The city of Rapallo is famous above all for its history, which stretches from the pre-medieval period to the modern one with a series of events of undoubtedly relevant importance.
It is a beautiful village, a stone’s throw from the nearby Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino.
Nice to meet you, my name is Andrea and I am a Ligurian DOC with a passion for my land.
If you are planning to visit Rapallo, in this guide I will tell you what I think are the things to see and do, the hotels to stay in and the restaurants where you can taste the delicious Ligurian cuisine.
And at the bottom of the post, you’ll find a short story about Rapallo’s wonderful history.
Are you ready? Let’s do it!
Is Rapallo worth visiting?
If you’re passing through Rapallo and want to enjoy the wonderful sights of the city, in this guide we propose a short tour of the 5 must-sees of Rapallo.
Passing from the archaic and dreamy beauties of the old town to the museums with their ancient and modern artistic heritage, to the bars and restaurants that will liven up you’re evening movida.
There will be no way for you to miss anything!
Rapallo old town
The historical center of the city of Rapallo has its roots in the medieval layout: it is denoted by the numerous passages under the porticoes, the frescoes on the portals, and the pedestrian alleys.
Everything remains the same, architecture and history have been engraved in the stones of the city with exuberant mastery: the peculiarity of Rapallo is that you might not even notice it.
If you visit the old town in the company of friends and relatives, you will get lost in the many shopping stores without realizing the beautiful interpenetration – artistic and architectural – between ancient and modern.
An example of this alternation between history and the present are the characteristic aedicules of the Madonna of Montallegro: these are small frescoes in the niches of the portals and facades of the houses, still present today on the walls of modern houses.
The central square, Garibaldi, has recently been restored and is full of decorations on the facades of the buildings.
Surrounded by thirteenth-century arcades and narrow streets winding around the main ancient warehouses of the area, you will be impressed above all by the excellent preservation of the architecture of the buildings.
Around Piazza Garibaldi you can admire Via Mazzini and Via Magenta, where you will be exalted by the slate construction of some 15th- and 16th-century portals, which can be counted in all respects in the artistic heritage of the city, especially thanks to the frescoes and bas-reliefs that surround them.
In Via Magenta stands the bas-relief of the Annunciation, which will keep you looking upwards for a few minutes with its vivid colors.
Typical of Liguria are the colors of the houses, which of course are not lacking even in the village of Rapallo: here you can admire the many false windows, made with a technique historically rooted many centuries ago.
In the 1700s, to avoid taxes on windows and doors due to the exorbitant costs of the war against Corsica, the cities of the Genoese Republic invented this magical trick: the owners kept their windows always closed, and to avoid destroying the sense of harmony and openness of the houses, they painted them on the facades of their houses.
Another square absolutely to remember is that of the Well, not far from the center, and located in the heart of Rolecca, the old quarter: once the women gathered there to glean water from the city well, now present, but rebuilt after restoration.
The most beautiful architectural places in Rapallo
Perhaps not everyone knows, but the typical material of the Tigullio Ligurian villages is mainly slate, also known as ‘black stone’.
Just ardesi were called the inhabitants of the regions, in the proto-historical period of the city of Rapallo.
The slate, today, remains a precious product that inlays the buildings of the village, or rather, those that have not been destroyed and plundered during the historical evolution of the city.
Very often, except for the numerous robberies due to the sack of pirates in the late Middle Ages, it was precisely the flurry of contemporaneity to banish this type of decoration, which, however, is a bit ‘the mark of the Ligurian land and Rapallo in particular.
That’s why, as soon as you see a building whose entrance is framed by a black stone slab, stop and enjoy this thrill of history that, unique in Italy, will take you straight back to the construction of medieval dwellings.
In via Magenta 26, for example, linger on the inscription ‘Ave Gratia plena‘: just above it, you will find a stylized illustration of the Annunciation, engraved on the slate slab that surmounts the lintel of the entrance door of a historic house.
Under the architrave, then, you can admire the trigram IHS, the coat of arms of Christ, and the Trinity, a medieval symbol widespread especially in response to the preaching of Bernardine of Siena.
