Spoiler: I’ll say this right away before you even start reading: Santa Margherita Ligure is where my family invested in our second seaside home (and more). Therefore, my opinions might be biased.
We chose Santa Margherita Ligure for one simple reason: the best seaside within the shortest travel time from Milan (precisely less than 2 hours by car or train), combined with a rewarding real estate market.
Why Choose Liguria?
Liguria is a sought-after destination for living and vacationing, especially for many foreigners. It is
easily accessible via international flights to Genoa, Milan, Nice, or Pisa, offering everyone the opportunity to discover its famous seaside resorts.
Liguria, an arch-shaped region, borders France to the west (only 35 km from Nice) and Tuscany to the east (just 30 km from Forte dei Marmi). This strategic location makes the region even more attractive, with real estate investments known for their stability and profitability.
Additionally, Liguria is famous for its numerous Blue Flag beaches, clean coastlines, and favorable climate.
In particular, the eastern Ligurian coast is highly popular, featuring renowned destinations such as Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Cinque Terre and Lerici. This is one of Italy's most elegant tourist areas.
Activities Near Portofino
This is one of the frequent questions new clients ask me when they decide to buy a home in Liguria. Here are my suggestions:
- Boating and Yachting - Here, the sea is not just a postcard backdrop but a true stage. If you own a yacht, Portofino is your port of honor. From the marina, you can embark on a private cruise along the Riviera, with a must-stop at San Fruttuoso for a dive near the famous Christ of the Abyss statue. No yacht? No problem. The best rental services are ready to provide a boat that matches your Instagram-worthy image.
- Diving and Water Sports - The Portofino Marine Protected Area is an underwater paradise. Among gorgonians, shipwrecks, and schools of colorful fish, diving here is like flipping through a beautifully illustrated book of the Mediterranean. Prefer staying on the surface? Try snorkeling or paddleboarding in Paraggi. And after an hour of paddling, reward yourself with a toast on the boat—because, let’s face it, you’ve earned that glass of Vermentino.
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- Golf in Rapallo - Just a 15-minute drive away, the Circolo Golf e Tennis Rapallo awaits you. With 18 holes nestled in greenery, a refined clubhouse, and stunning hill views that might distract you from your perfect swing, it’s an ideal spot to test your skills or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll along the fairway. And after the game? An elegant lunch at the club restaurant.
- Luxury Shopping - Portofino is synonymous with high-end boutiques: Hermès, Dior, and the most exclusive window displays are waiting for you. But if you’re looking to expand your horizons, within an hour, you can reach the Serravalle Designer Outlet for a luxury shopping experience (and some interesting deals). For the truly ambitious, two hours by car will take you to Milan, where the Quadrilatero della Moda is a celebration of excellence.
- Relaxation and Wellness - Portofino is also the perfect place to reconnect with yourself. Many villas offer private yoga sessions with a sea view, while the spas in the best local hotels pamper both body and soul. Did you know that a relaxing lavender oil massage is a must among the VIPs visiting the Riviera? Trust me, it’s worth it.
- Culture and Gastronomy - A seaside lunch of trofie al pesto, fresh fish, and a glass of Pigato is pure poetry. Then, treat yourself to a visit to the Church of San Giorgio or Castello Brown—art, history, and breathtaking views. And for dinner? Book a table at the nearest Michelin-starred restaurant: Portofino knows how to spoil your palate.
- Private Events and Parties - Portofino is where dreams come true (and parties become legends). Madonna, Rihanna, and Leonardo DiCaprio are just some of the celebrities who celebrated their birthdays here. Nothing is more exclusive than a private party overlooking the Bay of Silence.
And finally, the ultimate luxury…
There’s nothing better than sitting on your terrace, book in hand, and gazing at the sea. It’s a moment just for you, the perfect antidote to the chaos of the world. Because ultimately, living in Portofino is all about this: a mix of adventure, culture, and unparalleled tranquility.
Buying Property in Liguria
Being a mountainous region directly overlooking the sea, flat terrains in Liguria are rare. Villas with terraced gardens are the hallmark of the landscape.
Just one look at the stone tower houses along the coast, and you’ll fall in love for life. Homes in Liguria are often close to one another, each with a unique color, often in pastel shades.
The real estate offerings in Liguria are vast, but we deal exclusively in luxury properties. Here are the most exclusive locations on this coast:
Portofino
Portofino’s real estate is limited (mainly villas), with only around 500 permanent residents! Additionally, property prices here are the highest in Italy. The real estate market remains crisis-proof due to high demand from entrepreneurs, designers, and stars of theater, cinema, and art, coupled with a very limited supply.
The maritime panoramas of Portofino are enchanting, but there are no beaches; residents and visitors usually head to Paraggi or Santa Margherita Ligure to enjoy the sea.
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Santa Margherita Ligure
Properties in Santa Margherita Ligure range from apartments in buildings without elevators or doormen to villas (detached or terraced) with gardens and sea views, mainly situated on the city’s hills. A distinctive feature of properties here is the pastel-colored facades and trompe-l'œil technique on walls, often making it hard to distinguish between reality and decoration.
Prices vary greatly depending on the view. Prestigious beachfront properties are expensive, while those on the second line are more affordable.
Lerici
Lerici has a unique atmosphere and special charm: one of its main advantages is its sandy beaches, a rarity in the region. Lerici is also renowned for its beautiful green areas.
In terms of real estate, there’s a good variety of options: from apartments in the center to villas with breathtaking views near the town.
Alassio
Currently, Alassio is one of the most expensive towns for property purchases, and for good reason.
First, Alassio’s maritime-mountain climate is healthy, making it a renowned wellness destination.
Additionally, Alassio combines beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and the charm of a historic town.
Sanremo
Buying property in Sanremo has always been considered a good investment, although personally, I’m not a huge fan (can I be honest?). The opportunity to enjoy the sea year-round or generate passive income by renting the property, thanks to the town’s annual tourist influx, makes this location a favorable choice.
In Sanremo, you can find both apartments and villas, depending on your preferences and, of course, your budget.
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Property Prices in Liguria
Real estate prices in Liguria depend on the location and condition of the property.
For example, Portofino is one of the most expensive places in Italy. Being situated in a natural reserve, new construction is prohibited here. High demand and limited supply ensure that apartment and villa prices are among the highest in Italy.
Don’t expect to find new constructions or modern-style properties here; most homes are classic villas with mosaic floors and frescoed ceilings, often requiring renovation or restoration.
In other towns in the region, you can find good options at more accessible prices. In Santa Margherita Ligure, for instance, prestigious beachfront properties and second-line villas are less expensive than in Portofino.
Even lower prices can be found in the seaside town of Lerici, despite its stunning landscapes, proximity to the Cinque Terre National Park, and sandy beaches.
Sanremo represents a more affordable option for sea lovers.
Alassio is becoming increasingly popular, especially since it has been recognized as a wellness destination.
Conclusion
Liguria offers a strategic location, with its proximity to cities like Milan, Nice, and Forte dei Marmi making it one of the most prestigious destinations.
The region offers a wide variety of properties with prices that vary depending on the town, proximity to the sea, and property conditions.
By purchasing a property in Liguria, you gain access to crystal-clear seas, beaches, historic monuments, excellent cuisine, and endless entertainment opportunities! Moreover, you make a smart investment, as Liguria’s tourism continues to grow steadily!