SANTA MARGHERITA (IT)
The destination of Santa Margherita, Italy known as “Santa” to its suntanned locals, it’s a mirage of pastel perfection for boats navigating towards its shores. Santa Margherita is often viewed as a superb base from which to explore the headline sights of the Italian Riviera thanks to its location west of the Cinque Terre fishing villages and just east of the Ponente Riviera.

SANTA MARGHERITA’s HISTORY
In the early medieval period, the Ligurian coastline suffered from repeated raids by Barbary pirates sailing up from the North of Africa. With Santa Margherita part of the Republic of Genoa, one of the richest city-states of the time, hostile incursions by rival city-states such as Venice were common. Centuries later, the area fell under the control of Napoleon I.

MY OPINION
Santa Margherita is a Ligurian fishing village which turned to a classy coastal-resort, It is located on perhaps the most famous stretch of the Italian Riviera, with chic Portofino a short stroll to the south and buzzy Rapallo to the north, Santa Margherita offers all the best parts of the Italian Riviera and for this reason I strongly recommend that you visit it and why not dedicate a full two days at this place.

MUST SEE – the Basilica di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia
Behind the waterfront in the main square of Piazza Caprera is the Basilica di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, its immense baroque facade dominating the square. Its ornate exterior promises much and delivers within.

PLACES TO VISIT
1. San Gerolama Abbey or “La Cervara”
Built in 1361 on Monte di Portofino, this restored Italian National Monument offers tours taking in the monastic complex as well as the exquisite Italian-Renaissance style garden, the only one of its kind in the entire Riviera.

2. Ornamental Garden
Near to San Giacomo di Corte Church in Santa Margherita, Liguria, is Villa Durazzo, one of the most romantic places in Italy. This now publicly owned property contains two villas and a 16th-century castle. Within this pink palace it’s all Murano glass chandeliers and glowing frescos.