We hope you'll have the chance to spend a few extra days exploring Santa Margherita and the surrounding coast. There’s plenty to do without going far, from swimming and wandering the waterfront to taking a short ferry or train ride to nearby towns.

Stroll the waterfront and colorful streets

Enjoy fresh seafood and an aperitivo by the water

Take a boat tour along the Ligurian coastline

Hike the coastal trails through Portofino Regional Park

Spend an afternoon at Paraggi Beach

Visit the fishing village of Camogli

Take a boat to San Fruttuoso and visit the abbey

Santa Margherita Ligure also makes a wonderful home base for exploring more of Italy. Whether you’re looking to add a few extra days before or after the wedding, there are plenty of beautiful destinations within easy reach.

Portofino: 15–20 minutes

Head to Portofino for its famous harbor, waterfront restaurants, and pretty little streets. It’s an easy trip by bus, taxi, or ferry from Santa Margherita.

Camogli: 10 minutes by train

A small fishing town with colorful buildings, a waterfront promenade, great focaccia, and a more laid-back feel than Portofino.

Genoa: 30–45 minutes by train

Spend the day wandering the historic center, stopping into palaces and churches, and eating your way through one of Italy’s best food cities.

Cinque Terre: 1–1½ hours by train

Explore the five colorful villages along the coast, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, hiking, and wandering between stops.

Milan: 2 hours by train

For a change of pace, spend the day exploring Milan’s shops, galleries, architecture, and restaurants.

Pisa: 2 hours by train

See the Leaning Tower, then spend some time wandering the surrounding streets and piazzas.

Lucca: 2½–3 hours by train

Walk or bike around the old city walls, explore the historic center, and stop for lunch or coffee in one of the many small piazzas.

Florence: 3 hours by train

Spend the day exploring Renaissance art and architecture, visiting museums, and wandering the historic center.

Bologna: 3–3½ hours by train

Known for its food, long covered porticoes, and lively historic center. A great choice if you want to spend a day eating and wandering.