When planning my Italian Riviera trip, I stumbled upon Rapallo almost by accident. This charming coastal town, often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbors like Portofino, turned out to be the perfect base for exploring Liguria.
Rapallo’s central location along the Italian Riviera made it incredibly easy to visit multiple coastal towns by train and ferry. I also enjoyed more affordable accommodations and fewer crowds.
I fell in love with Rapallo’s authentic Italian atmosphere – the lively Thursday market, colorful buildings in rust and goldenrod, and waterfront promenade where locals gather each evening. Unlike tourist-heavy spots nearby, Rapallo feels like a real Italian town where visitors can experience everyday Ligurian life alongside their sightseeing adventures.
From my Rapallo home base, I could reach Santa Margherita Ligure in just five minutes by train, hike the scenic coastal paths connecting multiple towns, or hop on ferries to explore the entire Ligurian coastline. The town offers the perfect blend of convenience, authenticity, and central location that made my exploration of this stunning region both effortless and delightful.
Discovering Rapallo: The Heart of Liguria
Tucked along the sparkling Mediterranean coastline, Rapallo captures the essence of Liguria with far fewer tourists than its glamorous neighbors. This charming seaside town became my unexpected favorite while exploring the Italian Riviera.
Historical Charm and Scenic Beauty
Walking through Rapallo feels like stepping into a postcard of classic Italian coastal life. The colorful buildings line the waterfront promenade where locals and visitors stroll during the evening passeggiata. I fell in love with the iconic 16th-century castle that sits directly in the harbor, built to defend against pirate attacks.
The town’s historical center surprised me with its narrow caruggi (alleyways) filled with shops selling Ligurian specialties. Unlike overcrowded Portofino just around the peninsula, Rapallo maintains its authentic character.
The backdrop of green hills against the blue Mediterranean creates a stunning contrast that captivated me from my first day. From Rapallo’s harbor, I could easily catch ferries to explore other gems along the Ligurian coast.
A Day in the Life of a Rapallo Inhabitant
My mornings in Rapallo started with espresso at a waterfront café, watching fishermen return with the day’s catch. Local residents greeted each other warmly while picking up focaccia for breakfast – a Ligurian tradition I quickly adopted.
By midday, the small food markets bustled with activity. Vendors sold fresh pesto (a Ligurian invention) and seafood caught just hours earlier. I noticed how inhabitants moved at a relaxed pace, taking time to chat with neighbors.
Afternoons often meant spending time at the lido or taking the cable car up to Montallegro for panoramic views of the Italian Riviera. Unlike the rushed tourists in nearby Cinque Terre, Rapallo’s residents seemed to truly embrace la dolce vita.
Evenings brought families out for aperitivo along the palm-lined waterfront. I joined locals at simple restaurants serving traditional Ligurian dishes like trofie al pesto and fresh anchovies.
Accommodation: Embracing Rapallo’s Hospitality
Finding the right place to stay in Rapallo enhanced my Italian Riviera experience tremendously. The town offers varied accommodation options that blend comfort with authentic Ligurian charm.
Choosing the Perfect Hotel
Hotel Astoria became my haven during my Rapallo adventure. This four-star boutique hotel sits in a central location, making it easy to explore the town on foot. I loved waking up to their breakfast spread before heading out for the day.
The staff went above and beyond with local recommendations that tourists typically miss. They even helped arrange a rental car when I wanted to explore villages beyond the train routes.
Other great options include seafront properties with stunning Mediterranean views. Many hotels in Rapallo strike that perfect balance between luxury and value that’s often hard to find in more famous Italian destinations.
Prices tend to be more reasonable here than in nearby Portofino, especially if you book a few months ahead.
Home Away from Home: Vacation Rentals
For my second week in Liguria, I switched to an apartment rental that gave me a taste of local living. The “Sogno sul Mare” apartment, just a mile from Spiaggia pubblica Travello beach, offered amazing value with its sea views and full kitchen.
Airbnb listings in Rapallo start from just $20 per night, with many options available even for last-minute bookings. I spotted several updated for the 2025 season.
The vacation rental gave me freedom to create my own schedule. I could enjoy morning coffee on my private balcony and prepare simple meals with fresh ingredients from local markets.
Many rentals include bikes, which I used daily for shoreline rides. The hospitality extended beyond just having a place to sleep—it truly felt like having a home in Italy.
Culinary Delights: Savoring Local Flavors
Rapallo revealed itself as a gastronomic paradise that few tourists have discovered. The Ligurian cuisine here combines freshness from the sea with traditional Italian cooking techniques.
Traditional Breakfast Spots in Rapallo
My mornings in Rapallo quickly became a highlight of my trip. I discovered that locals start their day simply but deliciously. Most cafés offer fresh-baked focaccia that’s uniquely Ligurian – thinner and crispier than versions found elsewhere in Italy.
Café Excelsior near the waterfront became my go-to spot. Their cappuccino paired perfectly with focaccia drizzled with local olive oil. For something sweeter, try Pasticceria Canepa where the pine nut cookies (pinolati) make a delightful breakfast treat.
