Santa Margherita

Spiaggia di Santa Margherita Ligure is a classic Riviera di Levante beach stop between Rapallo and Portofino, with clear water, beach clubs, public swimming areas and a lively seafront lined with restaurants, cafés and hotels. It is a good choice if you want an easy beach day with more services than a small cove, while still being close to some of Liguria’s most scenic coastal spots.

Spiaggia di Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the most practical and elegant beach stops on the Riviera di Levante. Set between Rapallo and Portofino, the town combines clear Ligurian water with beach clubs, public swimming areas, restaurants, cafés, hotels and one of the easiest transport connections on this stretch of coast. The beaches here are mostly small and narrow, with a mix of pebbles, gravel and some sandy areas depending on the exact spot. This is not the place for a wide, wild beach day, but it works very well if you want comfort, services and atmosphere. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas at equipped beach clubs, stop for seafood or focaccia nearby, and stay into the evening for aperitivo or dinner by the harbour. Santa Margherita Ligure is also a strong choice if you are visiting without a car. The train station makes it easy to reach from Genoa, Rapallo, Camogli, Sestri Levante and the Cinque Terre line, while buses and boats connect the town with Portofino and nearby bays. This makes it one of the best bases in Liguria for combining beach time with day trips. The town can feel busy in July and August, especially around the seafront and beach clubs. For the best experience, arrive early, book sunbeds ahead if you want a beach club, or visit in May, June or September for warm weather with a more relaxed atmosphere. Santa Margherita Ligure is best for travellers who want a polished Italian Riviera beach day with good food, easy transport and access to Portofino, rather than a remote or hidden cove.

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