All these inscriptions and inlays, which denote a profound religious devotion of the ancient people of Rapallo, take the tourist back to a supernatural dimension that seems, however, extremely recent because of its evocative beauty.
Rapallo Castle
The image of a bastion surrounded by the sea and connected to the land by a long bridge brings to mind the best scenes of films about piracy: it is just the castle of Rapallo, a building constructed in 1550 following the famous sacking by the pirates of Dragut.
Initially, like many such historical castles, it was used as a prison, but now, due to its evocative beauty, it is used as a container for art exhibitions and conferences, as well as a chosen venue for the city’s patronal festivals.
The castle itself revives a story steeped in fascination and mystery: the famous pirate, Dragut, was captured by the Genoese admiral Andrea Doria and taken aboard his ships.
But another corsair, known by the name of Barbarossa, soon liberated it: in 1549 the Turkish ships approached the coast of Rapallo and launched their attack on the village, passing through three of the city gates.
Their offensive was not accurately repulsed due to the lack of effective resistance, but mostly due to the absence of a lookout to warn the population of danger.
Shops, workshops, and buildings in the village were demolished.
This sad epilogue of the affair led the people of Rapallo to build a defensive system that we still admire today when we look at the bastion, including the three fortifications of Santa Margherita, San Michele, Paraggi, and Portofino.
The Music Kiosk
Rapallo‘s last attraction to see is the famous music kiosk, located on the Vittorio Veneto promenade.
It is a small kiosk in Art Nouveau architectural style, typical of the settings of late nineteenth-century films, in which princes and queens dance in their private gardens in the starlight.
The Kiosk was opened in 1929 thanks to a donation by people from Rapallo who had emigrated to South America and wanted to leave the city a beautiful place for dances and concerts.
The Kiosk stands nine meters high and is about ten meters wide, surrounded by 12 columns and embellished by a frescoed dome.
Raising your eyes to the roof you will be able to admire the scenes painted by Giovanni Grifo in honor of artists from the History of Music: Bach, Schopin, Mozart, Bellini, Auber, and many others.
The lively cadre of musicians and players from all eras accompanied the musical compositions played to the Rapallo audience during the evenings in the orchestra, who lined up on the chairs around the bandstand to admire the melodies under the starry sky.
Today the Kiosk has recently been restored and can be admired in its splendor, despite the devastation it suffered during the bombing of the Second World War.
Attilio and Cleofe Gaffoglio Museum
The Museum is located in the cloister of the Clarissian convent of Rapallo, and contains a collection of works dating from 1300 to 1900.
The museum is named in memory of the couple who, as members of the city’s nobility, dedicated much of their physical legacy to the city in which they had lived and which they had so long loved.
All these assets were donated to the municipality only in 2000: ivories, enamels, antique porcelain, wooden furniture in twentieth-century style, and furnishings that recall the history of the Ligurian city.
The Museum also houses typical ecclesiastical-style furnishings in chiselled silver, but also objects that you are likely to find only in extremely rare cases: for example, the so-called scrimshaws, those objects engraved in marine mammal bones.
Of particular interest, moreover, is the handcrafted work dedicated to Tsar Nicholas II and the Maison Fabergé typical of St. Petersburg, made of enamel, gold, and precious stones.
The paintings you will admire in the collection are part of the nineteenth and twentieth-century styles and come mostly from oriental iconography.
The story of the couple is also intertwined with that of the city of Rapallo: Attilio Gaffoglio, originally from Genoa, first moved to Turin and then, in 1983, to Rapallo, where he lived until his death.
The collection of the couple’s home was born from their great passion for the oriental and ancient art market, which drives them to purchase art from all over Europe and beyond.
Thus, the house soon became a sort of museum, a private collection of unique historical value.
Rapallo beach: which are the best beaches in and around Rapallo?
In this paragraph, we will see together the best beaches you can visit if you stay in Rapallo and the surroundings.
