santa margherita ligure is located on the riviera di levante in the innermost part of the gulf of tigullio. the town has developed along two main inlets. to the west of the town, towards genoa, there are many hills covered with pine and chestnut trees on the high ground and olive groves lower down. on the slopes are villas and gardens overlooking the so-called 'dolphin coast'(costa del delfini), which links the town to portofino. the town is a popular tourist attraction on the riviera di levante.