{"id":55577,"date":"2025-01-29T13:37:30","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T13:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/11-best-things-to-do-in-rapallo-italy\/"},"modified":"2025-01-29T13:37:30","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T13:37:30","slug":"11-best-things-to-do-in-rapallo-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=55577","title":{"rendered":"11 Best Things to Do in Rapallo, Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Rapallo, Italy, is a small seaside town on Italy\u2019s Ligurian coast within a stone\u2019s throw of the most glamorous spots on the Italian Riviera.<\/strong> I based here when I was traveling around the Italian Riviera a few years ago and it ended up being the perfect place.<\/p>\n

Rapallo is a popular town for Italian tourists, but you\u2019ll find very few foreigners here. That, plus a dose of grittiness amongst the pretty beaches, keeps things feeling genuine and super local.<\/p>\n

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Planning your trip to Rapallo last minute?<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s not (yet) a super popular spot with international travelers, Rapallo does receive a lot of Italian tourists so it\u2019s still a good idea to book tours & hotels in advance.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9 Top Experiences and Tours in Rapallo<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Dine with locals <\/a>(A great way to try local cuisine!)<\/li>\n
  2. Learn to make pesto <\/a>(It originated in the Liguria region!)<\/li>\n
  3. Visit other Italian Riviera towns (Rapallo makes a great base)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \ud83d\udecc\u00a0 Top-Rated Hotels in Rapallo:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    1. Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast<\/a> (Luxury hotel with an infinity pool & private beach!)<\/li>\n
    2. Hotel Astoria<\/a> (Mid-range hotel in a central location)<\/li>\n
    3. Hotel Italia e Lido Rapallo<\/a> (Beachfront budget option)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \ud83d\ude97 Renting a car from the Pisa airport?<\/strong> Find deals on car rental rates here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      I\u2019ll be honest \u2014 once you get away from the waterfront, Rapallo is a bit gritty, and that might put off some travelers.<\/strong> It\u2019s not an ugly town, by any means, and the town center is pleasantly pretty \u2014 but it\u2019s nothing like the dramatic cliff-top villages of the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre<\/a> here.<\/p>\n

      Personally, I like a city with a little edge (it\u2019s why Naples<\/a> and Palermo<\/a> are two of my favorites). It\u2019s usually a sign that there are great restaurants here \u2014 which is certainly true in Rapallo. Plus, Rapallo has a beautiful beach and the waterfront is a nice spot to photograph.<\/p>\n

      Overall, Italians travel to Rapallo because they love it here. (They actually sell \u201cF*ck it, let\u2019s go to Rapallo\u201d tote bags in the stores. I still regret not buying one.)<\/p>\n

      Best of all, Rapallo is easily connected to towns all over the coast, including Cinque Terre<\/a>, Portofino, and Camogli<\/a>. You can hop on a train, bus, or ferry, explore a few new towns on the Italian Riviera for the day, and be back in Rapallo in time for a delicious seaside dinner.<\/p>\n

      This post was published in January 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.<\/em><\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      Rapallo\u2019s promenade is the way to get to know the waterfront.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Best Things to Do in Rapallo, Italy<\/h2>\n

      Stroll along the promenade<\/h3>\n

      One of the first things you must do in Rapallo is take a walk along the seaside promenade.<\/strong> Here you\u2019ll see other tourists and locals enjoying the passeggiatta<\/em> strolling ritual as you admire the historic buildings, swaying palm trees, and beautiful water.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      The promenade, officially named Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, is where you\u2019ll find Rapallo\u2019s famous Thursday market, Mercato del Gioved\u00ec. Depending on the time of year, you may also be able to see Christmas or Easter markets, summer festivals, sporting events, and concerts along the promenade.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      As you walk along the Vittorio Veneto Promenade, you\u2019ll be walking past many of Rapallo\u2019s main attractions. From the 16th century castle in the east to the modern marina to the west, you\u2019ll pass Casa Garibalda, the Octopus Fountain, statues, gardens, and beaches.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      \"People\"People\n<\/picture>
      It\u2019s always fun to have an Italian dinner with new friends! Via Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Dine with Rapallo locals<\/h3>\n

