Rapallo beaches

Rapallo's beaches from west to east

The gulf runs from Punta Pagana to the border with Zoagli. In the middle is the town, with the marina to the west and the castle on the sea to the east, joined by the lungomare Vittorio Veneto. The coast is jagged and exposed to storms: many beaches are protected by breakwaters and piers.

San Michele di Pagana: Pomaro, Travello and Prelo

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Beyond the marina, on the road to Santa Margherita, the hamlet of San Michele di Pagana has three small pebble bays: Pomaro, Travello (or Trelo) and Prelo, linked by the rocks. In summer these are the locals’ favourite beaches. Next to the beach clubs there are free stretches, such as the free beach at Prelo. The water is clearer than in the centre. You can get there on foot along the coast road or by bus towards Santa Margherita. The bays are small: in July and August, arrive early.

Near the marina

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Between the Carlo Riva marina and the start of the seafront is the only natural beach in the centre, with sand mixed with small pebbles. It is almost entirely taken by beach clubs. It is the handiest area if you arrive by car, because the marina has a car park.

The seafront: beach clubs on stilts

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Along the seafront and towards the castle, people swim mainly from beach clubs built on stilts and wooden piers, with colourful changing cabins. You’ll find loungers, umbrellas, showers and bars. It is the easiest choice if you want facilities; less suited to young children looking for sand.

The spiaggia del Castello

On either side of the 16th-century castle, at the end of the seafront, there are two small pebbly patches where you can swim for free. They are a stone’s throw from the old town and the station: good for a quick dip between sights, not for spending the day.

The Nagge and the natural pool

Beach clubs

East of the castle, along via Avenaggi, the Nagge district is home to most of Rapallo’s beach clubs, with small stony coves in between. Further on, towards Zoagli, the natural pool starts from the little Castello dei Sogni beach: a stretch of about 200 metres sheltered from the open sea, where you can swim and snorkel.

Il Pozzetto, on the border with Zoagli

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Below the Aurelia road, on the border with Zoagli, the Pozzetto is a small inlet of dark shingle among the rocks, protected by two piers after storm damage. It has a free section and a leased one, and you walk down a flight of steps from the road. In the free section don’t count on shade or a bar: bring water and a hat.

Free beaches and beach clubs

The free stretches are those either side of the castle, the coves of the Nagge and the Castello dei Sogni, the free part of the Pozzetto and the bays of San Michele. The rest is leased: in high season, book ahead, especially at weekends.

For dogs we have not found up-to-date official information: ask the IAT tourist office in piazza IV Novembre which stretches are open to pets.

Getting there and when to go

Rapallo station, on the Genoa–La Spezia line, is a few minutes’ walk from the seafront. By car, leave it in a paid car park, such as the one in piazza IV Novembre, open day and night, or the one at the marina, more expensive in summer. Towards San Michele there are very few roadside spaces: the bus is a better bet.

The swimming season runs from June to September. The gulf is open to the south and storms can be strong: in 2018 a storm destroyed part of the marina breakwater. When the sea is rough, avoid the rocky coves and check the Rapallo weather. To stay near the sea, read where to stay in Rapallo.

Nearby beaches

Santa Margherita Ligure has the 2026 Blue Flag for Punta Pedale, the Pagana rocks and Paraggi, the sandy bay towards Portofino. By ferry you reach San Fruttuoso, a Blue Flag beach in the municipality of Camogli. For longer beaches take the train east: Chiavari and Lavagna are about a quarter of an hour away, then comes Sestri Levante.