What Makes Rapallo a Must-Visit Destination on the Italian Riviera?
The city of Rapallo, a renowned holiday resort on the Ligurian coast with around 30,000 inhabitants located 30 km from Genoa, occupies a narrow basin between the sea and the hills. The houses of the port and the masts of the docked ships line up with elegance and simplicity in the western corner of the Gulf of Tigullio, while the city territory is crossed by a dense network of waterways and extends between the two main rivers, the Boate and the San Francesco. Nestled in a hilly countryside, with gentle slopes and lush nature overflowing with sun, the town of Rapallo is separated from the sea by a fascinating coastline, where the buildings overlooking the water are reflected in the waves and blend with the rocks and cliffs. The territory on which today’s Rapallo stands has been inhabited since at least the 7th century BC.
The History of Rapallo
The remains of a tomb discovered at the beginning of the 20th century during some excavations can be traced back to this period. Over the centuries, Rapallo – which first appeared with this name in a document from 964 AD – grew and was at the center of important historical events, until the arrival of the railway at the end of the 19th century brought about the birth of the tourist phenomenon on this stretch of the Ligurian Riviera.
Proud and perhaps a little vain, certainly in love with the sunsets it enjoys, the Castle on the Sea is today the symbol of the city par excellence, which from the Vittorio Veneto seafront enjoys a privileged position, overlooking the waters of the gulf. Also called the Medieval Castle, the manor is actually a more recent construction than what we normally call medieval, as it was only erected in the second half of the 16th century. Today, however, it has been declared an Italian national monument by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.
The small chapel dedicated to San Gaetano, housed inside the fortress, dates back to 1688 and from the outside only the graceful dome with bell can be glimpsed. If the castle is the symbol and pride of Rapallo and its inhabitants, the Civic Tower of the 15th century is instead a symbol of the rebirth of the city: built in 1473, the largest and most important of the coastal watchtowers was intended to establish peace between the people of the village, after a century of internal struggles and power disputes. A medieval construction is the so-called Hannibal Bridge, although the style is typically Roman. Considered one of the most famous monuments of Rapallo, the bridge has a singular name that puts historians in difficulty, as there is no well-founded evidence of a passage of the leader Hannibal through these lands.
Sacred Buildings and Museums
After admiring the best civil buildings in the city, it is worth visiting the sacred buildings of Rapallo: first of all the Basilica of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, which marks the heart of the historic center and stands out over the adjacent buildings since the distant 17th century, flanked by the suggestive leaning bell tower from 1753.
Also worthy of visitors’ attention is the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montallegro, which rises to the top of a hill and from its 612 meters above sea level casts its gaze over the splendid panorama of the Ligurian coast. Built following an apparition of the Virgin told by a local farmer in July 1557, the building is one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the area and is still the destination of great pilgrimages, especially during the patron saint festivities, the first days of July.
The city offers visitors a wide choice of museums and exhibition galleries to appreciate local art or learn more about the history of Rapallo and its people. One of the most unique and interesting museums is undoubtedly the Lace Museum, set up in the elegant rooms of Villa Tigullio, located inside the Casale Park. Officially opened to the public in 1990, the museum was expanded in 1997 until it reached its current wealth: today there are around 1,400 lace artefacts made between the 16th century and the end of the 20th century, to which various items of clothing are added, pieces of furniture and over 5,000 drawings that illustrate the art of lace making.
Beaches and Relaxation
After a tour of the city, in summer many visitors choose to relax by the sea: Rapallo has only one natural beach near the port, but there are many establishments equipped with piers where you can sunbathe. Leaving the city in the direction of Zoagli there are some slightly larger beaches, but always very popular: among these we remember the Pozzetto beach.
Events
To truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the most authentic Rapallo, made of genuine traditions and a desire to be together, the best opportunity will be the numerous village festivals and events that are organized throughout the year. On July 2nd, for example, the Festa della Madonna di Montallegro takes place, with a market that extends along the seafront and the streets of the center. Those who happen to be in the city in winter – and precisely in December – can take a walk among the Christmas markets at the Castle, while in January, they can attend the suggestive Fiera di San Sebastiano, with its 500 stalls full of sweets, handicrafts, clothing and all sorts of local products. In addition, every last Sunday of the month, lovers of antiques and vintage objects will find something to their liking in the market that occupies the historic center of the city.
Climate
The welcoming and familiar atmosphere of this sunny city is completed by the Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, made even more pleasant by the beneficial action of the sea. July and August are the hottest and least rainy months, in fact they record average temperatures ranging from 21°C minimum to 27°C maximum, and are hit by rainfall for only a few days. The coldest month is January, with average values between 5°C and 11°C, and the rainiest seasons are spring and autumn, when it rains for an average of one week a month.
How to Get There
Getting to Rapallo is simple, whatever the means used and the origin. Those traveling by car from Milan can use the A7 Milan-Genoa motorway, take the A12 junction towards La Spezia and exit at the Rapallo toll booth; those coming from France can take the A10 Genoa – Ventimiglia and then continue on the A7 junction and the A12 branch to their destination; finally, those coming from the south are advised to take the A12 Genoa- Rosignano to the Rapallo exit. Equipped with an efficient railway station that connects it to the main cities of the region and beyond, Rapallo is located just 38 km from Genoa Airport, served by numerous connecting flights to many European destinations.
Where to Stay
For a luxurious experience, consider the Excelsior Palace Hotel with its stunning views and impeccable amenities. For a mid-range option, the Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa offers modern comforts. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate Hotel Astoria, known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service. For a more boutique experience, try Il Convento, a charming hotel set in a historical building.
Where to Eat
Rapallo is home to fantastic dining options. For authentic Ligurian cuisine, visit Ristorante U Giancu, famous for its seafood dishes. Ristorante Le Cupole offers a fine dining experience with stunning views. For traditional pesto and focaccia, try O Bansin in the heart of the city. Looking for something casual? Ristorante Vesuvio serves delicious Italian classics, while La Trattoria Rosa is perfect for a family-friendly atmosphere.