Santa Margherita Ligure

Italy

Wander pastel-colored harbors and hike through Mediterranean pine forests to hidden beaches in this charming Italian Riviera village.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)

🗣 Language Italian

🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)

☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep

🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights

💰 Price Range $702.50-$8,660 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

A charming Ligurian coastal village offering access to the Italian Riviera's most picturesque destinations, including nearby Portofino and the dramatic cliffs of Portovenere.

Cruises that visit Santa Margherita Ligure

Build Your Day in Santa Margherita Ligure

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Abbazia di San Fruttuoso Hands down the most beautiful place in Liguria!! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Baia di Paraggi Very cute little bay between Santa Margherita and Portofino. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 4k

Area Marina Protetta di Portofino Corals & sea life in a protected zone Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Villa Durazzo Worth seeing when you are in St Margherita. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Langosteria Paraggi Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Trattoria da Pezzi We enjoyed a lovely authentic meal here during our stay in Santa Margherita. Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Il Patio Il Patio is an excellent choice for dinner in Santa Margherita. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Porto di Santa Margherita Ligure Santa Margherita Ligure is a lovely town. Marina · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Spiaggia Minaglia Santa Margherita Ligure Beautiful we of Santa Margherita. Lido · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Sabot Best cocktail bar in Santa Margherita Ligure! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure Worth visiting on the way to Portofino Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k

INSOLITA Ristorantino Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM

Ristorante Antonio It was the best restaurant we had in Santa margherita Ligure. Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Miami Cafè American bar ristorante A great bar for aperitivo in Santa Margherita. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Antica Drogheria Seghezzo Amazing selection, enjoyable shopping, adorable and helpful staff! Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM

Zi’ Ninella Ristorante Gourmet The best dining experience of our time in Santa Margherita. Italian · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM

Rêve Café Restaurant Truly the best food experience we have had here in Santa Margherita Ligure. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM

Cervara Abbey Fabulous place on Portofino mountain, nice terraces and superb sea views. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun

Ristorante Karalis Very good for dinner in Santa Margherita. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 PM

Chiesa di Santa Margherita The Basilica of Santa Margherita is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Vernissage The best lounge bar along the Santa Margherita port. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM

Passeggiata dei Baci You can see a beautiful panorama of Portofino and the bay Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Chiesa di San Giacomo di Corte e Santuario di Nostra Signora della Lettera A nice church with an amazing view. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

DuCoq My best restaurant in Santa Margherita definitely. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM

Sunflower It seems to be the best bar in town! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM

Madachí If you are in Santa Margherita Ligure, don’t miss dining here. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM

Piccolo Bar Authentic bar frequented by both tourists but also popular with locals. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM

Parco Regionale di Portofino Protected coastal area with trails Park · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Monumento a Santa Margherita Beautiful vista of the harbor Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

I Lumi Dine-in·No delivery Wine bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

Bar Margherita Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 AM

Piazza del Sole A little piazza with a great view! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

What Else Dine-in Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Bar Al Clubino Dine-in·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 AM

Mortola Fantastic shop has everything, very nice and welcoming owner. Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Atipici Shop In-store shopping·In-store pickup Youth clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Santa Margherita Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Gallery Concept Store Nice product. Store · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Lungomare di Santa Margherita Ligure Not too much to do but it was a really nice stop Hiking area · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Parea Mare Dine-in·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Blupelle Cute little boutique. Shoe store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Pinko Boutique In-store shopping·In-store pickup Women's clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Laura Bi Santa Margherita Ligure Clothing store · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

KAMPOS Santa Margherita Ligure Boutique In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Les True Folies - Pastine Elisa Store · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Santa Margherita Ligure

About Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure serves as a charming port of call along Italy's stunning Ligurian coast, welcoming passengers from five major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Emerald Cruises. With 33 upcoming cruises and predominantly seven-night itineraries, this Mediterranean gem offers easy access to some of the region's most coveted destinations, including the nearby Portofino, the dramatic cliffs of Portovenere, and the French Riviera highlights of Nice and Calvi. The port experiences its busiest season from May through September, making it a popular stop for cruisers exploring the Italian and French Mediterranean.

Stepping ashore, you'll find yourself in a picturesque seaside village that perfectly captures the essence of the Italian Riviera. The charming waterfront promenade invites leisurely strolls past colorful buildings and waterfront cafes, while the town's relaxed atmosphere and proximity to neighboring coastal villages make it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural beauty and authentic Mediterranean culture during your port day.

Stroll the Picturesque Waterfront

Walk along Santa Margherita Ligure's charming harbor lined with pastel-colored buildings and bobbing fishing boats. The waterfront promenade offers postcard-perfect views of the Ligurian coast and leads to hidden coves perfect for photos. This leisurely stroll captures the essence of Italian coastal village life without requiring transportation from the port.

Taste Fresh Pesto & Seafood

Savor authentic Ligurian cuisine at harborside restaurants serving handmade trofie pasta with basil pesto—a regional specialty. Fresh catch of the day, local anchovies, and crispy focaccia showcase the Mediterranean's bounty. These family-run trattorias offer genuine flavors you won't find elsewhere, with many just steps from the cruise terminal.

Discover the Basilica di Santa Margherita

Visit this stunning 17th-century church featuring a distinctive black-and-white striped dome dominating the town's skyline. The basilica's ornate interior showcases baroque artwork and religious relics, while its waterfront location makes it an iconic landmark. A brief walk from port, it represents centuries of local faith and architectural heritage.

Shop Local Markets & Boutiques

Browse the town's charming shops selling handcrafted ceramics, local olive oils, and artisanal products unique to Liguria. The pedestrian streets near the harbor feature family-owned boutiques and a vibrant market atmosphere. These authentic retailers offer genuine souvenirs and gifts reflecting the region's maritime and culinary traditions.

Hike to Nearby Portofino Village

Take a scenic coastal hiking trail connecting Santa Margherita Ligure to the exclusive village of Portofino, just 30 minutes away. This manageable walk winds through Mediterranean pine forests with breathtaking sea views and leads to Portofino's famous harbor. It's an ideal excursion for active cruisers seeking natural beauty and a glimpse of Italy's most glamorous coastal destination.