Start with coffee and a fresh focaccia or cornetto at a harbor-side pasticceria to fuel a seaside morning and enjoy views of the boats; sit outside if possible to watch the town wake up.
Stroll the Villa Durazzo park (historic terraced gardens overlooking the bay) and visit the house/museum if open; the gardens are lovely for photos and a gentle introduction to local history and landscape. Check the museum's opening hours (museum often opens around 10:00am; park commonly accessible from ~9:00am).
Walk the lungomare (seaside promenade) toward the Santa Margherita ferry/boat dock — easy, scenic 10–20 minute stroll with shops and benches along the way.
Catch a short public ferry or water taxi to Portofino (the ride is about 10–20 minutes) for a classic Ligurian harbor visit; ferries run frequently in summer (April–October) but confirm today's timetable and buy tickets at the pier.
Wander Portofino's picturesque piazzetta and waterfront, browse boutique shops, and take photos of the colorful houses and yachts — a compact but iconic stop that pairs perfectly with Santa Margherita.
Enjoy a Ligurian lunch of fresh seafood or trofie al pesto at the famous (and long-running) Da Puny right on the Portofino piazzetta; great spot for local flavors and harbor views — reservations recommended at peak times.
Return toward Santa Margherita and stop at Paraggi — a beautiful small bay with crystalline water ideal for a swim or sunbathing; the beach area has both public stretches and private lidos with sunbeds.
Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or renting a sunbed at a lido; Paraggi is sheltered and scenic, perfect for cooling off after wandering the harbor. Beach bars typically operate mid-morning through early evening (roughly 9:00am–7:00pm), but hours vary by operator.
Walk back to Santa Margherita's center, enjoy gelato, browse local shops and the church of Santa Margherita (check church opening times — often open in the morning and late afternoon), and watch the light over the harbor as shops prepare for evening.
Have an aperitivo (wine or spritz with small snacks) at a café overlooking the marina to relax and transition into the evening — typical aperitivo hours run from about 6:00pm to 8:30pm.
Dine at a well-rated harbor-side restaurant serving Ligurian specialties and fresh fish; choose pasta with pesto, stuffed mussels, or grilled fish for a satisfying end to the day. Make a reservation for dinner (most restaurants open around 7:30pm–8:00pm in summer).