The not-too-big, not-too-small seaport town of Santa Margherita Ligure, situated on the sparkling Mediterranean, has proven the ideal home base to start our Italian adventure.
An easy two-hour drive from Milan and just 30 minutes from Genoa, Santa Margherita is connected to nearby towns including Camogli and Rapallo by ferries and a train station. The next town over is quaint Portofino, which you could walk to if you were up for the adventure. Popular Cinque Terre and Porto Venere are feasible day trips from Santa Margherita.
But be sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy Santa Margherita itself! It has a lovely beach and seaside Piazza…
…and several things to see:
The buildings in this part of Italy are painted in beautiful trompe l’oeil. The shutters are all real, but the embellishments are painted. I first read about this at Timeless Italy and was amazed to see it in person.
Basilica di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia
Shops and their offerings spilling into the street in centro and storefronts, among my favorite photo subjects!
Bellissima!
Prayers & Piazzas 
gorgeous pix!
I love this region of Italy Stacy. Such beautiful seaside towns. 🙂
Che bella!! Now I’m homesick! We visited a friend who lived in Chiavari several years ago. So want to go back and explore the area!! Hoping you will be able to direct us to the less touristy place to stay. 🙂