Travel & Stay
Flights: Fly into Genova Or Milan
For flights, we recommend flying into Milan or Genova. The airport in Genova is called Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), and is close to Santa Margherita. From Genova you can take a 40 minute taxi ride or a 60 minute train ride to town. See details about transportation on the Genova Airport site.
From the United States, flying into Genoa is usually a one stop flight, with the best option being a stop in Germany or Rome. From Asia, it’s better to fly into Milan as Genova will always have two stops.
If you decide to fly into Milan we recommend Milano Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN). Milan requires a longer trip to get to Liguria so it might be worth staying there for a night or two (it’s a beautiful, often under-appreciated city). From the airport, you can easily travel by car or train to Santa Margherita, both will take around 2 hours.
Train
There are multiple train stations in the various towns in Liguria including Santa Margherita, making travel by train a great option. Keep in mind some longer-distance trains won’t stop in every town.
Depending on the time of arrival, taking a train from Genova requires either a short walk to the airport train station and taking a direct train to Santa Margherita or taking a bus or taxi to Genova Brignole (East) train station.
If you decide to take a train from Milan, you’ll head to Milano Centrale station from the airport. From there, there are 2 to 3 direct trains to Liguria per day. More information can be found on the TrenItalia site. If the train doesn’t stop in Santa Margherita, it’s easy to transfer at Genova Piazza Principe (West) or Genova Brignole (East) train stations.
Car Rental
It’s also possible to rent a car and drive in the Liguria region. There are multiple rental companies in the Milan or Genova airports. You can pick from various American rental companies: Hertz, Enterprise, Sixt, or European companies such as Sicily by Car.
It’s generally recommended to get an international driver’s license if you plan to drive as it’s now a requirement in Italy. In the case you’re pulled over by the Police they can charge an extra fine if you don’t have an international license. Additionally, some European rental companies require an international license so be sure to check before you book one.
Driving in Liguria is generally not as hard as the larger Italian cities like Rome, or even worse, Naples, but it still has some challenges. Parking is difficult to find in Liguria, so brush up on your parallel parking skills. Also be prepared for steep hills and narrow tunnels.
Airport TRANSFER
If you need an airport transfer service from Genova or Milan airports, you may contact the service recommended by our venue. Details below.
Lodging Suggestions
Imperiale Palace
Via Pagana 19 - 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure
The primary location of the wedding, this 5-star hotel sits in the beautiful bay of Santa Margherita. With it's private park, elegant Liberty style building, pool and private beach, it’s a relaxing and pretty place to escape to. At the beginning of the 1900's royals, aristocrats, and intellectuals came to this Belle époque property on the Italian Riviera for their holiday.
Discounted Rate
Imperiale Palace is offering our guests a discount of 20% off. To avail of the promo, please email info@imperialepalacehotel.it with our discount code, Trish & Marco wedding.
Hotel Continental
Via Pagana 8 - 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure
Right across the street from the wedding venue, this art nouveau-style hotel offers a great location in town. It overlooks the bay and has it’s own private beach.
Hotel Metropole
Via Pagana, 2 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure
Also across the street from the venue, this hotel has a modern wellness center and beautiful landscaping on their grounds. It also happens to be dog and cat friendly!
AirBnB
You can also choose from a vast number of AirBnBs or hotels in town. Just be sure to consider the location of your lodgings as it can be a long walk to town from the high hills surrounding Santa Margherita.
