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Lungomare Castello, 16038 Rapallo, Italy (September 2018)
Rapallo
Rapallo is a charming seaside town located on the eastern stretch of the Ligurian Riviera, nestled along the Gulf of Tigullio in northern Italy. Known for its elegant waterfront, mild climate, and refined yet relaxed atmosphere, Rapallo has long been a favoured destination for travellers seeking both leisure and cultural depth. Its position between the sea and green hills gives the town a balanced character, where natural beauty and urban life coexist harmoniously.
The town’s promenade is one of its defining features. Lined with palm trees, cafes, and historic buildings, it offers a pleasant setting for leisurely walks at any time of day. Along the waterfront stands the Castello sul Mare, a small but striking fortress built in the sixteenth century to defend the coast from pirate attacks. Today, the castle serves as a symbol of Rapallo’s resilience and maritime history, hosting cultural events and providing a picturesque focal point for the harbour.
Rapallo’s historic centre reveals a quieter, more intimate side of the town. Narrow streets wind through pastel-coloured buildings, opening into small piazzas where daily life unfolds. Local shops, bakeries, and family-run trattorias contribute to a sense of authenticity, inviting visitors to slow down and experience the town as residents do. Baroque churches, such as the Basilica of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, reflect Rapallo’s religious heritage and architectural richness.
The relationship between Rapallo and the sea is central to its identity. The harbour is filled with fishing boats and yachts, and the town has a long tradition of maritime activities. Beaches, both public and private, line the coast and offer easy access to the calm waters of the gulf. Swimming, sailing, and boat excursions are popular, with routes connecting Rapallo to nearby towns such as Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and San Fruttuoso. These sea journeys highlight the beauty of the coastline and provide a broader perspective of the region.
Rapallo also serves as a gateway to the surrounding hills and countryside. The landscape behind the town rises into lush greenery, crossed by walking paths and scenic trails. A cable car connects the centre of Rapallo to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, perched high above the town. This pilgrimage site is not only spiritually significant but also offers breath-taking panoramic views over the gulf and surrounding mountains. The journey itself is a memorable experience, combining natural scenery with moments of reflection.
Historically, Rapallo has attracted artists, intellectuals, and notable figures, drawn by its climate and refined ambiance. Writers and musicians found inspiration here, contributing to the town’s cultural legacy. This heritage is still present in Rapallo’s cultural life, which includes festivals, concerts, and traditional events that celebrate local customs and seasonal rhythms.
Cuisine in Rapallo reflects the flavours of Liguria, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and high-quality olive oil. Pesto, one of the region’s most famous creations, features prominently alongside dishes made with fish, vegetables, and handmade pasta. Dining in Rapallo often combines simple flavours with elegant settings, whether in a seaside restaurant or a quiet alleyway trattoria.
Rapallo offers a sense of balance that appeals to a wide range of visitors. It is lively without being overwhelming, historic yet modern, and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Whether explored as a destination in its own right or used as a base to discover the Ligurian coast, Rapallo leaves visitors with a lasting impression of understated beauty and timeless Italian charm.
Worth a Visit
Lungomare Castello in Rapallo, Italy, is a charming seaside promenade that beautifully captures the essence of the Ligurian Riviera. Located in the heart of Rapallo, along the Gulf of Tigullio, it stretches beside the sparkling Mediterranean waters and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and coastline. The promenade takes its name from the historic Castello sul Mare, a 16th-century seaside castle built as a defense against pirate attacks. Today, the castle stands as a picturesque landmark, often hosting exhibitions and cultural events. Walking along Lungomare Castello, visitors enjoy a mix of elegant cafés, restaurants, and palm-lined pathways that create a relaxing atmosphere. It is an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, sunset views, or simply soaking in the maritime charm of Rapallo. Easily accessible and central, Lungomare Castello embodies the town’s unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Lungomare Vittorio Veneto in Rapallo, Italy, is one of the most scenic promenades along the Ligurian Riviera. Stretching across the seafront of the Gulf of Tigullio, it is a lively, elegant walkway lined with palm trees, colorful buildings, and inviting cafés. This promenade is the beating heart of Rapallo, where visitors and locals alike gather to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. From here, the views are breathtaking: the turquoise waters dotted with boats, the green hills in the background, and the historic Castello sul Mare at one end. Along the Lungomare, you will also find a variety of restaurants and gelaterias, perfect for sampling Ligurian cuisine while overlooking the sea. Whether you come for a morning stroll, an afternoon coffee, or to watch the sun set over the bay, Lungomare Vittorio Veneto offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and coastal charm that defines Rapallo.
The Chiosco della Musica in Rapallo, Italy, is one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks and a symbol of its rich cultural life. Built in the early 20th century, this elegant bandstand stands proudly along the Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, surrounded by palm trees and the beautiful backdrop of the Gulf of Tigullio. Its refined architecture, with decorative columns and painted ceilings, reflects the Belle Époque style, a period when Rapallo was a favorite destination for European nobility and artists. The Chiosco was originally designed as a venue for concerts and public gatherings, and it continues to host musical performances, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year. For visitors, it is both a striking monument and a reminder of Rapallo’s artistic heritage. Whether admired during a seaside walk or enjoyed as part of a live event, the Chiosco della Musica perfectly embodies the town’s charm and timeless elegance.
Piazza IV Novembre in Rapallo, Italy, is a lively square that captures the spirit of this coastal town on the Ligurian Riviera. Located just a short walk from the seafront and the marina, the square serves as a central meeting place for both locals and visitors. It is surrounded by colorful buildings, cafés, and shops that create a welcoming atmosphere where people gather for coffee, conversation, and daily life. The square is often animated with markets, small events, and the rhythm of the town, making it a perfect spot to experience Rapallo’s authentic charm. From Piazza IV Novembre, it is easy to explore nearby landmarks such as Lungomare Vittorio Veneto and the Chiosco della Musica. Whether you stop here to relax on a bench, enjoy local flavors, or simply watch the world go by, Piazza IV Novembre offers a genuine taste of Rapallo’s vibrant social and cultural scene.
Photo Gallery of Walk in Rapallo – Via Avenaggi to Via Langano
Approximately 1.70 km – 01.06 miles
The walk starts in Via Avenaggi – Via Paolo Zunino – Piazza Giovanni Battista Pastene – Via S. Francesco d’Assisi – Via Milite Ignoto – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – Lungomare Castello – Piazzetta Giovanni da Vico – Lungomare Vittorio Veneto – Piazza Martiri per la Libertà – Lungomare Vittorio Veneto – Via Antonio Gramsci – Via Fratelli Cairoli – Via Marsala – Via Giuseppe Mazzini – Piazza Cavour – Walk back to Via Antonio Gramsci – Piazza 4 Novembre – Via Marco Polo – Via Dante Alighieri – Via Langano
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