Villas in Rapallo

About Rapallo

Rapallo sits in the middle of the Gulf of Tigullio, between Portofino and Chiavari, about 25 km east-south-east of Genoa. The seafront runs along the Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, lined with Liberty-style buildings, with the 16th-century Castello sul Mare as the town's emblem and rows of blue bathing huts on the sand. Narrow streets behind have tall houses with painted false windows. The cable car leaves from the railway station for the Montallegro sanctuary. The homes are packed into a small area of around two kilometres. Nearly all are small, with one bedroom typical, and few have a garden. Mild winters once made Rapallo the favoured winter residence of affluent north-west Italians.

Is Rapallo right for you?

Best for

Couples and small groups wanting a town base near the station

Not for you if

You want a pool, a garden, or a house with space for a big group.

Near Rapallo

• Portofino

  A short distance from Rapallo, linked to it by the Walk of Kisses, with a famous small square and a marine protected area.

• Santa Margherita Ligure

  A town on the same Tigullio coast, known for its red prawns and for Cervara Abbey.

• Montallegro sanctuary

  The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro, reached by cable car from the station or a tree-lined path behind the town.

• Portofino Park

  A promontory park with around 80 km of marked trails, including the small bay of San Fruttuoso di Camogli.

• Genoa

  The regional capital, about 25 km away, on the Pisa to La Spezia to Genoa railway that serves Rapallo.

Getting to Rapallo

Genoa airport is the nearest, about 28 minutes by car or taxi, or by bus to Genova Brignole then a train, about 55 minutes. Rapallo's station is on the Pisa to La Spezia to Genoa line, and the cable car starts from it.

When to go to Rapallo

Rapallo's coastal position gives mild winters, and it was once a preferred winter residence. The patronal festivities fill the first three days of July, with fireworks and the Arca Argentea procession, and on the feast of Our Lady of Montallegro the castle is lit by a fireworks display. Aim to be on the seafront at the end of the day for the sunset.

Rapallo villa holidays: questions answered

Nearby towns to Rapallo

• Sestri Levante (30)
• Moneglia (21)
• Chiavari (11)
• Pignone (10)
• Casarza Ligure (9)
• Ameglia (8)
• All of Liguria Riviera Levante & Cinque Terre