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Rapallo, Italy, is a small seaside city on Italy’s Ligurian coast inside a stone’s throw of essentially the most glamorous spots on the Italian Riviera. I based mostly right here once I was touring across the Italian Riviera a number of years in the past and it ended up being the proper place.
Rapallo is a well-liked city for Italian vacationers, however you’ll discover only a few foreigners right here. That, plus a dose of grittiness amongst the gorgeous seashores, retains issues feeling real and tremendous native.
Planning your journey to Rapallo final minute?
Whereas it’s not (but) a brilliant well-liked spot with worldwide vacationers, Rapallo does obtain plenty of Italian vacationers so it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to e book excursions & accommodations upfront.
🇮🇹 Prime Experiences and Excursions in Rapallo:
- Dine with locals (An effective way to attempt native delicacies!)
- Be taught to make pesto (It originated within the Liguria area!)
- Go to different Italian Riviera cities (Rapallo makes an ideal base)
🛌 Prime-Rated Accommodations in Rapallo:
- Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast (Luxurious resort with an infinity pool & personal seashore!)
- Resort Astoria (Mid-range resort in a central location)
- Resort Italia e Lido Rapallo (Beachfront funds possibility)
🚗 Renting a automotive from the Pisa airport? Discover offers on automotive rental charges right here.
I’ll be sincere — when you get away from the waterfront, Rapallo is a bit gritty, and that may postpone some vacationers. It’s not an unsightly city, by any means, and the city middle is pleasantly fairly — however it’s nothing just like the dramatic cliff-top villages of the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre right here.
Personally, I like a metropolis with a bit edge (it’s why Naples and Palermo are two of my favorites). It’s normally an indication that there are nice eating places right here — which is definitely true in Rapallo. Plus, Rapallo has a ravishing seashore and the waterfront is a pleasant spot to {photograph}.
General, Italians journey to Rapallo as a result of they adore it right here. (They really promote “F*ck it, let’s go to Rapallo” tote luggage within the shops. I nonetheless remorse not shopping for one.)
Better of all, Rapallo is well linked to cities all around the coast, together with Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Camogli. You’ll be able to hop on a prepare, bus, or ferry, discover a number of new cities on the Italian Riviera for the day, and be again in Rapallo in time for a scrumptious seaside dinner.
This submit was printed in January 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
Finest Issues to Do in Rapallo, Italy
Stroll alongside the promenade
One of many first issues you will need to do in Rapallo is take a stroll alongside the seaside promenade. Right here you’ll see different vacationers and locals having fun with the passeggiatta strolling ritual as you admire the historic buildings, swaying palm bushes, and exquisite water.
The promenade, formally named Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, is the place you’ll discover Rapallo’s well-known Thursday market, Mercato del Giovedì. Relying on the time of 12 months, you may additionally be capable of see Christmas or Easter markets, summer time festivals, sporting occasions, and concert events alongside the promenade.
As you stroll alongside the Vittorio Veneto Promenade, you’ll be strolling previous a lot of Rapallo’s most important points of interest. From the Sixteenth century fort within the east to the trendy marina to the west, you’ll cross Casa Garibalda, the Octopus Fountain, statues, gardens, and seashores.
Dine with Rapallo locals
I by no means cross up an opportunity to take pleasure in the perfect regional Italian meals, particularly when it’s served in an Italian residence!
On this personal native eating expertise, you’ll be welcomed right into a household residence in Rapallo for a scrumptious lunch or dinner. Your expertise begins within the kitchen the place your host will do a fast cooking demonstration to higher clarify the meals you’ll be consuming.
Subsequent, you’ll tuck right into a four-course meal of Ligurian specialties full with a starter, pasta, most important, dessert, and native wine. All through the meal, you’ll get to know your host and their household, in addition to be taught extra about meals from this area of Liguria.
You’ll depart with a full abdomen, a wealth of information, and new native associates!
Be taught to make pesto
Pesto, arguably probably the greatest makes use of of basil potential, originated within the Liguria area of Italy. Right here, the basil is second to none. Historically, pesto was made with a mortar and pestle, which is precisely the way you’ll be taught to make it on this pesto cooking class.
