Major city · Italy
Rapallo
Rapallo is a half-day stop on the Ligurian coast: walk the promenade, see the castle and eat seafood, then move on to Portofino or Cinque Terre.
Rapallo is a compact seaside town on the Ligurian Riviera, 30 min by train from Genoa and 1 h from Cinque Terre. Its main draw is the seafront promenade, the small Castello sul Mare and easy boat access to Portofino. Most travellers use it as a lunch stop or a one-night base for the eastern Riviera.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowded and hot)
- Airport
- GOA
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Rapallo113 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Rapallo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetyRapallo is safe for tourists.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers113 police · 115 fire · 118 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGOA Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (Regional train from Genova Brignole or Principe to Rapallo, about 30–40 min).
- Getting aroundRapallo is walkable: from the station to the castle is about 10 min.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a bar€1.20–1.80 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedHostel bed or budget B&B, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GOA Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (Regional train from Genova Brignole or Principe to Rapallo, about 30–40 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Nov (10 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rapallo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Feb
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
3 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Dec
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Rapallo is walkable: from the station to the castle is about 10 min. Regional trains connect to Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure and Cinque Terre. Boats run from the harbour to Portofino and San Fruttuoso (seasonal).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30–45 min
Boat from Rapallo harbour (seasonal) or train to Santa Margherita Ligure then walk/bus
Boat is the scenic option; runs roughly hourly in season.
Santa Margherita Ligure
goDoor to door: 15–20 min
Regional train, 5 min, or boat
Larger town with more shops and restaurants; combine with Portofino.
Door to door: 1–1.5 h
Regional train to Monterosso or Riomaggiore, about 1 h
A full day; buy the Cinque Terre Train Card for trail access.
Door to door: 45 min–1 h
Regional train from Rapallo station, about 30–40 min
Visit the aquarium, old port and historic centre.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Seafront (Lungomare)
Hotels with sea views; close to restaurants and the castle.
Town centre near the station
Budget options and trattorias; 5–10 min walk to the promenade.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €50–80 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–150 (≈ US$95–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 1 night × €130 | €130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €110 | €220 |
| Boat to Portofino (return)2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| Regional train Genoa–Rapallo (return)2 × €8 · check | €16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €40 |
| Trip total≈ €218 per person per day, bed included | €436≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a bar | €1.20–1.80 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Pizza (margherita) | €7–12 (≈ US$9–14) |
| Seafood pasta | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Gelato (two scoops) | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Boat to Portofino (one way) | €7–10 (≈ US$9–12) (check) |
| Regional train to Genoa | €4–5 (≈ US$5–6) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Boat schedules are seasonal: check at the harbour office in winter.
- Restaurants on the seafront are pricier than those in the backstreets.
- The castle interior may be closed for events; check the town website.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
- EU-wide emergency
- 112
Pocket card
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RapalloRapallo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police113
- Fire115
- Ambulance118
- EU-wide emergency112
Embassy
The US has a consulate in Genoa (check address); most other countries have embassies in Rome or consulates in Milan.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Rapallo → Portofino (boat): about €7–10 (≈ US$9–12), 30 min (check)
- Rapallo → Genoa (train): about €4–5 (≈ US$5–6), 30–40 min (check)
- Taxi from station to seafront: €8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
Say or show
- Ciao — Hello / Goodbye (chow)
- Grazie — Thank you (graht-see-eh)
- Quanto costa? — How much? (kwahn-toh koh-stah)
- Dov'è la stazione? — Where is the station? (doh-veh lah stah-tsee-oh-neh)
- Posso pagare con carta? — Can I pay by card? (poh-soh pah-gah-reh kon kahr-tah)
- Il conto, per favore — The bill, please (eel kohn-toh pehr fah-voh-reh)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Rapallo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowded and hot) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Castello sul Mare and Porta delle Saline with verified opening hours.
- Eat pages for Lord Byron and Eden Roc with last-order times.
- Boat schedule fixture for Portofino and San Fruttuoso routes.
- Golden-hour and off-season fixtures for the promenade and castle.
Sources
Ask about Rapallo
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