The Voluptuous Charm of Santa Margherita, Italy

A Word That Fits the Feeling

Some words feel like they were made to be spoken slowly, to linger in the air — voluptuous is one of them. It rolls off the tongue like velvet, conjuring richness, abundance, and a certain unapologetic indulgence. My husband likes to compare it to bodacious — his lighthearted definition being, “a good thing, and there’s a lot of it.”

When I asked him what food feels the most “voluptuous,” he didn’t hesitate: “something Italian.” And he’s right. Few places embody that word quite like Santa Margherita Ligure, a jewel along the Italian Riviera where every detail — the Ligurian hills rolling into the sea, the villas painted in coral and ochre, the scent of focaccia drifting through cobbled streets — feels lush, abundant, and undeniably alive.

Two Visits, Two Rhythms

I had been to Santa Margherita before, years ago, with my son and nephew. They had just turned twenty-one, chasing the Riviera’s nocturnal energy — music, late-night dancing, and days spent soaking up the sun along the pebbled beaches.

This trip unfolded differently, at a softer pace. Days began with swims in the salt-rich Mediterranean, letting the sea hold us as the warm breeze skimmed the water’s surface. Evenings stretched long — plates of hand-rolled pasta, roasted vegetables glistening with olive oil, a shared gelato, and a spoonful (or two) of tiramisu. Aperol Spritz in hand, we let the night drift by as the town glowed in the soft, gold light of dusk.

Where We Stayed: The Miramare Hotel

Our home base was the Miramare Hotel, a historic beauty perched along the waterfront. Each morning began with breakfast on the terrace, the scent of espresso mingling with sea air as we watched fishing boats and sleek yachts rocking gently in the harbor. The Miramare’s old-world charm and prime location made it the perfect base for wandering the town, taking ferries to nearby Portofino, and savoring every languid, sea-swept morning.

Why Visit Santa Margherita

• The seaside promenade, lined with palms and Belle Époque hotels, invites unhurried strolls.
• Villas in warm reds, golds, and oranges, topped with terracotta roofs, glow in the evening light.
• Plates of trofie al pesto, grilled branzino, and crisp Ligurian wines define its tables.
• Evenings hum softly as locals gather for aperitifs in piazzas, the air alive with conversation and the faint clinking of glasses.

This is a town to savor — every view, every bite, every golden hour feels deliciously abundant.

Things to Do in Santa Margherita Ligure

1. Stroll the Seaside Promenade
   Begin your day with a slow walk along the palm-lined waterfront as the morning sun paints the rooftops and sea in shades of gold.
2. Visit Villa Durazzo
   A 17th-century villa with manicured gardens, statues, and sweeping views — a peaceful escape above the bustle of town.
3. Ferry to Portofino
   A quick boat ride brings you to Portofino’s iconic harbor for spritzes, designer boutiques, and the hike up to Castello Brown for panoramic views.
4. Taste Ligurian Classics
   Hand-rolled trofie al pesto, crispy farinata, and freshly caught seafood are musts. Pair it all with a chilled Vermentino or Pigato.
5. Relax on Paraggi Beach
   Just outside town, this crescent-shaped bay with turquoise waters is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
6. Explore Baroque Beauty
   Step inside the ornate Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia for a glimpse of the town’s layered history.

Where to Eat & Sip

• Trattoria da Pezzi – Casual and classic Ligurian dishes.
• Angolo 48 – Stylish spot with standout pasta and wine.
• Pasticceria Tagliafico – For espresso and buttery cornetti in the morning.
• L’Altro Eden – Elegant dining with fresh seafood and harbor views.

Did You Know?

• Once a simple fishing village, Santa Margherita, Italy became a retreat for aristocrats in the 19th century.
• Local basil here carries DOP status, making its pesto uniquely fragrant and sweet.
• Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the Italian Riviera — Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Genoa are all within easy reach.

The Voluptuous Spirit of Santa Margherita, Italy

Santa Margherita, Italy feels like indulgence without excess. From villas glowing in warm shades at sunset to fresh seafood pastas shared under the stars, everything here invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor.

It’s a place where each view feels like a painting, every meal like a celebration, and every day a reminder of why Italy will always be synonymous with la dolce vita.