Class begins with a toast of glowing wine, adopted by details about the best way to put together pesto. Your information will help as you be taught to make pesto the genuine Ligurian manner.
After your laborious work, you’ll be capable of style the fruits of your labor. You’ll additionally take pleasure in an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting with contemporary focaccia.
Simply don’t be stunned for those who have a look at jarred pesto with contempt for the remainder of your life!
Be a part of the locals for aperitivo
Aperitivo is certainly one of my favourite Italian traditions: heading out for a pre-dinner drink with some mild bites or snacks. In Rapallo, the place summer time nights draw huge crowds, you’ll see the streets grow to be a hive of exercise simply earlier than dinnertime. Everybody finds their favourite aperitivo place and sits down at an outside desk for a cocktail and a few snacks.
Charlie and I loved a bunch of nice aperitivo evenings, and one spot we particularly appreciated was I Papi Neri. This space is stacked with tons of nice aperitivo bars.
So when you’re in Rapallo, do because the locals do! Deal with your self to an aperitivo after an enormous day of exploring the coast. It’s one of the best ways to observe the solar go down and begin appeasing the start of your starvation.
Take the cable automotive to Santuario Basilica di Montallegro
Santuario Basilica di Montallegro, or The Sanctuary of Our Woman of Montallegro, is a ravishing church set excessive on a hill inland from Rapallo. The sanctuary sits simply over 2000 ft above sea stage and one of the best ways to get there from Rapallo is by cable automotive.
Departing each 10 to half-hour, the seven-minute cable automotive trip will take you excessive above the hills and seashores of Rapallo. Alongside the best way, you’ll take pleasure in lovely coastal views till you attain the highest, the place the Sixteenth-century church awaits you.
Discover the traditional church the place you’ll discover a marble facade, lovely work, stained glass, and collectible figurines. The highest of the hill additionally has a restaurant and a few mountain climbing paths. You’ll be able to even hike up or down for those who don’t wish to take the cable automotive.
Calm down on the seashores
There are a selection of public seashores and personal seashore golf equipment (bagni) in and round Rapallo. Near the city middle are the general public seashores Pomaro and San Michele. Pomaro is a small seashore with good views of the city, whereas San Michele is a rocky seashore with straightforward sea entry and vibrant water.
However for a extra serene atmosphere, I like to recommend heading nearer to Portofino, the place you’ll discover a number of highly-rated seashores like Paraggi Seaside and Niasca Seaside (each a 15-minute drive from Rapallo). Paraggi has a mixture of concrete and sand terrain, plus a lot of beachside facilities Niasca is extra of a hidden gem accessed solely by foot or boat.
One of many nicest seashores within the space is in Sestri Levante, a city situated about 25 minutes from Rapallo by automotive. Right here the seashore is break up into two, Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) and the Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fairy Tales). Head to the Bay of Silence for a calming and tranquil seashore day or head to the Bay of Fairy Tales for cafes and water actions. Each bays provide lovely views of the Ligurian Sea!
Go to the Rapallo Citadel
The Rapallo Citadel is a landmark on the town, jutting out over the water alongside the Gulf of Rapallo. The fort was initially constructed as a part of the city partitions within the Sixteenth Century to defend the coast and discourage pirate assaults.
After later getting used as a jail, the fort lastly turned a sightseeing landmark and residential to native occasions and reveals within the 1990’s. Annually on July third in celebration of Our Woman of Montallegro, the fort is lit up with colourful fireworks and smoke.
Find out about lace at Villa Tigullio
Villa Tigullio is a historic landmark in Rapallo, a house as soon as belonging to the Spinola household and now internet hosting essential cultural collections for the city. Inside Villa Tigullio you’ll discover the Lace Museum and the Worldwide Library.
Head to the Lace Museum to be taught concerning the historical past of bobbin lace, which has been produced in Liguria because the Sixteenth Century. Try the completely different instruments and designs, plus take pleasure in taking a look at a lot of lace items that had been made within the Rapallo lace and embroidery manufacturing unit, which closed in 1968.
