Rapallo

Rapallo is an anchor port and is not wheelchair accessible. Small boats transfer passengers from ship to shore, landing at a tender dock in the town centre.

A small castle overlooking Rapallo harbour was originally constructed as protection from pirates. Today, this attractive Italian resort welcomes visitors from around the world. Sheltered on the Golfo del Tigullio and known for lace-making, Rapallo attracts guests all year thanks to its mild climate.

Rapallo is the Italian Riviera's largest seaside resort. It offers a picturesque castle in the water, small harbour and coastal promenade, pedestrian shopping streets in its historic centre and excellent seafood restaurants.

Do not miss the funicular, a spectacular eight-minute funivia, or cable-railway, journey uphill to Montallegro. Departures from Piazza Solari run every half hour between 9:00 - 12:00 and 2:00pm - 5:00pm, continuing later in summer. The cable extends for 2349 metres and climbs 600 metres to Montallegro, where fine views cover the gulf and hills. At the summit stands the large Sanctuary of Montallegro, built in 1558 to commemorate a picture left by the Virgin when she appeared to a peasant. Its marble façade was added in 1896. Many offerings hang on the interior walls, mostly in recognition of miracles at sea.

Rapallo sits on the coastal railway between Ventimiglia, near the French border, and Rome. Its station is centrally positioned, while buses link the town with many smaller coastal and inland communities.

The traditional red-brick Seaside Promenade, Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, follows the semi-circular harbour beneath palm trees. Art nouveau buildings, restaurants, bars and hotels line the route. During summer, small music groups sometimes play in Chiosco della Banda Cittadina, an early 20th century bandstand.

Euro serves as the local currency.