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Rapallo, Italy, is a small seashore the city on Italy’s Ligurian coast inside of a stone’s throw of essentially the most glamorous spots at the Italian Riviera. I primarily based right here when I used to be touring across the Italian Riviera a couple of years in the past and it ended up being the very best position.
Rapallo is a well-liked the city for Italian vacationers, however you’ll in finding only a few foreigners right here. That, plus a dose of grittiness among the beautiful seashores, assists in keeping issues feeling authentic and great native.
Making plans your shuttle to Rapallo remaining minute?
Whilst it’s now not (but) a perfect fashionable spot with global vacationers, Rapallo does obtain numerous Italian vacationers so it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to ebook excursions & motels prematurely.
🇮🇹 Most sensible Studies and Excursions in Rapallo:
Dine with locals (An effective way to check out native delicacies!)
Learn to make pesto (It originated within the Liguria area!)
Talk over with different Italian Riviera cities (Rapallo makes an ideal base)
🛌 Most sensible-Rated Accommodations in Rapallo:
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast (Luxurious lodge with an infinity pool & personal seaside!)
Hotel Astoria (Mid-range lodge in a central location)
Hotel Italia e Lido Rapallo (Beachfront funds possibility)
🚗 Renting a automobile from the Pisa airport? Find deals on car rental rates here.
I’ll be truthful — when you break out from the waterfront, Rapallo is a little gritty, and that would possibly do away with some vacationers. It’s now not an unsightly the city, in anyway, and town heart is pleasantly lovely — nevertheless it’s not anything just like the dramatic cliff-top villages of the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre right here.
Individually, I love a town 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 surely true in Rapallo. Plus, Rapallo has a good looking seaside and the waterfront is a pleasing spot to {photograph}.
General, Italians shuttle to Rapallo as a result of they find it irresistible right here. (They if truth be told promote “F*ck it, let’s pass to Rapallo” tote baggage that can be purchased. I nonetheless be apologetic about now not purchasing one.)
Perfect of all, Rapallo is definitely attached to cities all over the place the coast, together with Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Camogli. You’ll be able to hop on a teach, bus, or ferry, discover a couple of new cities at the Italian Riviera for the day, and be again in Rapallo in time for a scrumptious seashore dinner.
This submit was once revealed in January 2025 and was once co-written through Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
Rapallo’s prom is how one can get to grasp the waterfront.
Perfect Issues to Do in Rapallo, Italy
Walk alongside the prom
One of the most first stuff you should do in Rapallo is take a stroll alongside the seashore prom. Right here you’ll see different vacationers and locals taking part in the passeggiatta walking ritual as you respect the historical constructions, swaying palm timber, and wonderful water.
The prom, formally named Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, is the place you’ll in finding Rapallo’s well-known Thursday marketplace, Mercato del Giovedì. Relying at the time of 12 months, you might also be capable of see Christmas or Easter markets, summer season fairs, wearing occasions, and concert events alongside the prom.
As you stroll alongside the Vittorio Veneto Prom, you’ll be strolling previous a lot of Rapallo’s primary points of interest. From the Sixteenth century fort within the east to the fashionable marina to the west, you’ll move Casa Garibalda, the Octopus Fountain, statues, gardens, and seashores.
It’s at all times amusing to have an Italian dinner with new buddies! By the use of Shutterstock.
Dine with Rapallo locals
I by no means move up a possibility to revel in the most productive regional Italian meals, particularly when it’s served in an Italian house!
On this private local dining experience, you’ll be welcomed right into a circle of relatives house in Rapallo for a scrumptious lunch or dinner. Your enjoy begins within the kitchen the place your host will do a handy guide a rough cooking demonstration to higher give an explanation for the meals you’ll be consuming.
Subsequent, you’ll tuck right into a four-course meal of Ligurian specialties whole with a starter, pasta, primary, dessert, and native wine. During the meal, you’ll get to grasp your host and their circle of relatives, in addition to be told extra about meals from this area of Liguria.
You’ll go away with a complete abdomen, a wealth of information, and new native buddies!
Discover ways to make pesto
Pesto, arguably some of the easiest makes use of of basil conceivable, originated within the Liguria area of Italy. Right here, the basil is 2nd to none. Historically, pesto was once made with a mortar and pestle, which is precisely the way you’ll discover ways to make it on this pesto cooking class.
Magnificence starts with a toast of glowing wine, adopted through details about how you can get ready pesto. Your information will help as you discover ways to make pesto the unique Ligurian method.
After your arduous paintings, you’ll be capable of style the culmination of your exertions. You’ll additionally revel in an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting with contemporary focaccia.
