Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure materialises like a calm Impressionist painting. You wouldn't want to change a single detail of the picture-perfect seaside promenade in this fishing-village-turned-retirement-spot, where elegant hotels with Liberty facades overlook yachts. It's decidedly less bling than Portofino, with some affordable hotel options and a surprisingly workaday town behind the waterfront.