testad

We will be traveling from Milan for 2 nights before beginning the rest of our trip of the Lakes region. Which would be a better location, Santa Magherita or Rappallo for a taste of the riviera region?

tuscanlifeedit

I like SML. It is smaller, and feels a little more upscale and like a resort to me. Rapallo is a nice enough town, but I think that SML is more romantic, and feels more special. Rapallo has outskirts and neighborhoods that are comparable to those in any town of its size, that is, good and bad. SML doesn't.

Also, from SML you can dash into Portofino very easily. Now you're talking Riviera.

kfusto

I quite enjoyed my weekend in Rapallo and would return. We did take the ferry to SML and were happy we had chosen Rapallo as we found it charming with a lovely waterfront, interesting back streets and a lively public market.

It also has a train station (the nicest I have ever seen in Italy) right in the center making accessibility very easy.

SeeDee

Given that you are looking for a taste of the Italian riviera,
SML might fit the bill a little better - both for the resort itself and the easy access to Portofino, which for all its shortcomings, has to be visited. It can be reached from SML by foot, bus or ferry (which may be affected by weather conditions).
Camogli is a short train hop away from SML, a different type of destination to Portofino and worth a look if time permitted. It is also served by the ferry allowing the option of a ferry/train combination to include both towns.
Portofino has no rail connection.

Najda

DEFINENTLY SML you can even walk to Portofino

kellyee21

I just stayed in Rapallo last weekend. I really liked it, but it wasn't where I started out wanting to stay. My first choice was Camogli and then SML, but we reserved at the last minute and couldn't find anything at either one. Rapallo worked out fine, our hotel had parking included which was very useful. We visited Camogli, SML and Portofino and now that I have seen them, I would put SML as my first choice, Rapallo #2 and Camogli #3.

testad

Thank you all - We'll probably be booking SML. Your input is much appreciated. Now I just have to find a hotel with rooms. Many I've checked are already booked. 9 months out!