Simply don’t be shocked for those who have a look at jarred pesto with contempt for the remainder of your lifestyles!
Rapallo certain loves the hour of aperitivo!
Sign up for the locals for aperitivo
Aperitivo is one among my favourite Italian traditions: heading out for a pre-dinner drink with some gentle bites or snacks. In Rapallo, the place summer season nights draw large crowds, you’ll see the streets turn into a hive of job simply prior to dinnertime. Everybody reveals their favourite aperitivo position and sits down at an out of doors desk for a cocktail and a few snacks.
Charlie and I loved a number of serious aperitivo evenings, and one spot we particularly appreciated was once I Papi Neri. This space is stacked with lots of serious aperitivo bars.
So when you’re in Rapallo, do because the locals do! Deal with your self to an aperitivo after a large day of exploring the coast. It’s one of the simplest ways to observe the solar pass down and get started appeasing the start of your starvation.
How about this view from the cable automobile in Rapallo! By the use of Shutterstock.
Take the cable automobile to Santuario Basilica di Montallegro
Santuario Basilica di Montallegro, or The Sanctuary of Our Woman of Montallegro, is a gorgeous church set top on a hill inland from Rapallo. The sanctuary sits simply over 2000 toes above sea stage and one of the simplest ways to get there from Rapallo is through cable automobile.
Departing each 10 to half-hour, the seven-minute cable automobile journey will take you top above the hills and seashores of Rapallo. Alongside the best way, you’ll revel in stunning coastal perspectives till you succeed in the highest, the place the Sixteenth-century church awaits you.
Discover the traditional church the place you’ll discover a marble facade, stunning art work, stained glass, and collectible figurines. The highest of the hill additionally has a cafe and a few climbing paths. You’ll be able to even hike up or down for those who don’t need to take the cable automobile.
Rapallo’s seashores at twilight.
Loosen up on the seashores
There are a variety of public seashores and personal seaside golf equipment (bagni) in and round Rapallo. On the subject of town heart are the general public seashores Pomaro and San Michele. Pomaro is a small seaside with great perspectives of town, whilst San Michele is a rocky seaside with smooth sea get right of entry to and brilliant water.
However for a extra serene setting, I like to recommend heading nearer to Portofino, the place you’ll in finding a couple of highly-rated seashores like Paraggi Seashore and Niasca Seashore (each a 15-minute power from Rapallo). Paraggi has a mixture of concrete and sand terrain, plus a variety of beachside facilities Niasca is extra of a hidden gem accessed best through foot or boat.
One of the most nicest seashores within the space is in Sestri Levante, a the city situated about 25 mins from Rapallo through automobile. Right here the seaside is divided into two, Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) and the Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fairy Stories). Head to the Bay of Silence for a soothing and tranquil seaside day or head to the Bay of Fairy Stories for cafes and water actions. Each bays be offering stunning perspectives of the Ligurian Sea!
Rapallo Citadel is the landmark of town itself.
Talk over with 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 once at the start constructed as a part of town partitions within the Sixteenth Century to shield the coast and discourage pirate assaults.
After later getting used as a jail, the fort in spite of everything become a sightseeing landmark and residential to native occasions and reveals within the 1990’s. Every 12 months on July third in birthday celebration of Our Woman of Montallegro, the fort is lit up with colourful fireworks and smoke.
Villa Tigullio, by means of Shutterstock
Know about lace at Villa Tigullio
Villa Tigullio is a historic landmark in Rapallo, a house as soon as belonging to the Spinola circle of relatives and now web hosting necessary cultural collections for town. Inside of Villa Tigullio you’ll in finding the Lace Museum and the Global Library.
Head to the Lace Museum to be told in regards to the historical past of bobbin lace, which has been produced in Liguria for the reason that Sixteenth Century. Take a look at the other equipment and designs, plus revel in having a look at a variety of lace items that had been made within the Rapallo lace and embroidery manufacturing unit, which closed in 1968.
The outdoor of the villa is rather spectacular as smartly. The grounds surrounding it are a part of Parco Casale, a good looking position to stroll among greenery and uncommon vegetation. It’s additionally a just right position for fowl observing or to appear out over the ocean perspectives.
The Ponte di Annibale in Rapallo Italy, by means of Shutterstock
See the Hannibal Bridge
Rapallo’s Hannibal Bridge, or Ponte di Annibale, is a single-arch stone bridge and some of the oldest buildings on the town. The lifestyles of the bridge was once first recorded in 1049 however the actual date it was once constructed is unknown.
