Visit Rapallo Italy: Best Things to Do on the Italian Riviera

Cradled between rolling hills and the sparkling Ligurian Sea, Rapallo has all the makings of your next Italian Riviera crush. Colorful buildings lean toward the water, palm trees sway along the promenade, and there’s a relaxed buzz that makes you want to linger. Once a favorite escape for artists like Yeats and Ernest Hemingway, Rapallo blends seaside charm with a dash of Riviera glamour, and plenty of good food and wine. Start your mornings with a slice of warm focaccia from a historic panificio, then ride the cable car up to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro for sweeping views over the Gulf of Tigullio. And if you’re a wine lover, Rapallo is a great base to join Liguria wine tours, where terraced vineyards and crisp coastal whites meet the region’s famous seafood. Evenings? A glass in hand, harbor lights dancing, pure Rapallo magic.

Visit Rapallo: Best things to do

Stroll the vibrant Vittorio Veneto Promenade

Kick things off in Rapallo with a slow, sunny stroll along the Vittorio Veneto promenade. Here, palm trees sway like they’re on holiday too, pastel façades glow in the Ligurian light, and the salty breeze smells faintly of the sea and fresh focaccia. This is the place to linger, order an espresso or a spritz at a waterfront café, people-watch, and wave at the fishermen unloading their catch. And yes, you absolutely need a gelato in hand while you take in the marina, where sleek yachts and colorful fishing boats bob side by side.

Explore the historic Rapallo Castle

Standing by the water, the 16th-century Rapallo Castle has been keeping watch over the harbor since the days when pirate raids were a real threat. Just a short, pleasant walk along the waterfront brings you to this compact but striking landmark, perfectly framed by the turquoise sea. Today, it’s far more about charm than defense, especially in summer, when it becomes the glowing heart of Rapallo’s fireworks festivals, lighting up the night sky in dazzling color.

Take the cable car to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro

One of the best things to do in Rapallo is to hop on the cable car to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro. In just 7 minutes, you’ll glide over olive groves and forested hills, with the Ligurian coast unfolding beneath you in breathtaking style. At the summit, the white-marble sanctuary offers a quiet escape from the buzz of the seaside, along with sweeping views that are worth every second of the ride. Pack a picnic, linger on a bench, or grab a bite at a nearby trattoria, it’s the perfect mix of scenic adventure and pure relaxation.

Visit the vibrant market by the Lungomare

Every Thursday morning, Rapallo’s seafront promenade bursts into life with its weekly street market. Stalls overflow with bottles of golden Ligurian olive oil, local wines, fragrant herbs, and traditional kitchenware you’ll actually want to take home. Between the colorful displays, you’ll also find Italian leather bags, stylish clothing, and other treasures perfect for a souvenir hunt. It’s a lively mix of locals chatting, vendors calling out their offers, and the scent of fresh focaccia drifting from nearby bakeries, a slice of everyday Ligurian life you won’t want to miss.

Visit Rapallo: Best things to do around

Visit the colorful town of Santa Margherita Ligure

Just 2 miles from Rapallo, only 10 minutes by train or 20 by ferry, Santa Margherita Ligure is pure seaside charm. Think pastel villas, sunny cafés, and a waterfront perfect for slow strolls. Grab a gelato, browse a few shops, and soak up the Ligurian sun. On the way to Portofino, swing by Paraggi Beach for a quick dip or a lazy moment by the water. It’s an easy little escape that feels like a holiday within your holiday.

Explore San Fruttuoso Abbey by boat

From Rapallo, a 30-minute boat or ferry ride whisks you to San Fruttuoso, a tiny bay you can only reach by sea or on foot. Here, beneath dramatic cliffs, sits the breathtaking San Fruttuoso Abbey, a medieval gem overlooking crystal-clear waters. The small pebble beach is perfect for a swim, and the whole place feels worlds away from the bustle of the Riviera. You can hike back through the shady, pine-scented hills or hop on a boat to Portofino, it’s the kind of day trip you’ll remember long after the tan fades.

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Walk to the romantic village of Camogli

20 minutes by train, or a gorgeous coastal hike if you’re feeling adventurous Camogli is the seaside town that wins you over instantly. Think candy-colored houses lined up along the water, the smell of fresh bread wafting from tiny panificio bakeries, and plates of homemade pasta calling your name. Stroll the narrow alleys, linger on the pebbled beach, or settle in for a sunset dinner as the sky turns pink over the Ligurian Sea. From Rapallo, it’s an easy escape that’s every bit as magical as it sounds.

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Discover day trips from Genoa

From Genoa, you’ve got a treasure trove of day trip options within easy reach. In under an hour by train or car, you can be sipping espresso in Rapallo, wandering the pastel streets of Camogli, or soaking up the glamour of Portofino. If you’re craving nature, head for the trails of Cinque Terre or explore the lush hills of the Ligurian hinterland. Plan your day trips from Genoa and immerse yourself in Italy’s best destinations, and plan a visit to a Genoa winery.

Good to know before visiting Rapallo