In the following sections, you will find numerous references to the most tourist Rapallo beaches and those wilder and more naturalistic, you will be able to discover what to do in Rapallo with children and what are, for example, the sandy beaches near the city.
Let’s discover “Rapallo beach” starting from the beaches closest to the historic center.
Lido and Flora Rapallo Beach
A bathing establishment comfortable, simple, and essential, which meets all your needs for a holiday of complete relaxation: we are talking about the establishment Lido & Flora in Rapallo, not far from the city center, characterized by the wide range of services to the public, both in terms of catering and sports and entertainment.
The bathing establishment is located under the Marconi roundabout of Rapallo and is the only one in the area with fine sand, therefore suitable for groups who want to enjoy beach sports and children who love to play.
The basic services offered by the lido are deckchairs, sunbed, and beach umbrella; restaurant and bar with the possibility to use a free WiFi line, staff always available and equipped with every response to your needs, a children’s play area, and finally – only from 2021 – a large swimming pool at the edge of the sea of two hundred square meters.
Moreover, for those who love the evening life on the beach, a long wooden pier has been recently arranged, which allows you to stroll while sipping a pleasant aperitif, always in front of a spectacular setting: on one side, the sea at sunset, on which the sun’s rays are reflected, on the other side the castle of Rapallo, which recalls the majesty of history.
In short, the beach of Bagni Lido & Flora in Rapallo is the perfect place for everyone: we recommend it, especially to those who do not have ambitions of scuba diving because for snorkeling is recommended on less touristy beaches (like the next that we will see).
Porticciolo Beach
In the wide range of ‘baths’ in Rapallo (this is the name given to the main beaches around the Tigullio), we must also enumerate the Bagni Porticciolo, which are located in a fairly characteristic area, in the naturalistic setting of the Parco Casale.
The Baths are located in Via Avenaggi (Rapallo) and you will notice them for the presence of the building colored in red earth and ochre, next to the stone bridge that insinuates itself into the waters of the small port.
Between the bridge and the building, you can see a few meters of free beach, which is equipped every year with most of the necessary services for bathers: deckchairs, sunbeds, umbrellas, an excellent restaurant, and a bar for aperitifs by the sea.
The beach is particularly convenient for families with children: being relatively small, it is a protected and reduced environment to allow your children to play in the water and on the sand, always remaining under control.
For those who want a holiday with friends, the bar facilities are also very convenient, including fantastic sunset aperitifs and the chance to try out water sports.
In any case, the beach is also recommended for lovers of uncontaminated nature: if for some people it could be too claustrophobic and crowded, it will be enough to take in hand fins and mask (if possible) and dive just beyond the stone bridge, to enjoy a breathtaking underwater landscape.
You can venture to the left side of the coast from the bridge to find crystal clear high water, enjoying a swim in solitude and peace of mind.
The beach of San Michele di Pagana
Considered by all, with good reason, one of the best beaches in Liguria, this cove between Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure is a true corner of paradise.
The sea is clear and crystalline, the water reflects the foliage of the trees and the atmosphere is truly idyllic.
This coastline, which encloses the bays of Pomaro, Trelo, and Prelo, is one of the most recommended areas for those who want a series of beaches with few tourists, where they can enjoy the beauty of nature without excessive external contamination.
It is no coincidence that San Michele is the favorite of the people of Rapallo, who, quite rightly, know the pearls of their territory.
For those who want an all-around experience, I would like to point out that the village of San Michele, in its parish church, holds a not inconsiderable treasure: The Crucifixion painted by the great Flemish master, Van Dyck.
If you want to take a walk in the historical center of the town, therefore, do not miss the parish church, which presents itself in all the magnificence of colored Carrara marble.
Chiavari Beach
The beach of Chiavari is famous for being the best solution both for families with children and for young people or groups of friends looking for fun.
The beach has all the main activities and services: from inflatables by the sea for the little ones, to equipment for hire, which will allow adventurers to try water sports.
In addition, and what is not insignificant, the beach is equipped with umbrellas, deckchairs, and sunbeds, and is also suitable for the handicapped, since it has no architectural barriers.
