This summer I had the absolute pleasure of staying at The Hotel Continental in Santa Margherita Ligure. The charming beach side city of Santa Marherita  blends timeless elegance with Riviera charm. Just one town over from Portofino, this is the perfect destination to get everything you need, without all of the tourists. Keep reading to learn more about this incredible Italian destination and my stay at The Hotel Continental Santa Margherita Ligure.

Hotel Continental, Santa Margherita

Santa Margherita is one of the Italian Riviera’s most charming seaside towns, known for its pastel-colored buildings, promenade, and laid-back Ligurian atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for exploring the coast without the crowds in its neighbor, Portofino, but close enough that it’s just one boat ride away. We spent an afternoon as tourists in Portofino, which is super easy by boat (literally a 10 minute ride one town over) and after a few hours of walking, eating and shopping we were ready to head back to the quieter, less touristy Santa Margherita next door.

Elegant Accommodations

Many of the hotel rooms feature private terraces or balconies overlooking the Bay of Santa Margherita, luscious gardens, or views of the Portofino coastline. We had a fabulous ocean front room on the top floor with a huge balcony. It was perfect to relax and enjoy the sunset, enjoy a cup of coffee and take in the incredible ocean-front views.  Every room type is designed to feel like a private escape into Ligurian coastal elegance, with the sea, the gardens, and the pastel town below always within view. 

Dining at the Hotel

The hotel’s panoramic terrace restaurant serves refined Mediterranean cuisine against a backdrop of the Gulf of Tigullio, making every meal feel like an occasion, whether it’s a leisurely breakfast or a candlelit dinner under the stars. Mornings begin with a generous breakfast buffet featuring both sweet and savory options.

Dining with a view. The hotel restaurant has the most gorgeous patio over looking the ocean, the small town’s port and the service and food was wonderful.  Daily breakfast was included in our room as we’d get up workout, then have a late breakfast which usually would hold us over until a late lunch or snack ocean side.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, Grigoa, the hotel’s beachfront bistro, offers a cozy spot for fresh seafood, pasta, and salads just steps from the water, ideal for a laid-back lunch or sunset aperitivo.  This was perfect during the day for a light snack or late lunch 

A light salad and glass of wine! What more does a girl need for a beach side lunch in the magical Italian Riviera!

Resort-Style Amenities

Beyond its stunning setting, the Hotel Continental offers guests a full slate of resort-style amenities. The on-site spa offers aromatherapy, hot stone massages, and body treatments for a deeper sense of relaxation. A private gym for anyone wanting to stick to their routine on vacation. The hotel’s private beach, with its signature black sand, has beach cabanas, sun loungers, and a beachside bar, making it easy to spend an entire day there without leaving the property.