      I never pass up a chance to enjoy the best regional Italian food, especially when it\u2019s served in an Italian home!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      In this private local dining experience<\/a>, you\u2019ll be welcomed into a family home in Rapallo for a delicious lunch or dinner. Your experience starts in the kitchen where your host will do a quick cooking demonstration to better explain the foods you\u2019ll be eating.<\/p>\n

      Next, you\u2019ll tuck into a four-course meal of Ligurian specialties complete with a starter, pasta, main, dessert, and local wine. Throughout the meal, you\u2019ll get to know your host and their family, as well as learn more about food from this region of Liguria.<\/p>\n

      You\u2019ll leave with a full stomach, a wealth of knowledge, and new local friends!\u00a0<\/p>\n

      \"Hands\"Hands\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n

      Learn to make pesto<\/h3>\n

      Pesto, arguably one of the best uses of basil possible, originated in the Liguria region of Italy. Here, the basil is second to none.<\/strong> Traditionally, pesto was made with a mortar and pestle, which is exactly how you\u2019ll learn to make it in this pesto cooking class<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      Class begins with a toast of sparkling wine, followed by information about how to prepare pesto. Your guide will assist as you learn to make pesto the authentic Ligurian way. <\/p>\n

      After your hard work, you\u2019ll be able to taste the fruits of your labor. You\u2019ll also enjoy an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting with fresh focaccia.<\/p>\n

      Just don\u2019t be surprised if you look at jarred pesto with contempt for the rest of your life!<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      Rapallo sure loves the hour of aperitivo!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Join the locals for aperitivo<\/h3>\n

      Aperitivo is one of my favorite Italian traditions: heading out for a pre-dinner drink with some light bites or snacks.<\/strong> In Rapallo, where summer nights draw big crowds, you\u2019ll see the streets become a hive of activity just before dinnertime. Everyone finds their favorite aperitivo place and sits down at an outdoor table for a cocktail and some snacks.<\/p>\n

      Charlie and I enjoyed a bunch of great aperitivo evenings, and one spot we especially liked was I Papi Neri. This area is stacked with tons of great aperitivo bars.<\/p>\n

      So while you\u2019re in Rapallo, do as the locals do! Treat yourself to an aperitivo after a big day of exploring the coast. It\u2019s the best way to watch the sun go down and start appeasing the beginning of your hunger.<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      How about this view from the cable car in Rapallo! Via Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Take the cable car to Santuario Basilica di Montallegro<\/h3>\n

      Santuario Basilica di Montallegro, or The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro, is a beautiful church set high on a hill inland from Rapallo. <\/strong>The sanctuary sits just over 2000 feet above sea level and the best way to get there from Rapallo is by cable car.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      Departing every 10 to 30 minutes, the seven-minute cable car ride will take you high above the hills and beaches of Rapallo. Along the way, you\u2019ll enjoy beautiful coastal views until you reach the top, where the 16th-century church awaits you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      Explore the ancient church where you\u2019ll find a marble facade, beautiful paintings, stained glass, and figurines. The top of the hill also has a restaurant and some hiking paths. You can even hike up or down if you don\u2019t want to take the cable car.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      Rapallo\u2019s beaches at twilight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Relax at the beaches<\/h3>\n

      There are a number of public beaches and private beach clubs (bagni<\/em>) in and around Rapallo.<\/strong> Close to the town center are the public beaches Pomaro and San Michele. Pomaro is a small beach with nice views of the town, while San Michele is a rocky beach with easy sea access and bright water.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

      But for a more serene environment, I recommend heading closer to Portofino, where you\u2019ll find a few highly-rated beaches like Paraggi Beach and Niasca Beach (both a 15-minute drive from Rapallo). Paraggi has a mix of concrete and sand terrain, plus lots of beachside amenities Niasca is more of a hidden gem accessed only by foot or boat.<\/p>\n