Its proximity to an Acquapark well known in the area makes it perfect also for those who want multiple experiences, between sea and fun.
I should point out that, for naturist lovers, there is a dedicated section of the beach: it is free and very popular, especially with the LGBT+ community in the area.
For the countless opportunities offered, Chiavari has earned the name of ‘Beach for All’.
The only drawback is the presence of pebbles, which make it unpleasant to walk barefoot on the sand: for this reason, we strongly recommend wearing rock shoes.
For more info, read my guide on what to see in and around Chiavari.
Beach of Moneglia
The beach of Moneglia is much less touristy, and less frequented: it is located within the Mediterranean maquis that surrounds the Riviera del Levante, a really pretty town full of delightful cultural-artistic surprises.
Even its beach is very particular: those who are not unconditional lovers of pebbly sand, typical of the other areas of the Ligurian coast, will finally find satisfaction in the area of Bagni d’Orchidea, which finally has a large portion of fine sand.
The beach is both free and managed, with tourist facilities and bar/rental services.
You can carve out your corner of the beach and, if you love an evening aperitif, enjoy a magnificent sunset sipping a spritz from the terraces of the many bars and restaurants in the area of Bagni dei Bagni.
Where to sleep in Rapallo: the best hotels and B&Bs
Rapallo offers a wide range of places to stay: from the most rustic b&b, for experiences among close friends, groups or couples looking for fun; to the comfortable and luxurious hotels that will allow you to enjoy a holiday with the flakes, even in the case of special occasions.
In this paragraph, you will find ample space for reviews for the best places to sleep in Rapallo, and you will have the opportunity to check the wide offer that this magnificent city will bring to you and your family/friends.
Booking.comHotel Giulio Cesare in Rapallo
This three-star hotel is essential and offers everything you’ll need, with the mediation of a not too excessive price.
It is a two-minute walk from the beach, in the historic center of Rapallo, overlooking the Tigullio Gulf.
The rooms are located inside an Art Nouveau building, they are all air-conditioned and equipped with a private bathroom, free wifi connection, satellite television, and the possibility to stay in large family rooms.
According to the reviews, the hotel is the right compromise between quality and price: its location is optimal, and the food served by the hotel restaurant is certainly a not insignificant incentive.
The hotel has private parking and there is the possibility to admit your four-legged friends.
Among the room types, you will find standard single, double-double, twin, superior/small double, and standard triple.
- Address: Corso Cristoforo Colombo 52, 16035 Rapallo Genova
- Tel: +39 0185 50685
- Services: free wifi, breakfast included, air conditioning, pets allowed, restaurant
- Distance from Rapallo center: 1-minute walk
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & SPA
The hotel is the perfect solution for those who want to spend a holiday in Rapallo in total relaxation and luxury: the structure, famous in the area for its comfort and elegance, is a four-star hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and a spa center, just 1.5 kilometers from the city center.
The hotel was inaugurated back in 1908 and has many benefits from the ever-recent renovations, which see it now equipped with fully air-conditioned rooms, wifi line, satellite television, and some pleasant pampering treatments: tea kettle and espresso coffee machine in all rooms.
The price varies depending on the season, in the low season, it is around 80 euros per night.
The rooms available are: suite with sea view terrace, deluxe double with sea view terrace; superior double, deluxe suite with Jacuzzi and sea view, and many other solutions for all occasions (and all wallets!).
The restaurant provides constant service at lunch, dinner, and breakfast with specialties of Ligurian cuisine; the furnishings are always modern and luxurious; the staff is also renowned in reviews for their kindness and friendliness.
In short: the dream holiday we all desire.
- Address: Via Aurelia Orientale 369, 16035 Rapallo Liguria
- Tel: +39 0185 273313
- Services: free wifi, breakfast included, air conditioning, pets allowed, restaurant, swimming pool, spa
- Distance from Rapallo center: 5 minutes on foot
Hotel San Desiderio
This small hotel, located in Via San Desiderio, is four minutes from the beach and is a small idyll designed for a couple who wants a holiday also improvised but full of romance and adventure.