It’s now not identified how the bridge were given its title. The rumor was once that the bridge was once utilized by Carthaginian commander Hannibal within the 2d Punic Struggle. Then again, there is not any historic information to signify Hannibal was once anyplace close to Rapallo on the time — and no details about how his title become related to the bridge.
Lately the bridge is solely an historic construction to respect from afar, as get right of entry to has been closed to the general public. Regardless of now not being a purposeful bridge, it nonetheless makes for a pleasing photograph op all over your time in Rapallo.
The city of Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Italy
Spend an afternoon in Cinque Terre
After all, no shuttle to the Italian Riviera is whole and not using a talk over with to Cinque Terre, the well-known 5 coastal cities identified for his or her colourful houses and sheer cliffs. Then again, staying in a single day in Cinque Terre is each pricey and difficult with baggage, because the cities are steep and stuffed with stairs.
As a substitute, it’s super-easy to talk over with Cinque Terre from Rapallo (if truth be told, that’s what I did myself!). From Would possibly to October, there’s a day by day ferry that connects Rapallo to the cities of Cinque Terre; year-round, you’ll be able to simply take a teach to town of Monterosso al Mare, which takes about 40 mins, and hop at the native teach to discover the 4 different cities from there.
The UNESCO Global Heritage Web page of Cinque Terre is made up of 5 cities which might be attached through teach, boat, and climbing paths. Take into account that the boat provider is seasonal, and sections of the climbing trail are ceaselessly closed because of climate and maintenance.
Every the city — Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — is exclusive in their very own method, regardless that all of them percentage stunning perspectives. Monterosso is the one the city with a big swimming seaside; Vernazza and Riomaggiore are each and every delightful to stroll round; Corniglia is other, inland and up top; and Manarola has without equal postcard shot of Cinque Terre, which I like to recommend visiting simply prior to sundown.
Revel in exploring each and every the city and finding what makes this space so particular. However be warned, it’s going to be packed all over the summer season months!
Learn Extra: Information to the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre
Portofino is a phenomenal the city to talk over with.
Talk over with different Italian Riviera cities
Rapallo is a wonderful the city to base your self in if you wish to discover different cities of the Italian Riviera. Listed below are a couple of of my favorites, and the way to succeed in them from Rapallo.
In reality, it’s good to simply make a loop, exploring Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli, prior to heading again. Genoa is best to do by itself.
Santa Margherita Ligure: From Rapallo, it’s a very simple 10-minute power, bus or teach journey, or 15-minute boat journey to Santa Margherita Ligure. You want to additionally stroll there in round 45 mins. As soon as there you’ll be able to respect the colourful houses and masses of boats, talk over with the seashores, and revel in native contemporary seafood. This town is bigger and extra middle-class than its extra well-known neighbor, Portofino.
Portofino: From Rapallo, it’s a 20-minute power, 35-minute bus and teach journey, or 30-minute boat journey to Portofino. You most probably know Portofino as a sizzling holiday spot for the wealthy and well-known, and the small the city is coated with luxurious boutiques. The cafes are great, however be warned — I paid 30 euros for 2 affogatos as soon as. About 5 occasions what it might price maximum different puts!
San Fruttuoso: Pretty San Fruttuoso is best available through boat (except you hike in), with the adventure taking about one hour. As soon as there you’ll be met through a good looking seaside, a medieval Romanesque Abbey, and a captivating village. San Fruttuoso is gorgeous, however great tiny — this pairs smartly with Portofino.
Camogli: Camogli could be my favourite the city at the Italian Riviera! It’s stress-free, beautiful, there’s a great, large pebbly seaside with brilliant turquoise water, the seafood is scrumptious, and the homes are painted within the trademark sun-drenched sunglasses of Liguria. Camogli is a lot more well liked by Italians than global vacationers — I in finding it very similar to Rapallo that method, however prettier general.
Genoa: Genoa, referred to as Genova in Italy, is the primary town of Liguria and a 30-45 minute teach journey from Rapallo. Town looks like a child Naples and is lovely gritty — however I cherished the darkish alleyways of the outdated the city, stuffed with tiny bars serving super-cheap wine. I cherished exploring the darkish and slim alleys of Genova and popping into other wine bars across the town. I additionally loved the little seaside within the colourful group of Boccadasse.
Maximum of Rapallo will also be noticed in an afternoon.
How A lot Time to Spend in Rapallo, Italy
Since Rapallo is a smaller port the city, you’ll be able to simply see the primary points of interest in one day. You want to perhaps stretch that to 2 days for those who sought after to spend a couple of hours mendacity at the seaside.
