Rapallo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Rapallo showing heritage architecture and general coastal views
One of Italy’s secret gems, this Ligurian port city has bright beaches, mild weather, luxurious hotels and historic architecture.

As you round the Tigullio Gulf toward Rapallo, walk along the calm waters and jutting crags to see castles and villas looking out over a beautiful harbor. Ride a cable car to a mountain sanctuary. Savor the pretty views or descend and walk along the ancient Ponte di Annibale. Relax on the beach for perfect sunbathing. See why wealthy Italians have been making this their vacation spot for decades.

Since its Greek occupation in the 8th century, Rapallo has been conquered by Lombardians, Ottomans, North African pirates and French invaders. The many territorial changes led to construction of several castles along the water and a rich blend of cultures visible in area landmarks. Here Nietzsche conceived one of his greatest books of philosophy. Poet Ezra Pound, caricaturist Max Beerbohm and theater practitioner Gordon Craig also lived here during significant phases of their lives.

Right on the water are two stunning castles. Visit the weathered and mossy Rapallo Castle, built to withstand an onslaught of pirates during the 16th century with impressive stonework visible from outside. Enter to learn about the rich histories that led to their existences today.

Visit the Basilica of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, a church located in the city’s historic center. It has undergone several renovations since its construction in the 12th century. Today, it still houses a leaning bell tower.

Make a journey by cable car up into the hills near Rapallo to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro (Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montallegro). Inside are Byzantine paintings and perfectly preserved marble and gold detail-work dating from the 17th century.

Fly into Christopher Columbus Airport near Genoa and drive 40 minutes down the coast to reach Rapallo. Once here, walk between any two points in the city in less than an hour.

Enjoy a romantic getaway or weekend trip to Rapallo, a quieter part of the Riviera. With numerous bars and fresh seafood restaurants, Rapallo is also a wonderful place to take an extended break.

Hotel Rosabianca
Hotel Rosabianca
4 out of 5
Lungomare Vittorio Veneto 42, Rapallo, Città Metropolitana di Genova
The price is NZ$171 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
NZ$171
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rapallo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Basilica of Sts. Gervasius and Protasius and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
"View of the sea, beach and restaurants/people from the living room and balcony was amazing! Suite was nice and clean and modern. (TV in the bedroom did not connect to the internet and the regular channels. A minor inconvenience.) We watered the plant on the small balcony."

Reviewed on 2 Oct. 2023

Hotel Rosabianca
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
5 out of 5
Via San Michele Di Pagana 8, Rapallo, GE
The price is NZ$469 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
NZ$469
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rapallo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Old school classic. Great staff, service and hospitality"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
Hotel Riviera
Hotel Riviera
3 out of 5
Piazza Iv Novembre 2, Rapallo, GE
The price is NZ$225 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$225
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Rapallo. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (206 reviews)
Pleasant Stay
"We had a pleasant stay at the Rivier. The reception staff were helpful and accommodating. We had a large terrace which was a bonus, although it did need some TLC. Good breakfast"

Reviewed on 15 Oct. 2023

Hotel Riviera
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
La Casa Rosa
La Casa Rosa
Via San Massimo 102, Rapallo
Stay at this apartment in Rapallo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Chiesa Millenaria Sacro Cuore di Gesu and Affresco del Lebbrosario ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"lieu extrêmement agréable, calme et propre"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2022

La Casa Rosa
Belvilla by OYO La Panoramica
Belvilla by OYO La Panoramica
Rapallo
Stay at this villa in Rapallo. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Torre di Punta Pagana and Ponte di Annibale are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Super schönes Haus
"Sehr geschmackvoll eingerichtet, die Aussicht ist wunderbar! Wir wurden sehr freundlich begrüßt und es war alles vorbereitet, u.a. auch ein "Erstüberlebenspaket" mit Spaghetti und Wein. Wer gut zu Fuß ist und die Natur liebt, ist hier bestens aufgehoben! Vielen Dank!"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2023

Belvilla by OYO La Panoramica
FORTRESS OF SAN MICHELE CITRA 010046-LT-1839
FORTRESS OF SAN MICHELE CITRA 010046-LT-1839
Rapallo
Stay at this apartment in Rapallo. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions San Michele di Pagana Beach and Castello di Punta Pagana are ...
FORTRESS OF SAN MICHELE CITRA 010046-LT-1839
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Rapallo

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 22.22222222222222%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 66.66666666666667%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 11.11111111111111%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Aug 2019

Small town. We based ourselves there and traveled by but train to cinqueterre and portofino. Great not too busy. Beach clubs small compared to other places but nice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
13 Jun 2019

Not crowded and beautiful

Cities near Rapallo