WELCOME
TO THE WEDDING OF
ALESSANDRO & MARYAM
WELCOME TO THE WEDDING OF ALESSANDRO & MARYAM
We are so excited to share this special chapter of our lives with you!
On 31st August 2025, in the stunning seaside town of
Santa Margherita Ligure,
we will say “I do” and begin a new journey together,
surrounded by the love and support of our dearest friends and family.
We cannot wait to celebrate with you in this beautiful corner of Italy,
where the vibrant sea meets the rolling hills,
and where our hearts first found each other.
We hope this website will give you all the details you need to join us
in making this day unforgettable.
With love,
Alessandro & Maryam
wedding details
31st August 2025
VILLA DURAZZO, SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE
ITALY
5PM
Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is conveniently located along the Italian Riviera, making it easily accessible by train, car, or boat.
By Train
Santa Margherita Ligure is well-connected to nearby cities, including Genoa (about 35 minutes by train. The closest station from the airport is named “Genova Sestri Ponente”) and the famed Cinque Terre (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours). The town’s central train station, Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino, offers direct access to the main attractions.
By Car
If you’re driving, Santa Margherita Ligure is about 40 minutes from Genoa via the A12 motorway. Parking in the town can be tricky, especially in high season, but there are a few public lots and hotels with parking.
By Boat
For a scenic journey, you can take a ferry or private boat from nearby ports like Genoa or Rapallo. The town’s harbor also serves as a departure point for boat trips along the coast.
By Plane
The main airports are Genova City Airport (GOA) and Milano Malpensa (MXP)
Directions from Milano Malpensa Airport
By Car: If you’re driving, Santa Margherita Ligure is 2-2.5 hours from the airport. There are plenty of “rent-a-car” providers (Sixt Autonoleggio, Enterprise Autonoleggio, Avis) or private driver solutions inside Terminal 1 by the arrivals gate
By Train: Malpensa Express (there is one every 15 minutes) to Milano Centrale station https://www.malpensaexpress.it/
Milano Centrale Station to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station
Top Things to Do in Santa Margherita Ligure
Wander the Historic Center
The heart of Santa Margherita is its charming historic center, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, cafes, and gelaterias. Take your time to explore and get lost in its quiet charm. Don’t forget to check out the Piazza Martiri della Libertà, the town’s main square, which is often filled with both locals and tourists enjoying a coffee.
Visit the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch
(Chiesa di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia)
This beautiful church is dedicated to the town’s patron saint, St. Margaret. The Chiesa di Santa Margherita is known for its elegant baroque design and is located near the seafront, offering a peaceful respite with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Explore the Portofino Regional Park
Santa Margherita Ligure is right on the doorstep of the Portofino Regional Park, a protected nature reserve covering forests, hills, and dramatic cliffs. Hiking trails from Santa Margherita lead to Portofino, a glamorous village just 3 km away, and other scenic spots, including the famous Castello Brown and the lighthouse at Punta Chiappa.
Enjoy the Beaches
Santa Margherita boasts a few lovely pebble and sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a drink by the sea. Spiaggia di Paraggi (“Bagni Fiore” in partnership with Dior), located between Santa Margherita and Portofino, is a small but beautiful beach popular with locals and visitors alike. For a more relaxed vibe, the Lido di Santa Margherita offers sunbeds and beach clubs.
Take a Boat Ride to Portofino
One of the most iconic things to do in this area is take a boat ride along the coast to Portofino, a glamorous and chic fishing village with pastel-colored houses, upscale boutiques, and stunning views. Boats run frequently from the Santa Margherita harbor, making it an easy half-day excursion.
Discover the San Fruttuoso Abbey
For history buffs and nature lovers, a boat or hiking trip to San Fruttuoso Abbey is a must. Located in a secluded cove between Portofino and Camogli, this ancient abbey is surrounded by lush greenery and is accessible only by foot or by sea. The abbey’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a unique stop.
Where to Eat in Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita offers a variety of dining options, from seafood trattorias to upscale restaurants with spectacular sea views.
Housed within the Bagni Fiore overlooking the small yet stunning Paraggi Bay. Langosteria Paraggi boasts a vintage yet glamorous and up-to-date decor, views of the beach and the sea, and a menu focused on delicious and refined fresh fish and seafood (including Ligurian oysters, shellfish and the Santa Margherita red shrimps)
A more casual yet beloved spot for seafood lovers, this family-run restaurant is perfect for trying fresh fish and seafood pasta. The frittura mista (fried mixed seafood) is a crowd favorite.
Open since 1993, Oca Bianca is a small and cozy family-run restaurant. Every dish at the Oca Bianca Restaurant is the product of an authentic artisan culture: all first courses are based on fresh pasta, and produce is locally grown
Located right on the Portofino harbor, Dai Gemelli is an Italian cuisine experience that pursues excellent taste and innovation by respecting the traditions of its origins. Paolo and Matteo (twin brothers, hence the name “Gemelli” in Italian) only source local and fresh fish, counting on quality to offer the best produce
Where to Stay in Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses and budget-friendly options.
A 5-star hotel offering luxurious rooms, an on-site spa, and an excellent location just a short walk from the town center and the beach. This hotel provides all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
Airbnb and Villa Rentals
For a more personalized experience, there are also many vacation rentals and Airbnb properties available in the town and surrounding areas. Many options offer sea views, private balconies, and access to local amenities.
Overlooking the seafront, this beautiful hotel from the late eighteenth century offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea. Located in the heart of Santa Margherita Ligure, a few steps from the sea
A charming 4-star hotel with a convenient location near the center of Santa Margherita. It offers a great balance of comfort, style, and value, making it a popular choice among travelers.
One of the most luxurious hotels on the whole of the Italian Riviera, for over a century the Imperiale Palace has been the focus of Santa Margherita Ligure glamorous social whirl and high-profile cultural events. Today, a century later, the hotel still offers the peace enveloping the private park, the elegance of the historic Liberty-style building, and its view of the crystal clear water of Santa Margherita Bay.
Day Trips from Santa Margherita Ligure
Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take a moment to savor the beauty of the Ligurian coastline!
Portofino
As mentioned earlier, Portofino is a must-see and only a short boat ride or hike away. Its picturesque harbor, upscale shops, and fine dining make it one of the most glamorous spots on the Ligurian coast.
Camogli
Just a short train ride or drive away, the charming fishing village of Camogli is another hidden gem of the Italian Riviera. Its vibrant seafront, medieval streets, and stunning beaches are perfect for a day trip.
Cinque Terre
For those with more time, the Cinque Terre National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—can be reached in about 1.5 to 2 hours by train. Explore the five colorful cliffside villages and hike the scenic trails that connect them.
Recco
A must-try is the “Focaccia di Recco” at Ristorante Manuelina, or Panificio Pasticceria Tossini. Legend has it that the population of Recco took refuge in the immediate hinterland to escape the Saracen raids, and thanks to the availability of oil, cheese, and flour, by cooking the dough filled with cheese on a covered slate stone, the gastronomic product that we know today came to life.
Our Honeymoon
We’re planning a dream trip to Hawaii for our honeymoon—a journey full of unforgettable moments, beautiful beaches, and incredible adventures.
If you’d like to contribute and help make our dream come true, you can do so below. Your support means the world to us!