Rapallo

Travel Guide

Rapallo featuring heritage architecture and general coastal views
Rapallo which includes tranquil scenes
Rapallo featuring a coastal town and tranquil scenes
Rapallo
Photo by Adele Billaney

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.

Best Western Plus Tigullio Royal Hotel

Best Western Plus Tigullio Royal Hotel

4 out of 5
Piazza IV Novembre 3, Rapallo, GE
The price is ¥21,122 per night from Oct 3 to Oct 4
¥21,122
per night
Oct 3 - Oct 4
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Rapallo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Lovely hotel and in a great location. Roof top bar was extra special with amazing views over the town and sea."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

Best Western Plus Tigullio Royal Hotel
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast

5 out of 5
Via San Michele Di Pagana 8, Rapallo, GE
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rapallo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
Excelsior Palace
"Great base from which to explore the region, staff were very polite and friendly, lovely pool area and great views."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
Hotel Astoria Rapallo

Hotel Astoria Rapallo

4 out of 5
Via Gramsci Antonio 4, Rapallo, GE
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Rapallo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (697 reviews)
"Staff very polite, very helpful."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

Hotel Astoria Rapallo
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, GE
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Rapallo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Camogli Beach and Paraggi Beach are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
"Check in was very easy and we were able to check in early. Communication was exceptional. Very clean, cute place. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

La Casa Rosa
LHP Suite Rapallo

LHP Suite Rapallo

Via Aschieri 10, Rapallo, GE
Stay at this apartment in Rapallo. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Paraggi Beach and Portofino Marina are located ...
Comfort in an appt with look of a 5 star Hotel
"This place is an amazing find and great value for what it has to offer. As part of LHP the appartment was done following the same look and ammenities of the 5 stars LHP Santa Margherita Palace Hotel (where I stayed last year and reviewed it with a 5 star rating). Clean, comfortable, with 2 full bathrooms ..."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2019

LHP Suite Rapallo
Una Casa al Mare nel cuore di Rapallo

Una Casa al Mare nel cuore di Rapallo

Corso Goffredo Mameli 190, Rapallo, GE
Stay at this apartment in Rapallo. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Paraggi Beach and Portofino Marina are located nearby.
"First of all, Francesca our contact was very nice and helpful. However, there were issues in the property when we arrived. The shower did not work and no shower curtain! The microwave did not work and when we arrived at the property the WIFI was not working either. The next day Francesaca sent a ..."

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

Una Casa al Mare nel cuore di Rapallo
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.

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Things to do

Reviews of Rapallo

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
28
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

One of our favorite places we have ever been!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Such a beautiful great place to stay and enjoy and explore

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Rapallo is a great city to visit in Italy with an awesome location on the Mediterranean and easy to do day trips to surrounding areas such as Portifino and Camogli with its nearby train station! Luved that!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very nice city with beautiful shoreline and convenient train and boat access to the Cinque Terre.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

My husband and I love Rapallo. It is a beautiful area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful!

Cities near Rapallo