Don’t miss Bar Centrale in the main square. They serve the best brioche filled with house-made pistachio cream. Most breakfast spots open by 7 AM, and you’ll be eating alongside locals heading to work.
Dining Out: Must-Try Restaurants and Spaghetti
Rapallo’s restaurants showcase the best of Ligurian cuisine without the inflated prices of more touristy towns. Trattoria da Mario became my favorite dinner spot with its incredible trofie al pesto – the pasta is hand-twisted and the basil for the pesto comes from nearby gardens.
For seafood lovers, Ristorante Il Pescatore serves spaghetti allo scoglio (seafood spaghetti) that changed my understanding of pasta. The fresh clams, mussels, and shrimp are caught daily.
Don’t overlook the family-run Osteria Numero 7. Their pansoti in salsa di noci (walnut sauce) is a Ligurian specialty rarely found outside the region. Most restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch menus for 15-20€, which provide excellent value.
For a splurge, Da U Giancu in the hills above town serves the most memorable spaghetti with locally-caught anchovies and pine nuts.
Exploring Beyond: Adventure and Day Trips
Rapallo’s perfect location on the Ligurian coast makes it an ideal launchpad for exploring the region’s most breathtaking destinations. From scenic hiking trails to picturesque coastal towns, the adventures waiting just beyond Rapallo enhanced my Italian getaway immensely.
Hiking the Trails of the Ligurian Coast
The hiking opportunities around Rapallo truly surprised me with their diversity and beauty. My favorite trek was the path from Rapallo to Portofino, which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea the entire way.
The trail passes through olive groves and pine forests before reaching the charming town of Santa Margherita Ligure. I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, especially during summer months.
For more challenging hikes, I ventured to the trails above Camogli that lead to San Fruttuoso Abbey. This hidden gem is only accessible by foot or boat, making the journey feel like a real adventure. The descent to the tiny cove where the abbey sits was absolutely worth the effort.
Top Hiking Tips:
- Wear proper footwear (the coastal paths can be rocky)
- Bring plenty of water
- Pack a camera – the views are incredible!
Cultural Excursions: Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Camogli
Cinque Terre was the highlight of my day trips from Rapallo. These five colorful villages cling to the cliffs and offer postcard-worthy views at every turn. I found it easy to reach by train, with frequent connections from Rapallo station.
Portofino, the glamorous fishing village turned celebrity hotspot, was just a short boat ride away. Despite its reputation for luxury, I discovered charming corners away from the main square where locals still mend fishing nets.
Camogli captured my heart with its authenticity. This fishing village boasts colorful buildings along a pebbly beach and serves some of the freshest seafood I’ve tasted. The focaccia at local bakeries is legendary!
Don’t miss Santa Margherita Ligure, which sits between Rapallo and Portofino. Its elegant palm-lined promenade and beautiful orange and yellow buildings make it perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Hitting the Road with a Rental Car
Renting a car opened up parts of Liguria I might have missed relying solely on public transportation. The coastal road toward La Spezia offered breathtaking viewpoints where I could pull over and take in the scenery.
The freedom to explore inland villages was invaluable. I discovered places like Chiavari with its medieval center and bustling Thursday market selling local specialties and artisan goods.
A rental car also made it possible to visit the marble quarries of Carrara, just beyond the Ligurian border in Tuscany. Seeing the massive white mountains where Michelangelo sourced his marble was awe-inspiring.
Driving Tips:
- Book a small car (parking can be tight)
- Use Google Maps offline to navigate narrow roads
- Be prepared for winding coastal routes
Capturing Memories: Photography and Scenic Vistas
Rapallo offers some of the most Instagram-worthy views along the Ligurian coast. The perfect blend of colorful buildings, azure waters, and dramatic cliff backdrops creates an endless array of photography opportunities.
Iconic Photo Ops in Rapallo
The seafront promenade provides stunning shots at any time of day. I found early morning light cast a magical glow on the pastel-colored buildings lining the harbor. The small castle sitting in the bay (Castello di Rapallo) became my favorite subject—it looks different with each passing hour as the Mediterranean light shifts.
Don’t miss the view from the cable car to Montallegro Sanctuary. The panorama stretches across the entire Gulf of Tigullio and is breathtaking at sunset.
For street photography, the narrow alleyways of the old town reveal charming details: flower-laden balconies, intricate doorways, and locals going about their day.
Pro tip: The palm-lined waterfront is particularly photogenic during the “golden hour” just before sunset.
Scenic Drives Along the Italian Riviera
Renting a small car opened up incredible photography opportunities beyond Rapallo itself.
The coastal road to Portofino offers pull-offs with sweeping views of the Mediterranean that simply can’t be captured from the train.
My favorite drive was the stretch between Rapallo and Zoagli. It has a dramatic cliff-hugging road and glimpses of hidden coves below.
I’d stop at seemingly random viewpoints that turned out to be perfect spots for landscape photography.
The route to Sestri Levante revealed new perspectives around each curve. I saw fishing villages tucked into hillsides and terraced vineyards dropping toward the sea.
Pack these essentials for your photography drives:
- Wide-angle lens for coastal vistas
- Polarizing filter to reduce Mediterranean glare
- Small tripod for low-light sunset shots
