13 things to do in Rapallo

Rapallo is not a town full of famous attractions, and it is certainly not a “must-see” place in Liguria, Italy, in the same way as Portofino or Cinque Terre. Even so, it is a genuinely enjoyable seaside town where you can slow down, relax, and experience everyday Italian life.

The centre is small, and almost everything is within walking distance, which is one of the reasons I chose to stay in Rapallo during the winter.

In fact, I stayed here twice: it was my base for a one-week trip in summer and my home for three months in winter.

This Ligurian town works really well as a base for a longer trip in this area of Italy. Because it is very well connected by rail, it’s possible not only to stay here the whole time, but also to travel a bit and visit neighbouring towns.

If you are wondering what to do in Rapallo, simply choose one or two ideas from the list below and enjoy your day at your own pace.

Quick picks

Few hours – walk the promenade + grab some focaccia or gelato
One day – promenade + take the cable car to Montallegro + aperitivo
Two days – 1 day in Rapallo + 1 day in Cinque Terre

Rapallo without a car

Rapallo is situated between Genoa, the capital of Liguria, and Cinque Terre, the famous five seaside towns. It is connected to the main cities by rail: regional Trenitalia trains and faster Intercity trains stop here, which makes getting here (and getting around) very easy.

The train station is just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. And even if you decide to stay in a fancy villa, you can still reach it easily. So you really do not need a car to get to Rapallo or to do day trips during your stay. Even in winter, trains run quite often, so it’s possible to do a day trip without planning far in advance.

In summer, places that cannot be reached by train can be reached by ferry: Portofino (a local bus runs there too) and San Fruttuoso.

1. Take a waterfront walk in Rapallo

Rapallo has a beautiful seaside promenade lined with colourful Ligurian houses. Although the promenade itself is shorter than the one in nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, the walking path along the shore stretches much farther. It begins near the road towards Zoagli and continues all the way to the edge of Santa Margherita Ligure.

Starting at the Chiosco della Musica, you can walk in both directions. One way takes you past the Rapallo castle, a small viewpoint, and a green, quiet park called Parco di Villa Tigullio. The other direction leads towards the harbour, where you’ll find rows of yachts and small boats. It is the easiest way to get a feel for Rapallo: no effort, just sea views and a gentle stroll.

During my winter stay here, I had my dog with me, so everyday walks along the promenade, the river banks, and the narrow streets were not negotiable.

My temporary home was close to the Christopher Columbus monument, so I started many mornings with a walk along the promenade towards the castle. On sunny days, I usually continued even further. It’s much nicer to start the day close to the water than in the darker streets where the sun is blocked by buildings.

View of Rapallo’s colourful buildings and a church tower, photographed from the shore at an angle that looks as if the scene was taken from the water. — Rapallo’s colourful houses and church tower seen from the shoreline

2. Visit the Thursday market

Every Thursday, the area around the Christopher Columbus monument at the beginning of the promenade turns into a market.

I could see it from my kitchen window, and sometimes, when I lost track of time (or, to be exact, what day of the week it was), I could tell “it’s Thursday!” just by seeing the stalls set up when I woke up.

Sometimes the market was so small that it only occupied the area around the monument and a bit more, and sometimes it even reached the Rapallo castle on the opposite side of the promenade.

The variety of goods changed every time, but most of the time you could buy clothing, from belts to jackets, as well as thrifted goods. During the Rapallo town feast in February, it was also possible to find a huge variety of local specialities: cheese, pastries, meat, and fruit.

Even if you do not buy anything (I didn’t), it is still worth visiting, just to feel the local vibe.

3. Walk to Rapallo Castle

The Rapallo promenade ends with a castle by the sea: Castello sul Mare, sitting right on the water at the end of the waterfront walk. It is a 16th-century defensive fortress built under the Republic of Genoa to protect the coast from raids and pirate attacks.

The inside is currently closed to the public most of the time and tends to open only for exhibitions or special events, so it is best to treat it as a photo stop and check the local event calendar if you want to go in.

During my winter stay, the exterior was being renovated, which is common in the off-season. The protective coverings have now been removed (I noticed it online, and my acquaintance from Rapallo confirmed it), so you can see the building as it should be.

4. Stroll through Villa Tigullio and the park

The path along the coast does not end with the Rapallo castle. So if you’re up for a longer walk, continue along the waterfront and, after a while, you’ll reach an entrance to a small park next to the private beach Bagni Vittoria.

This entrance takes you into Parco Casale, a small green park right by the sea, with shady paths, benches, and a big lawn that opens up to views across the Gulf of Tigullio and the Portofino headland.

In the middle of the park you will see Villa Tigullio, a historic Spinola family villa that is known for housing the town’s International Library and the Lace Museum, although access can depend on opening hours and any restoration work at the time.

Visit this park if you want a change from the usual views (promenade, castle, and sea), or simply want to hide from the heat in summer.

