Rapallo is a lively resort town with a seafront castle on the water, a long promenade, a historic centre and a cable car up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro.
Rapallo lies about 36 km from Genoa and about 35-45 minutes by regional train, costing EUR 4.60 (~$5). The town combines a seafront castle, a long promenade and a cable car to the hilltop Sanctuary of Montallegro. It is also a hub for boats to Portofino and San Fruttuoso run by Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio, and for onward trains to Sestri Levante and the Cinque Terre.
| Distance | 36 km southeast of Genoa |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 35-45 minutes by train |
| Getting there | Train (Trenitalia Regionale from Genova Brignole or Piazza Principe to Rapallo, about 35-45 minutes, EUR 4.60 (~$5)) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, 16035 Rapallo GE, Italy |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Duration
- 35-45 minutes
- Cost
- EUR 4.60 (~$5)
- Notes
- Roughly every 20-30 minutes; the station is in the town centre near the seafront
- Mode
- Boat
- Duration
- About 30 minutes to Portofino
- Notes
- Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio from Rapallo to Portofino and San Fruttuoso; +39 0185 284670
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- 40-50 minutes
- Notes
- A12 motorway exit Rapallo; paid parking near the seafront
Suggested itinerary
- Take a mid-morning train, walk along the promenade to the castle, ride the cable car to Montallegro for views of the Tigullio, return for a lunch of focaccia col formaggio and finish with a boat to Portofino.
Location
Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, 16035 Rapallo GE, Italy
44.3498, 9.2292 View on map
Highlights
- Castello sul Mare on the seafront
- Funivia Rapallo-Montallegro cable car
- Promenade and marina
- Boat to Portofino and San Fruttuoso
- Old-town cafes and focaccia
Tips for visiting
- Check cable-car operating hours and fare on the operator site before going
- Rapallo is a good base for the Tigullio coast and Cinque Terre trains
- The weekly market adds crowds on its day
When to visit
Spring and autumn for walking; summer for the beach.
Accessibility
The seafront and station are flat; the Montallegro cable car has a station with limited steps.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Genoa to Rapallo?
Take a Trenitalia regional train from Brignole or Principe; it takes about 35-45 minutes and costs about EUR 4.60 (~$5).
Can I take a boat from Rapallo to Portofino?
Yes, Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio runs boats year-round, with a seasonal timetable; call +39 0185 284670.