This coastal town on the Italian Riviera has a 16th-century castle overlooking its harbor, palm-lined promenades, and traditional Ligurian restaurants along its waterfront.
Rapallo stretches along Italy's Ligurian coast between Genoa and Cinque Terre, where palm trees line the waterfront promenade and pastel-colored buildings fill the medieval streets. You can watch fishing boats bob in the harbor next to the 16th-century castle, explore the leaning bell tower of the 12th-century basilica, or take the cable car up to Montallegro for views across the Mediterranean.
Getting to Rapallo
Trains connect Rapallo to major Italian cities, with journey times of 1 hour from Genoa, 2 hours 15 minutes from Milan, and 4.5 hours from Rome. The nearest airport is Genoa's Christopher Columbus Airport, a 40-minute drive away. During summer months, ferries link Rapallo with Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre.
Walking the Seaside Promenade
The red-brick Lungomare Vittorio Veneto curves around the harbor, where palm trees shade Art Nouveau buildings. You'll see local families strolling, children eating gelato, and visitors resting on benches watching boats in the harbor. The 16th-century Castello sul Mare guards the eastern end of the walkway, its stone walls rising directly from the water. In summer evenings, local bands play at the 1920s bandstand.
Exploring the Historic Center
Behind the waterfront, narrow pedestrian streets lead into Rapallo's old town. The Basilica of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, dating from 1118, draws attention with its distinctly tilted bell tower. Look up to spot the Municipal Clock Tower from 1473, and notice the trompe l'oeil paintings on building facades. Walk through the Saline Gate, the last remaining section of the medieval walls, to connect between the historic center and the waterfront.
Taking the Cable Car to Montallegro
An 8-minute cable car ride from Piazza Solari takes you 600 meters up the hillside to the Sanctuary of Montallegro. During the ascent, you'll see the Gulf of Tigullio spread out below. The 1558 sanctuary contains maritime votives from sailors, and its 1896 marble facade catches the afternoon sun. Several marked hiking trails begin at the summit.
Local Food and Dining
Try Ligurian specialties in Rapallo's restaurants, especially trofie al pesto - short twisted pasta with fresh basil sauce. Local fishermen supply restaurants with daily catches, which appear on menus as grilled fish or in traditional fish stews. While restaurants line the waterfront, you'll find family-run trattorias serving regional dishes in the historic center's side streets.
Day Trips from Rapallo
From Rapallo, you can walk the coastal path to Santa Margherita Ligure and continue to Portofino. Regular trains connect to the Cinque Terre villages and Genoa. Take a boat to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, tucked into a small cove along the coastline, where you can swim in the clear waters below the medieval monastery.
Best Time to Visit
Rapallo's Mediterranean climate brings mild temperatures year-round. May temperatures reach 20°C (68°F), while late summer sees highs of 27°C (80°F). Many shops and restaurants close during winter, so visit between Easter and October. On Thursday mornings, local vendors sell fresh produce, clothes, and household items at the Mercato del Giovedi along the waterfront promenade.