5. Start your day with Italian-style coffee

Start your day at Caravaggio Café, a seaside spot I loved during my three winter months in Rapallo. Sit at one of the outdoor tables, order a coffee and a cornetto (an Italian pastry similar to a croissant), and simply watch local life unfold. You will see people walking their dogs, chatting on their way to work, and enjoying the same slow morning routine day after day.

Italians usually have their morning coffee standing at the bar, and an espresso is often all they need. Sitting at a table costs a little more, but you are paying for the view, the atmosphere, and the experience, and it is worth it.

6. Grab focaccia from a local bakery

Pizza is not the only thing you should try in Liguria. Focaccia is one of the region’s most famous foods, and even though you can find it across Italy, the Ligurian version is considered the original.

I often bought focaccia during morning walks with my dog at a local bakery, Panificio Spiga d’Oro.

Try a few varieties:

normale (plain)
alle olive (with olives)
alle cipolle (with onions)

And if you happen to find focaccia con il formaggio (with cheese), definitely taste it. It is softer, thinner, and very different from the classic version.

7. Enjoy Italian food

Rapallo does not have a modern or trendy restaurant scene. Expect simple, traditional Italian food: good pizza, pasta, and of course focaccia.

During my first trip to Liguria, we tried pizza at Pizzeria Nettuno, a seaside restaurant, and it was so delicious that we returned twice more. If you are not in the mood for pizza, the menu also includes pasta and other dishes. Prices are reasonable, so you can enjoy a meal here without worrying about spending too much.

If you prefer something slightly more refined, locals often recommend Pizzeria Bella Napoli.

If you stay here in winter, keep in mind that not every place is open all the time. One Monday evening, when I wanted to grab a beer, almost everything was closed and the town looked dead. I did find an open place in the end, but I also learned the lesson: do not expect to get much on a Monday evening.

8. Go out for aperitivo

Even though Rapallo’s old town is quite small, it still has some nice places for aperitivo. The most obvious option is the waterfront cafés with a view, but it’s also worth looking for a cosy spot in one of the narrow streets inside town.

Just behind the music kiosk is the first place I liked: Gallo Nero. Even in winter it’s possible to sit outside and enjoy the moment, and they also have a huge variety of beers.

Via Giuseppe Mazzini and Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi are two other good areas (in reality, they feel like one long street) with places to sit, get an aperitivo with snacks, and end your day in town.

In summer, it’s much easier to find a café that’s open, but because there are more people (and tourists) in town, finding a table can be trickier. Italians love to sit and talk, so aperitivo often turns into a slow, social part of the evening, not just a quick drink.

In winter, the opposite problem shows up: some places close for holidays, or are simply closed without much explanation. During my winter stay, two big seafront restaurants were closed at different times, and a pizzeria under my window was only open about a third of the time.

9. Swim in Rapallo

If you visit in summer, you will notice the beach clubs lined with umbrellas near the town centre and close to the castle. These are paid beaches. For a free swim, head to one of the two spots where locals usually go.

Piscina Naturale Castello dei Sogni

This is a small, pebbled spot with a simple, local feel. It is close enough for a quick swim after a promenade walk, but because the space is limited it can feel busy at peak times. Even so, in July we still managed to find a place in the evening.

Walk towards Zoagli (about a 15-minute walk from Rapallo Castle).
Pass the castle and the park, then keep going until the road leaves the seafront and continues towards Zoagli.
Look for a brown sign with the beach name, then go down the stairs to reach the beach (there are showers).

Stella Beach

Stella Beach is bigger and usually feels quieter than the first spot, but it takes longer to reach. The walk there is part of the experience, especially if you enjoy coastal paths and want a longer, slower swim stop away from the busiest part of town.

Walk towards San Michele di Pagana (about a 25-minute walk from the Christopher Columbus monument).
When you reach the bay, the map will likely keep you next to the road. For the prettier route, take the hidden stairs down when the road continues to the right.
Follow the narrow path along the water until you are behind Parrocchia di San Michele Arcangelo.
Climb the stairs up to the church, then take the narrow path just behind the right side of the church down to the beach.

10. Take the cable car to Montallegro

Rapallo has a historic cable car that takes you up to Montallegro, a peaceful hilltop with wide views over the Gulf of Tigullio.

The cable car does not operate in winter or during maintenance periods, so always check the official website for dates, times and prices before you go. It is an easy activity, requires no hiking experience and gives you a completely different perspective of the coastline.

It is not easy to find the cable car – I didn’t come across it while roaming around town with my dog, so use the map to find it.

The ride itself is short, and once you reach the top you’ll find a basilica, a cosy café with a view of the bay, walking paths and plenty of quiet places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Definitely visit the basilica – it has something that no other churches here have – many framed pictures of people, ex-votos and relics.

Before going down, grab a drink in the café and enjoy the view of the bay – you can even see the Portofino peninsula from here.

