How to Get to Paraggi from Santa Margherita Ligure or Portofino

A practical guide to reaching Paraggi from Santa Margherita Ligure or Portofino, including walking, bus, taxi and boat-trip options.

Paraggi is one of the most beautiful beaches near Portofino, known for its clear green-blue water, sheltered bay and elegant Riviera setting. It sits between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, which makes it easy to combine with either town if you are planning a beach day on this part of the Italian Riviera. The only thing to know before you go is that Paraggi is small and the coastal road can get busy, especially in summer. How you get there depends on where you are starting from, how much time you have, and whether you want the easiest option or the most scenic one. This guide explains how to get to Paraggi from Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, with practical notes on walking, bus, taxi and boat-based options.

Quick answer

From Santa Margherita Ligure, the easiest way to reach Paraggi is by bus, taxi or walking along the coastal route. From Portofino, the easiest way is to walk to Paraggi, take the bus, or use a taxi if available. If you want the most scenic option, walk at least one way between Portofino and Paraggi.

Where is Paraggi?

Paraggi is a small bay on the road between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. It is closer to Portofino than to central Santa Margherita, but both towns are close enough to make Paraggi an easy stop. The beach is not hidden, but it feels more tucked away than the larger town beaches. It is also one of the few sandy or sand-and-pebble beaches in the Portofino area, which is part of why it is so popular.

How to get to Paraggi from Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure is usually the easiest base for visiting Paraggi. It has a train station, hotels, restaurants, beaches and transport connections, so many visitors arrive there first and then continue towards Portofino and Paraggi. The bus is usually the most practical option if you do not want to walk. Buses run between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, and Paraggi is on the route. This works well if you are arriving by train into Santa Margherita Ligure and want to continue towards the beach without taking a taxi. In summer, buses can be busy, so expect crowds at popular times of day. - Best for: easy access, no car, train travellers, budget-friendly trips. - Good to know: check the current timetable before you go, especially outside the main summer season or if you are travelling later in the evening. A taxi from Santa Margherita Ligure to Paraggi is the easiest door-to-door option. It is useful if you are carrying beach bags, travelling with children, or visiting in very hot weather. The journey is short, but availability can vary in peak season, and traffic on the road towards Portofino can slow things down. If you are returning later in the day, it is worth planning how you will get back rather than assuming a taxi will always be waiting. - Best for: comfort, convenience, families, beach club reservations. - Good to know: this is usually more expensive than the bus, but much easier if you want a smooth arrival. You can walk from Santa Margherita Ligure towards Paraggi and Portofino along the coastal route. It is a beautiful walk, with sea views and a classic Ligurian feel, but it is still a proper walk rather than a five-minute stroll. If you enjoy walking, this is a lovely way to reach Paraggi, especially outside the hottest part of the day. You can walk one way and take the bus or taxi back if you do not want to repeat the route. - Best for: scenic views, active travellers, spring/autumn trips, avoiding traffic. - Good to know: wear comfortable shoes and avoid doing the walk in the strongest midday heat in summer. Driving to Paraggi is possible, but it is not usually the best option in high season. The road between Santa Margherita Ligure, Paraggi and Portofino is scenic but narrow and busy, and parking near Paraggi is limited. If you are staying nearby and already have a car, it can work outside peak times. In July and August, it is usually easier to use public transport, walk, or take a taxi. - Best for: low season, early morning visits, people already travelling by car. - Good to know: do not rely on finding easy parking right by the beach in summer.

How to get to Paraggi from Portofino

Paraggi is very close to Portofino, so getting between the two is usually straightforward. Many visitors combine them in the same day: Portofino for the harbour and views, Paraggi for swimming. Walking from Portofino to Paraggi is one of the nicest ways to reach the beach. It is short enough to be manageable for many visitors, and the route gives you a more scenic feel than simply taking the road by bus or taxi. This is a good option if you are already in Portofino and want to add a swim without turning it into a full transport plan. It also avoids the stress of summer traffic and parking. - Best for: scenic route, couples, active travellers, combining Portofino and Paraggi. - Good to know: bring comfortable shoes. It is not a difficult expedition, but it is still easier in proper sandals or trainers than in very flimsy beach shoes. You can also take the bus between Portofino and Paraggi. This is useful if it is very hot, if you are travelling with bags, or if you do not want to walk. Because it is a short journey, the bus can be an easy option, but in summer it may be busy. If you are visiting at peak times, allow extra time and do not plan too tightly around one specific bus. - Best for: quick transfers, hot days, avoiding the walk. - Good to know: check the current timetable before travelling, especially if you need to get back to Santa Margherita Ligure afterwards. A taxi is the simplest option if available, but for such a short distance it may not always be the most necessary. It can be useful if you have luggage, a reservation, or limited mobility. - Best for: convenience, luggage, comfort. - Good to know: availability may be limited at busy times, so do not depend on taxis as your only return plan in peak season.