It comes with two stars but excellent reviews: the decor is homely, but the staff reserves the right to leave plenty of shower and bath products, many household utensils, and a truly homely welcome, with a sweet breakfast buffet abundant.
In short, an ideal compromise for those who do not have high demands for formality but want to enjoy a holiday in total tranquility, with your partner or a group of friends, reserving the possibility to be pampered by the staff, always kind and unique.
The price per night is derisory compared to competitors’ structures, moreover, the hotel is located in a very convenient position, just 300 meters from the center and the famous Basilica of San Gervasio and Protasio.
In addition, the beach of Santa Margherita Ligure is only 10 minutes away, while if you have a car and means at your disposal you can even afford a short trip of 30 km to the Aquarium of Genoa.
As for the rooms, there are single, triple, quadruple, and even a deluxe double available.
- Address: Via Privata San Desiderio 4, 16035 Rapallo GE
- Tel: +39 0185 66717
- Services: free wifi, breakfast included, air conditioning, pets allowed
- Distance from Rapallo center: 8 minutes on foot
B&B the Sunflower
This modest and lovely b&b is a 15-minute walk from the nearest beach, just 1.3 km from San Michele di Pagana.
It is famous above all for the abundance of its breakfast, buffet style Italian, and is located in an extremely convenient location even concerning the historic center: not surprisingly, in the reviews is among the favorites for optimal location.
The rooms are equipped with WiFi connection, free parking, breakfast included in the price and availability to be taken to the airport in just 30 minutes thanks to the airport shuttle service right near the b&b.
As for the price, it is really good compared to the location and the quality of the rooms, which are, according to reviews, spacious, comfortable and always clean.
The excellent score also for the staff: a perfect choice, then, for a holiday in the serene balance between quality and price.
- Address: Salita Sant’Agostino 1/3, 16035 Rapallo GE
- Tel: +39 348 7952373
- Services: free wifi, buffet breakfast, air conditioning, free parking, pets allowed
- Distance from Rapallo center: 8 minutes on foot
Where to eat: the best Rapallo restaurants
Rapallo is also the taste capital of Liguria: from the famous Tigullio pesto, which is produced right in the Gulf area, to the wonderful linguine with fish and the main courses of squid and prawns, you will have nothing to reproach this magnificent town.
Moreover, in this paragraph we will go into a pleasant review of food and drinks that will allow you to choose where to go with the maximum flexibility: from luxurious restaurants, for a gourmet dinner with colleagues or important company; up to the focacceria you meet in the city centre, at the end of your walks along the seafront.
Nothing is left to chance: let yourself be inspired by your feelings and above all by your… stomach!
Rapalà Restaurant
This characteristic restaurant is located right in the historical center of Rapallo.
It is especially famous for its fish dishes, such as the main courses of swordfish fillet, stuffed squid, and fried fish, as well as the specialties of the first courses, always with good fishing and fresh fish: do not forget to try the ravioli stuffed with burrata cheese and shrimps, a real treat for the palate.
The house touch, then, seems to be the desserts: the restaurant offers few but essential traditional Sicilian dishes; from cannoli (a real specialty, a must try), to tiramisu in arbanella and the mango and berries parfait.
The Domes
This is a luxurious restaurant whose very high standard is evident from its avant-garde location alone: a rooftop terrace overlooking Portofino with a roof garden and spectacular views.
Le Cupole Restaurant, as the name implies, is located on top of the Grand Hotel Bristol, which we have seen in the previous paragraph.
It accompanies the typical dishes of Ligurian tradition to supraregional specialties that will delight every palate.
Just to give you some figurative tasting examples, think of these specialties: cuttlefish tartare, scallops and chickpeas all’amatriciana, purple shrimp, double-cooked eel, you name it…
The price, all things considered, is not excessive for the location of the restaurant, and also allows you to take advantage of vegetarian and vegan menus, as well as gluten-free dishes.
A must-try if you’re planning to indulge in an evening of fine dining.