      One of the nicest beaches in the area is in Sestri Levante, a town located about 25 minutes from Rapallo by car. Here the beach is split 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 relaxing and tranquil beach day or head to the Bay of Fairy Tales for cafes and water activities. Both bays offer beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea!\u00a0<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      Rapallo Castle is the landmark of the town itself.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Visit the Rapallo Castle<\/h3>\n

      The Rapallo Castle is a landmark in town, jutting out over the water along the Gulf of Rapallo. <\/strong>The castle was originally built as part of the town walls in the 16th Century to defend the coast and discourage pirate attacks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      After later being used as a prison, the castle finally became a sightseeing landmark and home to local events and exhibits in the 1990\u2019s. Each year on July 3rd in celebration of Our Lady of Montallegro, the castle is lit up with colorful fireworks and smoke.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      Villa Tigullio, via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Learn about lace at Villa Tigullio\u00a0<\/h3>\n

      Villa Tigullio is a historical landmark in Rapallo, a home once belonging to the Spinola family and now hosting important cultural collections for the town.<\/strong> Inside Villa Tigullio you\u2019ll find the Lace Museum and the International Library.<\/p>\n

      Head to the Lace Museum to learn about the history of bobbin lace, which has been produced in Liguria since the 16th Century. Check out the different tools and designs, plus enjoy looking at lots of lace pieces that were made in the Rapallo lace and embroidery factory, which closed in 1968.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      The outside of the villa is quite impressive as well. The grounds surrounding it are part of Parco Casale, a beautiful place to walk amongst greenery and rare plants. It\u2019s also a good place for bird watching or to look out over the sea views.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      The Ponte di Annibale in Rapallo Italy, via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      See the Hannibal Bridge<\/h3>\n

      Rapallo\u2019s Hannibal Bridge, or Ponte di Annibale, is a single-arch stone bridge and one of the oldest structures in town. <\/strong>The existence of the bridge was first recorded in 1049 but the exact date it was built is unknown.<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s not known how the bridge got its name. The rumor was that the bridge was used by Carthaginian commander Hannibal in the Second Punic War. However, there is no historical data to suggest Hannibal was anywhere near Rapallo at the time \u2014 and no information about how his name became associated with the bridge.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      Today the bridge is simply an ancient structure to admire from afar, as access has been closed to the public. Despite not being a functional bridge, it still makes for a nice photo op during your time in Rapallo.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      The town of Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Italy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Spend a day in Cinque Terre<\/h3>\n

      Of course, no trip to the Italian Riviera is complete without a visit to Cinque Terre<\/a>, the famous five coastal towns known for their colorful homes and sheer cliffs.<\/strong> However, staying overnight in Cinque Terre is both expensive and tricky with bags, as the towns are steep and full of stairs.<\/p>\n

      Instead, it\u2019s super-easy to visit Cinque Terre from Rapallo (in fact, that\u2019s what I did myself!). From May to October, there is a daily ferry that connects Rapallo to the towns of Cinque Terre; year-round, you can easily take a train to the town of Monterosso al Mare, which takes about 40 minutes, and hop on the local train to explore the four other towns from there.<\/p>\n

      The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre is made up of five towns that are connected by train, boat, and hiking paths. Keep in mind that the boat service is seasonal, and sections of the hiking path are often closed due to weather and repairs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      Each town \u2014 Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore \u2014 is unique in their own way, though they all share beautiful views. Monterosso is the only town with a large swimming beach; Vernazza and Riomaggiore are each pleasant to walk around; Corniglia is different, inland and up high; and Manarola has the ultimate postcard shot of Cinque Terre, which I recommend visiting just before sunset.<\/p>\n

      Enjoy exploring each town and discovering what makes this area so special. But be warned, it will be packed<\/em> during the summer months!\u00a0<\/p>\n

      Read More: Guide to the 5 Towns of Cinque Terre<\/a><\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      Portofino is a lovely town to visit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Visit other Italian Riviera towns<\/h3>\n