The skin of the villa is sort of spectacular as properly. The grounds surrounding it are a part of Parco Casale, a ravishing place to stroll amongst greenery and uncommon crops. It’s additionally a great place for chook watching or to look out over the ocean views.
See the Hannibal Bridge
Rapallo’s Hannibal Bridge, or Ponte di Annibale, is a single-arch stone bridge and one of many oldest constructions on the town. The existence of the bridge was first recorded in 1049 however the actual date it was constructed is unknown.
It’s not identified how the bridge acquired its title. The rumor was that the bridge was utilized by Carthaginian commander Hannibal within the Second Punic Conflict. Nonetheless, there isn’t a historic information to counsel Hannibal was anyplace close to Rapallo on the time — and no details about how his title turned related to the bridge.
At the moment the bridge is solely an historic construction to admire from afar, as entry has been closed to the general public. Regardless of not being a purposeful bridge, it nonetheless makes for a pleasant picture op throughout your time in Rapallo.
Spend a day in Cinque Terre
After all, no journey to the Italian Riviera is full with no go to to Cinque Terre, the well-known 5 coastal cities identified for his or her colourful properties and sheer cliffs. Nonetheless, staying in a single day in Cinque Terre is each costly and difficult with luggage, because the cities are steep and stuffed with stairs.
As an alternative, it’s super-easy to go to Cinque Terre from Rapallo (in truth, that’s what I did myself!). From Could to October, there’s a day by day ferry that connects Rapallo to the cities of Cinque Terre; year-round, you may simply take a prepare to the city of Monterosso al Mare, which takes about 40 minutes, and hop on the native prepare to discover the 4 different cities from there.
The UNESCO World Heritage Website of Cinque Terre is made up of 5 cities which can be linked by prepare, boat, and mountain climbing paths. Take into account that the boat service is seasonal, and sections of the mountain climbing path are sometimes closed resulting from climate and repairs.
Every city — Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — is exclusive in their very own manner, although all of them share lovely views. Monterosso is the one city with a big swimming seashore; Vernazza and Riomaggiore are every nice to stroll round; Corniglia is completely different, inland and up excessive; and Manarola has the last word postcard shot of Cinque Terre, which I like to recommend visiting simply earlier than sundown.
Take pleasure in exploring every city and discovering what makes this space so particular. However be warned, it is going to be packed throughout the summer time months!
Learn Extra: Information to the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre
Go to different Italian Riviera cities
Rapallo is a wonderful city to base your self in if you wish to discover different cities of the Italian Riviera. Listed below are a number of of my favorites, and the best way to attain them from Rapallo.
The truth is, you might simply make a loop, exploring Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli, earlier than heading again. Genoa is best to do by itself.
Santa Margherita Ligure: From Rapallo, it’s a simple 10-minute drive, bus or prepare trip, or 15-minute boat trip to Santa Margherita Ligure. You could possibly additionally stroll there in round 45 minutes. As soon as there you may admire the colourful properties and a whole bunch of boats, go to the seashores, and revel in native contemporary seafood. This metropolis is bigger and extra middle-class than its extra well-known neighbor, Portofino.
Portofino: From Rapallo, it’s a 20-minute drive, 35-minute bus and prepare trip, or 30-minute boat trip to Portofino. You possible know Portofino as a scorching trip spot for the wealthy and well-known, and the small city is lined with luxurious boutiques. The cafes are good, however be warned — I paid 30 euros for 2 affogatos as soon as. About 5 occasions what it might value most different locations!
San Fruttuoso: Pretty San Fruttuoso is just accessible by boat (until you hike in), with the journey taking about one hour. As soon as there you’ll be met by a ravishing seashore, a medieval Romanesque Abbey, and an enthralling village. San Fruttuoso is gorgeous, however tremendous tiny — this pairs properly with Portofino.
Camogli: Camogli may be my favourite city on the Italian Riviera! It’s enjoyable, beautiful, there’s a good, enormous pebbly seashore with vibrant turquoise water, the seafood is scrumptious, and the homes are painted within the trademark sun-drenched shades of Liguria. Camogli is far more well-liked with Italians than worldwide vacationers — I discover it just like Rapallo that manner, however prettier general.