View of Rapallo from the café near the Montallegro funicular top station, with a red flower pot in the foreground and the town and sea below — Looking down at Rapallo from the café in Montallegro

11. Walk to Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure is just an hour’s slow walk away (when I wanted some exercise, I could reach it in half an hour without my slow walking dog). The route takes you through San Michele di Pagana, past elegant villas and small coves. The town itself has a long promenade filled with boats, a castle and a lovely park.

I used to sit here on a bench in the shade of a palm tree, relax, and watch the calm winter water and people walking along the coast.

You can return on foot or take a quick train back to Rapallo. In summer, you can catch the ferry too.

12. Go on a day trip

If you are staying in Rapallo for more than a day or two, you will have time for at least one small trip. These are the ones I did myself while living here in winter.

Recco and Camogli loop

Take a train to Recco, a town famous for focaccia con il formaggio. Visit L’Angolo della Focaccia, buy a slice and enjoy it by the sea. Afterwards, head towards the road leading to Camogli. Within minutes, the views become more dramatic, and the final part of the walk takes you straight into Camogli’s harbour.

Spend some time exploring the seafront before catching a train back to Rapallo. A small tip: look for the lift that takes you up to the train station. It saves some climbing.

Visit Portofino

In summer you can reach Portofino by ferry. When the ferry is not running, take a bus or walk along the coastal path. The walk itself is already an attraction, offering some of the best views in the area.

Portofino is small but very picturesque: a tiny harbour, colourful houses, narrow streets and a viewpoint above the town. Even a short visit feels special.

Visit Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre consists of five villages, each with its own character. They are all connected by train, but only four have direct access to the sea. Corniglia sits on a hill and can be reached only on foot or by shuttle bus.

You can choose how you want to explore:

walk between some of the villages
use the ferry (when running)
travel by train

All options work, so pick the one that suits your energy, time and mood.

A high viewpoint of Vernazza showing the colourful village, harbour and coastline, photographed while hiking. — Vernazza from above during the hike

Visit Porto Venere

Porto Venere is the furthest destination on this list, but also one of the most rewarding. First, take a train to La Spezia, then buy a bus ticket in a tobacco shop and catch a bus to Porto Venere. It takes a bit of effort, but the scenery makes it worth it.

The town has colourful houses along the water, a castle, a church on the rocks and a charming old town. Spend time wandering the narrow streets, have lunch by the sea and finish your visit with gelato before heading back.

13. Meet the locals

Italians are very friendly and love to talk, especially if you know Italian (even just the basics). In my case, having a dog really helped to get their attention. Almost every morning on the promenade, I was greeted by local dog owners. “Maschio o femmina?” (male or female) was the first new phrase that I learned in the first few days of my winter stay.

Most of the time, I didn’t notice when they stopped talking to my dog and switched to talking to me. I noticed three types of Italians here: some tried to talk to me in very basic Italian and gestures (and I was really grateful to them), some switched to English without any issues, and sadly, most simply stopped talking when I said “Non parlo Italiano bene” (I do not speak Italian well).

Thanks to my dog, I met a really nice Italian woman from Milan who stayed in Rapallo during winter with her dog too (quite similar to mine!). It was really nice to have a familiar local face and know that I could contact her if anything happened. That really helps when travelling solo.

FAQ

Is Rapallo worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. While it does not have many tourist attractions, it is a good base for day trips in Liguria. And if you want a slow, relaxed trip, Rapallo is a good choice.

How many days do you need in Rapallo?
One day is enough for the town itself. If you want to visit neighbouring towns, plan at least three days here, or even a week.

Can you visit Portofino from Rapallo without a car?
Yes, you can. In summer you can take a ferry (about 30 minutes); in winter, go by bus. If you fancy a picturesque walk, you can reach Portofino in about two hours.

Is Rapallo a good base for Cinque Terre or Portofino?
Portofino is very close to Rapallo and can even be reached on foot. Cinque Terre is further, but it can easily be reached by train and, in summer, by ferry. Rapallo is a great place to stay if you want to visit both in one trip.

Is Rapallo good in winter?
Rapallo in winter is quieter than in summer, but still a lively town, especially on sunny days when locals go out to enjoy the mild weather. Most days are quite cold (around 6-10°C), so bring a warmer jacket. Sunny days are not that common, though. The upside is that the milder weather lets you explore Ligurian towns without the summer heat.

Where can you swim for free in Rapallo?
Choose one of the two free beaches: Piscina Naturale Castello dei Sogni or Stella Beach. Both are a 15-30 minute walk from the Rapallo promenade.

Is Rapallo dog-friendly?
Like most places in Italy, Rapallo is very dog-friendly. There are no “Dogs allowed” signs on café or shop doors because dogs are allowed almost everywhere. I didn’t take mine to the supermarket, but I did once spot a fairly big dog inside a local butchery.

Final thoughts

Rapallo may not be the most famous town in Liguria, but it is one of the easiest and most enjoyable places for a slow, stress-free visit. Everything is close, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can plan as much or as little as you want. Whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, Rapallo gives you a simple taste of Italian seaside life, without rushing, without pressure, and without a long checklist of things to see.