Rapallo(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Rapallo, the top family-friendly hotel with sea views is Hotel La Palma, a family-run boutique property perched on a cliffside overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Its spacious rooms feature private balconies, kid-friendly amenities, and direct access to a private beach. Just a 5-minute walk leads to Santa Maria Church and the historic town center. The hotel offers free bicycle rentals to explore scenic coastal trails. Its rooftop terrace provides panoramic sunset views, perfect for family photos. Daily breakfast includes fresh local bread, olive oil, and Italian espresso, offering an authentic taste of Italian life.

Another excellent choice is Villa Aurora Resort & Spa, blending modern design with Mediterranean charm. It features a children’s pool, supervised activities, and a kids’ club. Located just 100 meters from the beach, it’s ideal for families seeking comfort and convenience. Both properties offer warm hospitality and seamless access to nature and culture.

The best area to stay in Rapallo for first-time visitors is the Old Town (Centro Storico) and Lungomare (Seaside Promenade). The Old Town boasts narrow cobblestone streets and centuries-old villas, with easy access to Santa Maria Church and local markets—ideal for travelers who enjoy history and slow-paced exploration. Meanwhile, the Lungomare district hosts most sea-view hotels and restaurants, including Hotel Marina and B&B Il Giardino del Sole, where guests can enjoy sun-drenched beaches and ocean breezes. This area is well-connected by bus services to Leghorn (Livorno) and Genoa, making it convenient for day trips. Staying here combines cultural immersion with seaside relaxation, offering the perfect balance for newcomers.

Must-try cultural experiences in Rapallo include attending the Festa dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Festival), held annually in summer at the Old Harbor. Visitors witness traditional dances in fishermen’s costumes and sample Cacciucco alla Rapallo, a rich seafood stew made with freshly caught bluefin tuna. Explore the Renaissance frescoes inside Santa Maria Church to learn about the town’s religious heritage. Join a hands-on ceramics workshop led by local artisans, where you’ll create your own piece inspired by Ligurian folk art. These immersive activities highlight Rapallo’s deep-rooted maritime traditions and creative spirit, while supporting local communities and sustainable tourism.

Rapallo’s signature dishes center around fresh Mediterranean seafood. Try Cacciucco alla Rapallo, a hearty stew made with octopus, squid, clams, tomatoes, onions, and white wine—a regional specialty. Another must-try is Fritto Misto di Mare, a golden-fried platter of mixed seafood served with lemon. Local olive oil and balsamic vinegar are also renowned; visit Mercato del Porto to buy artisanal Extra Vergine Olive Oil and Aceto Balsamico di Rapallo. For authentic flavors, dine at Trattoria da Gigi, a century-old restaurant that uses only locally sourced ingredients. Each dish reflects the essence of Ligurian cuisine—simple, bold, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Yes, Rapallo is excellent for hiking. The Sentiero del Litorale (6 km) starts at Santa Maria Church, winds through pine forests and rocky cliffs, and ends at Baia di Pescatore, offering breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea. Another popular route is the Monte Maggiore Trail (3.5 km), leading to a summit with panoramic vistas of the town and distant Alpine peaks. Scenic viewpoints and resting benches are available along both trails, suitable for families and beginners. Hike early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Trails are clearly marked, but wear non-slip shoes. Bring water and sunscreen—this is a true coastal adventure.

For couples seeking romance, Hotel Villa Elena stands out—a 19th-century Victorian villa nestled on a hillside with private sea-view terraces and outdoor hot tubs. Each room is adorned with hand-painted murals by local artists, creating an intimate, artistic ambiance. The hotel offers private dinner service on the terrace, featuring a chef-curated Mediterranean two-course meal paired with regional wines. Nearby, B&B Il Faro offers a “Lighthouse Suite” with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Ligurian Sea, perfect for watching sunsets. Daily surprises include rose petals and champagne. Both properties provide seclusion, elegance, and unforgettable moments—ideal for honeymoons and anniversaries.

Public transportation in Rapallo is efficient via ATM Liguria buses, which run frequently to Livorno (Leghorn) and Genoa, taking 30 to 60 minutes. From Rapallo Railway Station, regional trains (Trenitalia) connect directly to Genova Centrale in just 25 minutes—perfect for onward travel to Milan or Florence. The town center has multiple bus stops covering key areas like the beach and old quarter. For deeper exploration, renting a bike or electric scooter is recommended due to winding, hilly roads. While driving offers flexibility, be mindful of narrow streets. Overall, Rapallo is well-linked by rail and bus, making it accessible for short trips and day excursions.

Rapallo enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (July–September, 25–30°C) and mild winters (8–14°C). Summer is ideal for swimming, with sea temperatures reaching 22°C+. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds—perfect for hiking and photography. Winter brings more rain and cooler temps, not ideal for beach activities. Avoid August if you prefer quieter visits; instead, consider late April or early September. The annual Fiori e Fiori Flower Festival in May transforms the town into a blooming paradise—ideal for lovers of nature and color. Pack light layers and sunscreen to handle daily temperature shifts.

Top shopping spots in Rapallo include Via Roma (main pedestrian street) and the Porto Vecchio Market. Here, find handmade crafts such as woven baskets, hand-painted ceramics, and olive wood carvings by local artisans. Boutique La Terra sells natural skincare products made with local olive oil and lavender—great for souvenirs. La Bottega del Pesce offers vacuum-packed dried cod and marinated octopus, ideal for gifting. Visit the weekly Piazza della Repubblica Market every Saturday to buy organic produce, honey, and homemade jam. All items emphasize sustainability and local craftsmanship—supporting the community while bringing home authentic memories.

Evening highlights in Rapallo include dining at Porto Vecchio, where seaside restaurants like Bar Lido serve antipasti under twinkling lights with live jazz music. Stroll along the Lungomare promenade beneath the Lighthouse, listening to waves and enjoying the quiet night air. During summer, attend Cinema sotto le Stelle—open-air film screenings at Santa Maria Church Square, where you bring a blanket and enjoy classics under the stars. Some B&Bs, like Il Giardino del Sole, host guided night walks through hidden courtyards and underground caves, sharing tales of Rapallo’s mysterious past. These evenings blend culture, romance, and tranquility—perfect for unforgettable nights.