Ferragosto (August 15th) is Italy’s peak summer holiday, and nowhere celebrates it with more style than the Ligurian Riviera. Santa Margherita Ligure puts on one of the coast’s best displays — a full day of beach festivities capped by a fireworks show over the Gulf of Tigullio.

The Day’s Program

Morning: Beach games and live music on the Bagni Fiore and surrounding lidos
Afternoon: The traditional Ferragosto lunch — most restaurants offer special fixed menus (book ahead, they fill up)
Evening: Procession of the Assumption through the town centre, followed by an open-air concert in Piazza Martiri della Libertà
23:30: The main event — a 30-minute fireworks display launched from a barge in the bay, reflected in the water and framed by the Portofino promontory

Best Viewing Spots

The seafront promenade between the castle and the harbour
Any seafront restaurant terrace — book a table by the window at least a week ahead
Take the ferry to Portofino and watch the fireworks from across the bay
The hilltop terrace at Villa Durazzo for a panoramic view

Make a weekend of it: Santa Margherita and Portofino are at their most beautiful in mid-August, and the whole coast celebrates Ferragosto. Rapallo, Camogli, and Portofino all have their own fireworks displays on the same night.