque Terre Card gives you unlimited train travel between the villages, which is handy if you want to see more than one. Trains run frequently, so you can hop from town to town pretty easily.
Cinque Terre gets packed in peak season, so try to start your day early if you want to beat the crowds.
Best Time to Visit Santa Margherita Ligure
With about 300 days of sunshine a year, Santa Margherita Ligure is almost always a good idea. Still, your trip will feel different depending on when you come.
Weather and Seasons
Spring (March to May) brings mild weather—think 15-20°C (59-68°F)—and the town bursts into bloom. It’s a great time for wandering the center or hitting the coastal paths without breaking a sweat.
Summer (June to August) gets toasty, with highs around 25-30°C (77-86°F). Perfect for the beach and swimming, but don’t forget sunblock and a hat.
Fall (September to October) is still warm (20-25°C/68-77°F) and a bit quieter. The sea stays warm for swimming into September, and you’ll dodge the biggest crowds.
Winter (November to February) is mild at 10-15°C (50-59°F), though it can rain. Many places cut back hours, but prices drop a lot.
Tourist Crowds and Local Events
July and August are the busiest months. The town fills up fast, beaches get crowded, and hotels and restaurants hike their prices. Book ahead if you’re coming then.
May, June, and September are sweet spots—not as hectic, but the weather’s still lovely and most things are open.
Santa Margherita Ligure throws some great events. The Festa di San Giacomo in late July has processions and fireworks. Spring brings the Primavera Festival with flowers and food markets.
For something more local, come for October’s olive harvest or the small Carnival celebrations in February. You’ll see more locals than tourists during these times.
Navigating Within Santa Margherita Ligure
Once you get to Santa Margherita Ligure, getting around is a breeze. The town’s compact, so you can walk almost everywhere, stroll the promenade, or jump on local transport if you need to go farther.
Walking Around the Old Town
The old town begs to be explored on foot. Its narrow streets and colorful buildings make for a picturesque maze. Start at Piazza Caprera—the main square—where the beautiful Basilica di Santa Margherita stands.
As you wander, you’ll stumble upon cute boutiques, craft shops, and authentic restaurants. Closer to the harbor, streets are mostly flat, but they get steeper as you head inland.
Bring comfy shoes for the cobblestones. Most sights are within a 15-minute walk, and yellow signs point you to the main landmarks.
Promenade and Beaches
The seafront promenade is a highlight, stretching about 2 kilometers along the coast. It’s flat and well-kept, connecting the center to nearby beaches.
Walking the whole promenade takes about 30 minutes and gives you fantastic views of the sea and town. Palm trees offer shade in the summer.
Paraggi, the main beach, is a 20-minute walk from the center along the promenade. You’ll also find smaller beaches, each with its own vibe.
Most beaches rent chairs and umbrellas for around €15-20 a day. In the evenings, the promenade comes alive with locals and visitors enjoying the cooler air.
Local Taxis and Public Transportation
Walking is ideal in the center, but taxis and buses help for longer trips. You’ll find taxis at the train station and main squares; a ride within town usually costs €10-15.
Buses connect Santa Margherita with towns like Rapallo and Portofino, running about every 30 minutes during the busy season. Grab tickets at tobacco shops (tabacchi) or newsstands for €2-3 per ride.
For something different, try the little boats that shuttle between Santa Margherita and neighboring towns. Boats leave from the main harbor and offer a scenic, relaxing ride.
If you’re feeling active, you can rent a bike near the harbor and explore at your own pace.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure! Look for deals here:
Santa Margherita Ligure Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure
History of Santa Margherita Ligure
Things to Do in Santa Margherita Ligure