Focacciaio
Are you tired of the usual luxurious restaurants and just want to enjoy some Ligurian specialties, maybe eating and walking around the historic center?
Then this place is definitely for you: it is the Focacciaio, located in Piazza del Pozzo 30, in the heart of the center of Rapallo, not far from the seafront.
After a stroll along the coast and having entered the alleys of the ancient heart of the city, you cannot help but enjoy the typical Ligurian rustic specialties: traditional focaccia, savory pies, rustic foccace with cheese and ‘pizzate’, in short … everything a tourist wants to try, without having to sit in a high-class restaurant, saving both time and money!
Taverna Paradiso
As the name suggests, Taverna Paradiso is the bliss of those who love to celebrate the evening in the company and enjoy after-dinner drinks with friends, between chats and a few glasses of beer.
The best places for young people will find on the waterfront, which at night is animated by the youth nightlife, but also the old town, with its narrow streets and mystery, offers truly enchanting scenery to spend your nights in Rapallo in the company.
Taverna Paradiso is known throughout Rapallo for its wide selection of beers, both craft, and commercial.
The place has an extremely rustic feel to it, the interior is reminiscent of typical old craft breweries, with wooden tables and always full mugs on the counter.
The Tavern not only offers a selection of beers but also great cocktails, which amazed all the tourists (who leave usually rave reviews).
Moreover, if you get quite hungry, you can satisfy your hunger thanks to the wide choice of artisan sandwiches served by the skilled staff of the restaurant: recommended, therefore, both for dinner and after dinner.
Il Castello wine shop and bar in Rapallo
If you want to try a ‘Milanese-style’ experience, with a classy aperitif in the evening and a fabulous location, you have to try this wonderful bar and wine bar, right where the old Rapallo castle stands on the seafront: the charming terrace overlooks the sea of the gulf and the services offered for dinner, aperitifs and after dinner is spacious.
First of all, you will be able to taste some wine from the cellar accompanied by a platter of typical cold cuts and cheeses; moreover, for the most affectionate, there will be many variations of the aperitif and spritz, always rigorously accompanied by local delicacies.
Castello bar and wine bar is located right on Lungomare Castello, number 6.
How to get to Rapallo
The city of Rapallo can be reached in various ways, depending on the means of transport you prefer.
I can give you an ample overview of the means available to reach this village, which is quite convenient thanks to the presence, nearby, of the city of Genoa with its highways, railways, and international airport.
By car
Take the Tyrrhenian route, A12.
Rapallo can be reached by motorway will be sufficient to reach the toll Rapallo and exit at the same to be in the direction of the city.
An alternative to the Tyrrhenian route is via Aurelia, that is state road n.1.
It crosses the city from east to west and connects it to Genoa on one side and La Spezia on the other.
By train
Rapallo is located on the line that connects Rome to La Spezia and Genoa.
Starting from any destination, you will be able to reach the city by regional, Intercity, or Eurostar services.
If you come from the northeast, so you necessarily pass through Milan (reachable from almost any station, even at high speed), you can reach Genoa first and then use the regional train to Sestri Levante, stopping one stop before the terminus.
By ferry
Is it possible to reach Rapallo by ferry?
In truth, it is not possible to reach the city of Rapallo directly by the sea, but you will necessarily have to pass through Genoa.
In Rapallo, however, there is the Tigullio Maritime Service, which has tourist boats for the destinations of the five lands in the Ligurian Sea.
The main destinations that can be reached with the service are Santa Margherita Ligure, San Fruttuoso, Portovenere, and Genoa.
Embarkation is at the Langano pier in Rapallo.
By plane
Genoa has an international airport (GOA) which is 38 km from Rapallo.
You will be able to reach, from the airport, the city of Rapallo through a regional connection.
The train to Sestri Levante reaches Rapallo in about an hour, leaving from the station of Genoa Cornigliano.
If you would like to reach Rapallo by bus from the airport, the service takes a good 2 hours and routes, because of the necessary change at Brignole Fs/Capolinea.
