italy - monterosso vs. santa margherita
 

I am trying to decide where to visit. Both places seem wonderful. Any suggestions>

When are you going? Monterosso is in the Cinque Terre and gives you immediate access to the hiking trails. It is also very touristy and crowded in the summer. June-Spt I would probably opt for Santa Margerita for a more relaxing stay and day trip into the 5terre.

Both places are fantastic, each one has its own particular charm.. but being in love with CT,I would rather stay in Monterosso.

SML doesn't mean giving up hiking trails. Although I didn't especially like the walking path to Portofino, the one onward Portofino to San Fru. (lower coastal path) was s_u_b_l_i_m_e. Boat onward to very pretty Camogli, great food, and take advantage of trains (Mont.-SML-Comogli). SML is a bit quiet at night except for pretentious restaurants.

thank you for your help. i am taking my mom and three aunts to italy for their first trip overseas! we are going in may

Both are lovely places but quite different. Santa Margherita is a lovely waterfront resort town, full of restaurants and nice shops with expensive yachts in the marina. It has proper streets and traffic and is nice for strolling around. Monterosso is only an hour away by train if you want to visit.
Monterosso is a small village, most people are there for the CT hiking as there's not a lot else to do - e.g. no churches or museums and limited shops. Accommodation is also a lot more limited in Monterosso. It really depends on what you are after and your fitness level for the walking in CT.
Kay