Santa Margherita Ligure

Seabourn Encore docks in Santa Margherita Ligure on 24 August as part of a 10-day Mediterranean itinerary. The cruise line’s hotel director, Philipp Reutener, shares the Italian region’s secrets with Di Webster.

Where should I go to stretch my legs? Santa Margherita Ligure is next to Portofino but it’s not as touristy. You can walk between the two towns – it takes about an hour and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

Where can I get a decent coffee? Follow the old Italian men to see where they go – the coffee will be great and you won’t get ripped off. Pasticceria Oneto (Via Partigiani d’Italia, 3-5; +39 0185 287030) in Santa Margherita Ligure is a great place to sip a cappuccino and do some people-watching. It’s so… Italy. It’s relaxed; you sit down and time stops.

What’s a great place to go for lunch? There’s a lovely, uncomplicated restaurant where the locals go in Santa Margherita Ligure called Osteria N 7 (Via Jacopo Ruffini, 36; +39 0185 281703). It’s off the beaten track, tucked away behind the harbour.

And for shopping? Santa Margherita Ligure has some fantastic shops, including high-end stores such as Paul & Shark (paulshark.it). There’s a boutique called Mortola (mortola1905.com), where I just bought some shirts. It’s a family business dating back to 1905 that sells Italianmade clothing.

What’s your favourite watering hole in

Portofino? Again, I’d choose Santa Margherita Ligure. I love sipping a Negroni on the terrace at the Grand Hotel Miramare (hotel.qantas.com. au/grandhotelmiramare) overlooking the sea. It’s a great hotel with a beautiful view (above).