Genoa: Genoa, often called Genova in Italy, is the primary metropolis of Liguria and a 30-45 minute prepare trip from Rapallo. Town appears like a child Naples and is fairly gritty — however I liked the darkish alleyways of the outdated city, full of tiny bars serving super-cheap wine. I liked exploring the darkish and slim alleys of Genova and popping into completely different wine bars across the metropolis. I additionally loved the little seashore within the colourful neighborhood of Boccadasse.
How A lot Time to Spend in Rapallo, Italy
Since Rapallo is a smaller port city, you may simply see the primary sights in a single day. You could possibly possibly stretch that to 2 days for those who wished to spend a number of hours mendacity on the seashore.
However I feel Rapallo’s most important attraction is that it makes such an ideal base for exploring the Italian Riviera. If that’s your plan, you might simply spend per week right here. Spend a day in Cinque Terre, spend a day or two exploring completely different cities, spend a day or two on the seashore, and also you’ll be vacationing the best way Italians do.
Easy methods to Get to Rapallo, Italy
You will get to Rapallo by prepare, bus or boat. The city is linked to a lot of locations alongside the Ligurian coast by prepare, similar to Cinque Terre, or by bus, similar to Santa Margherita Ligure.
In case you’re flying into Italy, the closest airports to Rapallo are in Genoa and Pisa. Genoa is technically nearer, however Pisa typically has extra connections, particularly on funds airways. From Genoa, it’s a 30-45 minute prepare trip to Rapallo, and from Pisa, it’s a two-hour prepare trip to Rapallo.
You could possibly additionally select to fly into Milan, which might be the higher selection for those who’re coming from one other continent. From there, it’s a 2.5 hour prepare trip to Rapallo.
The place to Keep in Rapallo, Italy
Regardless of not being as well-liked with worldwide vacationers and regardless of being a smaller metropolis, Rapallo nonetheless has a lot of nice lodging choices. As a bonus, you’ll pay considerably much less for a room right here than you’d in close by Portofino or Cinque Terre!
- Prime-Rated Luxurious Resort in Rapallo: Old skool class and unbeatable views await you at Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast. The gorgeous property additionally options an infinity pool, terrace and personal seashore.
- Prime-Rated Mid-Vary Resort in Rapallo: Resort Astoria is an easy, but fashionable, possibility in a really central location in Rapallo. The resort gives breakfast, bike leases and airport transfers.
- Prime-Rated Funds Resort in Rapallo: Resort Italia e Lido Rapallo is able to welcome you with clear rooms, an outside terrace, and a ravishing beachfront location. Company rave concerning the easy accessibility to the water and continental breakfast.
Discover offers on locations to remain in Rapallo right here.
Finest Time to Go to Rapallo, Italy
Summer season is THE time to go to the Italian Riviera, when each native Italians and worldwide vacationers flock to the coast for solar and sea. But when the excessive temperatures and huge crowds of summer time aren’t for you, I’d suggest visiting in spring or fall.
In case you nonetheless wish to take pleasure in summer time vibes however miss the height of the busy season, I counsel planning your journey for early June. The climate will likely be good however the largest crowds received’t have arrived but.
I wouldn’t suggest a go to to Rapallo in winter, as lots of the small cities on the Italian Riviera basically shut down over winter. Ferries don’t run and also you received’t be capable of take pleasure in a few of the greatest elements of the Ligurian coast.
Is Rapallo Price It?
Sure, I completely suppose Rapallo is value it! I actually dug the vibe of the city — not too flashy, however some fairly seashores and a pleasant waterfront, with a lot of good aperitivo bars.
And so far as bases for exploring the Italian Riviera go, I feel Rapallo could be a tremendous selection for you.
I hope you might have the perfect time in Rapallo! (And now, I’ve to plan my return so I should purchase that “F*ck it, let’s go to Rapallo” tote bag…)
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Have you ever been to Rapallo, Italy? Share your favourite experiences!
