An upscale oasis for celebrities and jet setters, Portofino stands out among the many desirable places to visit on the Italian Riviera. Golfo Paradiso, a tiny stretch of Ligurian coastline in northern Italy, is home to a few less famous and equally character-rich gems. 

Italians and in-the-know international travelers have been quietly flocking to the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure for decades to enjoy the sun-splashed Mediterranean ambience — and all the delicious food, beautiful beaches, and warm hospitality that a vacation here entails — without any fuss and fanfare.