Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure: a pearl of the Ligurian Riviera
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about Santa Margherita Ligure, an enchanting location situated on the Eastern Riviera, in the metropolitan city of Genoa, in Liguria. With its 8,502 inhabitants, Santa Margherita Ligure is a popular tourist and seaside resort that I recommend visiting at least once in your lifetime. Let's discover more about this pearl of the Ligurian Riviera together.
Physical geography of Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is situated in a basin closed in the north-western part of the Portofino Mountain, and in the most internal part of the Tigullio Gulf. The village develops "in a ribbon" along two main inlets and rises on hills covered with Mediterranean vegetation. Along the coast, there is the so-called "Dolphins' Coast," which connects Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino, with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear sea. In the territory of Santa Margherita Ligure, we can find peaks such as Monte di Portofino (610 m), Monte delle Bocche (506 m), Monte Pollone (469 m), Monte Croci di Nozarego (391 m), and Monte Brano (312 m). Part of the municipal territory of Santa Margherita Ligure is included in the Portofino Regional Nature Park, and the waters in front of the Portofino promontory are part of the Portofino Protected Marine Area.
History of Santa Margherita Ligure
The discovery of a cinerary urn of the III century with a Latin inscription in the Basilica of Santa Margherita seems to endorse the hypothesis of a settlement in Roman times, although not officially proven. During the Middle Ages, the village was divided into two main hamlets, Pescino and Corte, often divided by internal struggles. In 1229, the village was subjugated to the Republic of Genoa and became part of the podesteria of Rapallo. Over the centuries, the village suffered numerous raids and looting, including those of the Saracens, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. With the French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797, the territory of Santa Margherita was included in the Gulf of Tigullio department, with Rapallo as its capital. Later on, the territory was divided into two distinct cantons: the III canton of Santa Margherita and the IV canton of San Giacomo della Corte.
Tourism in Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is a highly appreciated tourist location, thanks to its beautiful sea views. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view from Monte di Portofino, from the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte, from the Castle of Santa Margherita, and from the Punta Pedale Lighthouse. Moreover, the location offers multiple activities, such as panoramic walks, scuba diving, sea excursions, and guided city tours. The beach of Santa Margherita Ligure is very popular, especially during summer, and offers numerous services for tourists, including equipped beaches, restaurants, bars, and shops. The town also offers a wide choice of accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, and holiday homes, for all needs and budgets.
Conclusions
Santa Margherita Ligure is an oasis of peace and beauty, a magical place that enchants anyone who visits it with its landscape, history, and culture. I highly recommend visiting this charming location of the Ligurian Riviera, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear sea, breathtaking views, and genuine Ligurian cuisine. You won't regret it, friends!
