Santa Margherita Ligure Travel Guide

Although this city is expensive, it is worth a visit. Amazing views of the water. The town was a fun one to walk around to explore local life. A hotel worth mentioning is the "Hotel La Vela (Castello il Rifugio)". It is a hike from the center of town below but if you hail a cab, in just  moments it will take you up to a hotel with amazing views of the town and seaside below. Outside your window you will see curtains of flowers, large and bright in color. Pictures cannot capture the beauty to be seen in this town. The hotel offered a large breakfast and was clean. Staff was unimpressive but otherwise its a good hotel. Nice town to relax in and also a good alternative to the Cinque Terre which is often booked through peak times. Stay here and take a short train ride to the Cinque Terre for a day trip. 

This town on Italy's riviera is even more charming than its more famous neighbor, Portofino (and less expensive too).  It's also a terrific base from which to discover the Cinque Terre by train.

Pretty small town of the Riviera Ligure. Breathtaking views of the sea. Quite expensive but definetely a must-go if you happen to drive by the area.