A little history of Rapallo
First of all, Rapallo is located in the pass of Ruta, exactly near the Ligurian coast, next to the tourist destinations of Portofino and Zoagli.
The village began to rise starting from 900 B.C. always under the protection of the major city of Genoa, but not as a simple conquest, but as a valid ally also in the wars against the Maritime Republics.
In late medieval and modern times, the cities that overlooked the waters of the Mediterranean had economic, and military but above all cultural and artistic predominance.
Rapallo, right next to the city of Genoa, has had the good fortune to absorb so much of the good influence of the Genoese Republic that it has carried with it to this day the legacies of a prosperous and flourishing culture.
In modern times, starting from 500, the city is sadly remembered for a curious and fascinating – at the same time terrible – event of piracy: the plundering of the pirates led by Dragut, who enslaved the population by plundering most of the city’s goods.
So, shortly after the unfortunate misfortune, the citizens decided to fortify the village with a series of protective walls and defensive systems that you can still admire today in the city.
It is only from the 19th century, however, that Rapallo also became a popular tourist destination: exactly, from the day on which the town’s railway was restored on 31st October 1868.
Rapallo began its transformation from a small fishing town for defensive purposes, to an elegant tourist village with illustrious guests and travelers: from here onwards the city authorities decided to invest in hotels and tourism.
Countless distinguished guests lingered at Rapallo’s marina: Guy de Maupassant, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway, who in 1923 wrote the famous story ‘The Cat in the Rain‘ right here.
In the 20th century, then, important historical events took place in Rapallo: the signing of the peace treaty after the First World War between Italy and Yugoslavia (1920) and that between the Soviet Union and Weimar in 1922.
Rapallo tourism: frequently asked questions
Rapallo: where is it?
Rapallo is a comune (municipality) in Liguria, province of Genova (the city of Genova is 38 km away).
The nearest towns are Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino on the eastern side and Zoagli on the western side.
The Gulf visible from the panoramic view of Rapallo is the famous Gulf of Tigullio, nestled between the plain of the river Boate and the river San Francesco.
What’s the population number Rapallo?
The inhabitants of Rapallo are 29,778 (source ISTAT 2017).
How to get from Rapallo to Portofino?
The towns of Rapallo and Portofino are close: they are only 8 km away.
For those who wish, it is also possible to do the Rapallo Portofino walk (passing through the so-called Passeggiata dei Baci) on foot, while for more reasons there are many solutions: by train, you can take the line from Rapallo to Santa Margherita Ligure – Portofino, and then use the bus line 82 to Portofino (for a total journey of 31 minutes).
By private car, you will take the provincial road 227 from Rapallo to Portofino and reach your destination in less than half an hour.
Rapallo Cinque Terre train: how to reach the Cinque Terre from Rapallo?
Rapallo and the Cinque Terre are on average 1.00h by train; however, there are direct trains that take about 45 minutes.
Ticket prices range from €5 to €11.
For more info, check the official Trenitalia website.
Rapallo and surroundings what to see: conclusions
Here we are at the end of this long article in which I told you what to visit in Rapallo if you have little more than a day available for your holiday.
I have told you what attractions to visit, the sea of Rapallo where you can swim, the best restaurants, and the most comfortable hotels and B&Bs.
Do you have any questions for me or do you want to share with me your experience in the province of Rapallo?
Leave a comment below! I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
If you want to delve deeper, read my articles instead:
A hug,
Andrea
Photo credits:
- Centro Storico di Rapallo: Luca Dea
- Castello di Rapallo: Cruiseget
- Chiosco della Musica: Wikipedia
- Museo Attilio e Cleofe Gaffoglio: Beni Culturali
- Bagni Lido e Flora Rapallo: Spiagge del Tigullio via Facebook
- Bagni Porticciolo: Spiagge del Tigullio
- San Michele di Pagana: Genova24
- Spiaggia di Chiavari: Luca Dea
- Spiaggia di Moneglia: Voloscontato.it
- Castello di Rapallo: Scatti di Gusto