      Rapallo is an excellent town to base yourself in if you want to explore other towns of the Italian Riviera.<\/strong> Here are a few of my favorites, and how to reach them from Rapallo.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      In fact, you could easily make a loop, exploring Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli, before heading back. Genoa is better to do on its own.<\/p>\n

      Santa Margherita Ligure<\/strong>: From Rapallo, it\u2019s an easy 10-minute drive, bus or train ride, or 15-minute boat ride to Santa Margherita Ligure. You could also walk there in around 45 minutes. Once there you can admire the colorful homes and hundreds of boats, visit the beaches, and enjoy local fresh seafood. This city is larger and more middle-class than its more famous neighbor, Portofino.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

      Portofino<\/strong>: From Rapallo, it\u2019s a 20-minute drive, 35-minute bus and train ride, or 30-minute boat ride to Portofino. You likely know Portofino as a hot vacation spot for the rich and famous, and the small town is lined with luxury boutiques. The cafes are nice, but be warned \u2014 I paid 30 euros for two affogatos once. About five times what it would cost most other places!<\/p>\n

      San Fruttuoso<\/strong>: Lovely San Fruttuoso is only accessible by boat (unless you hike in), with the journey taking about one hour. Once there you\u2019ll be met by a beautiful beach, a medieval Romanesque Abbey, and a charming village.\u00a0San Fruttuoso is lovely, but super tiny \u2014 this pairs well with Portofino.<\/p>\n

      Camogli:<\/strong> Camogli<\/a> might be my favorite town on the Italian Riviera! It\u2019s relaxing, gorgeous, there is a nice, huge pebbly beach with bright turquoise water, the seafood is delicious, and the houses are painted in the trademark sun-drenched shades of Liguria. Camogli is much more popular with Italians than international tourists \u2014 I find it similar to Rapallo that way, but prettier overall.<\/p>\n

      Genoa<\/strong>: Genoa, known as Genova in Italy, is the main city of Liguria and a 30-45 minute train ride from Rapallo. The city feels like a baby Naples and is pretty gritty \u2014 but I loved the dark alleyways of the old town, filled with tiny bars serving super-cheap wine. I loved exploring the dark and narrow alleys of Genova and popping into different wine bars around the city. I also enjoyed the little beach in the colorful neighborhood of Boccadasse.<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      Most of Rapallo can be seen in a day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      How Much Time to Spend in Rapallo, Italy<\/h2>\n

      Since Rapallo is a smaller port town, you can easily see the main sights in a single day. <\/strong>You could maybe stretch that to two days if you wanted to spend a few hours lying on the beach.<\/p>\n

      But I think Rapallo\u2019s main appeal is that it makes such a great base for exploring the Italian Riviera. If that\u2019s your plan, you could easily spend a week here. Spend a day in Cinque Terre, spend a day or two exploring different towns, spend a day or two on the beach, and you\u2019ll be vacationing the way Italians do.<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      Rapallo is well connected by train.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      How to Get to Rapallo, Italy<\/h2>\n

      You can get to Rapallo by train, bus or boat.<\/strong> The town is connected to lots of places along the Ligurian coast by train, such as Cinque Terre, or by bus, such as Santa Margherita Ligure.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      If you\u2019re flying into Italy, the closest airports to Rapallo are in Genoa and Pisa. Genoa is technically closer, but Pisa often has more connections, especially on budget airlines. From Genoa, it\u2019s a 30-45 minute train ride to Rapallo, and from Pisa, it\u2019s a two-hour train ride to Rapallo.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

      You could also choose to fly into Milan, which is probably the better choice if you\u2019re coming from another continent. From there, it\u2019s a 2.5 hour train ride to Rapallo.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      \"A\"A\n<\/picture>
      There are hotels both along the waterfront and in town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Where to Stay in Rapallo, Italy<\/h2>\n

      Despite not being as popular with international tourists and despite being a smaller city, Rapallo still has lots of great accommodation options.<\/strong> As a bonus, you\u2019ll pay significantly less for a room here than you would in nearby Portofino or Cinque Terre!\u00a0<\/p>\n