"The Pearl of the Italian Riviera " a Santa Margherita Ligure Travel Page by nicolaitan

We first visited SML in the mid-1980's. Greeted with Guten Morgen, given menus written in German, there certainly were not a lot of Americans visiting here. Well, things have changed a lot in 20+ years. There is a large Best Western right on the main street and now english menus come, in one restaurant, with either the British or American flag depending on the appraisal by the owners. Nevertheless, it is the village we always come back to for its laid-back atmosphere, reasonable prices at all star levels, great food, beautiful scenery. With excellent auto access to Portofino, Rapallo, Camogli, and tiny Zoagli, the location is perfect. Meals are always well-prepared, fresh, and at reasonable prices (except the hotels), and the locals remain as friendly as the first time we rolled in driving out little rented Fiat Ritmo. Photos here are of the beach and town from the same vantage point day and evening.