However I believe Rapallo’s primary enchantment is that it makes this type of nice base for exploring the Italian Riviera. If that’s your plan, it’s good to simply spend every week right here. Spend an afternoon in Cinque Terre, spend an afternoon or two exploring other cities, spend an afternoon or two at the seaside, and also you’ll be vacationing the best way Italians do.
Rapallo is definitely attached through teach.
Find out how to Get to Rapallo, Italy
You’ll be able to get to Rapallo through teach, bus or boat. The city is hooked up to a variety of puts alongside the Ligurian coast through teach, comparable to Cinque Terre, or through bus, comparable to Santa Margherita Ligure.
Should you’re flying into Italy, the nearest airports to Rapallo are in Genoa and Pisa. Genoa is technically nearer, however Pisa ceaselessly has extra connections, particularly on funds airways. From Genoa, it’s a 30-45 minute teach journey to Rapallo, and from Pisa, it’s a two-hour teach journey to Rapallo.
You want to additionally make a choice to fly into Milan, which is almost certainly the simpler selection for those who’re coming from any other continent. From there, it’s a 2.5 hour teach journey to Rapallo.
There are motels each alongside the waterfront and on the town.
The place to Keep in Rapallo, Italy
Regardless of now not being as well liked by global vacationers and regardless of being a smaller town, Rapallo nonetheless has a variety of nice lodging choices. As an advantage, you’ll pay considerably much less for a room right here than you may in within sight Portofino or Cinque Terre!
Most sensible-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Rapallo: Old-fashioned class and unbeatable perspectives wait for you at Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast. The beautiful belongings additionally options an infinity pool, terrace and personal seaside.
Most sensible-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Rapallo: Hotel Astoria is a straightforward, but fashionable, possibility in an excessively central location in Rapallo. The lodge gives breakfast, motorcycle leases and airport transfers.
Most sensible-Rated Price range Lodge in Rapallo: Hotel Italia e Lido Rapallo is able to welcome you with blank rooms, an out of doors terrace, and a good looking beachfront location. Visitors rave in regards to the smooth get right of entry to to the water and continental breakfast.
Find deals on places to stay in Rapallo here.
Rapallo is its busiest in the summertime.
Perfect Time to Talk over with Rapallo, Italy
Summer season is THE time to talk over with the Italian Riviera, when each native Italians and global vacationers flock to the coast for solar and sea. But when the top temperatures and big crowds of summer season aren’t for you, I’d counsel visiting in spring or fall.
Should you nonetheless need to revel in summer season vibes however pass over the height of the busy season, I recommend making plans your shuttle for early June. The elements can be great however the biggest crowds received’t have arrived but.
I wouldn’t counsel a talk over with to Rapallo in iciness, as lots of the small cities at the Italian Riviera necessarily close down over iciness. Ferries don’t run and also you received’t be capable of revel in one of the most easiest portions of the Ligurian coast.
Rapallo is cool!
Is Rapallo Price It?
Sure, I completely assume Rapallo is worthwhile! I in reality dug the vibe of town — now not too flashy, however some lovely seashores and a pleasing waterfront, with a variety of just right aperitivo bars.
And so far as bases for exploring the Italian Riviera pass, I believe Rapallo can be a great selection for you.
I am hoping you have got the most productive time in Rapallo! (And now, I’ve to devise my go back so I will be able to purchase that “F*ck it, let’s pass to Rapallo” tote bag…)
Extra at the Italian Riviera:
Making plans a Commute to Italy:
Cool Puts in Northern Italy:
3 Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
30+ Epic Issues to Do in Rome, Italy
The place to Keep in Rome, Italy
35+ Perfect Issues to Do in Florence, Italy
Find out how to Spend 3 Days in Florence, Italy
The place to To find the Perfect Perspectives in Florence, Italy
Perfect Day Journeys from Florence, Italy
16 Cool Issues to Do in Siena, Italy
16 A laugh Issues to Do in Pisa, Italy
14 Fab Issues to Do in San Gimignano, Italy
Parma, Italy: A Colourful, Artsy, Scrumptious The town
The place to Keep in Rome: Perfect Neighborhoods and Lodging
3 Days within the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
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25 Perfect Meals Studies in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
23 Perfect Issues to Do in Bologna, Italy
30+ Perfect Issues to Do in Venice, Italy
16 Cool Day Journeys from Venice, Italy
Find out how to Spend 1 Day in Venice, Italy
Information to Murano Island in Venice
Information to Burano Island in Venice
Cool Puts in Southern Italy:
28 Fabulous Issues to Do in Naples, Italy
16 A laugh Issues to Do in Sorrento, Italy
Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Positioned Seashore The town
The Joys and Demanding situations of Touring in Sicily
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