Rapallo, set along Italy’s Ligurian coast between Portofino and Chiavari, is a seaside town that combines history, elegance, and Riviera charm. Once a favored retreat for aristocrats and artists, Rapallo still carries echoes of its Belle Époque heyday, with palm-lined promenades, pastel-colored buildings, and historic hotels overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. Its position along the Italian Riviera has long made it both a gateway to and a destination within one of Italy’s most celebrated coastlines.

The town’s history is visible in landmarks such as the Castello sul Mare, a 16th-century seaside fortress built to defend against pirate raids. Rapallo is also remembered as the site of significant 20th-century diplomatic treaties, giving it an unexpected role in European political history. Today, its narrow lanes, piazzas, and waterfront cafés provide a more relaxed setting for exploration.

Rapallo’s atmosphere balances leisure with authenticity. A cable car whisks visitors up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, offering sweeping views of the Ligurian coast, while ferries connect Rapallo to nearby gems like Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.