Excursions to Rapallo

For centuries, Rapallo has attracted many of Europe's aristocracy. The complex and varied world of art, the architecture of religious sites, palaces and public buildings is living proof of the creativity and prosperity of the local population, as well as its intricate history.

Excursions to Rapallo take visitors on an interweaving of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, Baroque to Rococo and from Liberty to Rationalism. Wandering through the streets will be a pleasure even for the experienced traveller!

The sightseeing tour of Rapallo is done on a tourist train. The tour takes visitors through the main square, the promenade, the narrow streets of Rapallo's old town, and the fascinating houses, museums, churches and stone bridges.

The museums offer displays of local craftsmen who transformed paper, iron, and wood into art. The exhibitions of silk, embroidery, lace and velvet produced in Rapallo are particularly noteworthy. Museums vary in price from a few euros and there are discounts for schoolchildren, students and pensioners. Keep in mind that many museums, galleries and heritage sites are closed on Mondays. In addition, lunchtime is extended to around 15:00-16:00 in the summer due to the intense heat.

A bus tour of Rapallo can be perfectly combined with a trip to the nearby village of San Michele di Pagana, located in a picturesque bay. The village is very colorful thanks to its brightly painted fishermen’s houses.

Not far from the beach is a memorial park, where each tree bears the name of a soldier from Rapallo who died during the two world wars. After strolling through the park, visitors can head to the promenade, which begins at the small Conventino stream and continues to the castle that once belonged to the Knights of Malta. Continuing the walk toward Creusa, you can reach San Michele. It is worth noting that the village preserves valuable works of art, including 17th-century paintings by Van Dyck (more information about the village of San Michele).

In addition, Rapallo is notable for its yacht marina. It was here, in 1975, that Italy’s first tourist port — Carlo Riva — was inaugurated. Experienced sailor and pioneer of sea tourism Carlo Riva built the marina in Rapallo modeled after the one in Cannes. The marina accommodates 400 boats and is home to a yacht club (more information on boat rentals can be found here).

Some travel companies offer private guided tours of Rapallo.