Rapallo is the largest town on the Gulf of Tigullio, with almost 30,000 residents and around 800 places to stay on Booking: far more choice than Portofino or Santa Margherita and, on average, more affordable prices. It’s a practical base for the whole area: a station on the Genoa–La Spezia line, year-round boats to Portofino and San Fruttuoso, and its own A12 exit. The best area to stay is the centre, near the seafront, within walking distance of the station, the ferry pier and the castle. For more peace, look at San Michele di Pagana to the west.
- Best area: the centre and the Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, everything on foot
- For Portofino: boats all year, or the train to Santa Margherita and bus 782
- Quieter: San Michele di Pagana, with its small bays
- Up the hill: the Montallegro cable car starts a few minutes’ walk from the station
- Genoa: about 25–35 minutes by train from Brignole
- Car: handy for getting here, not for driving to Portofino
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Why stay in Rapallo
Portofino has very few rooms and most of them are expensive; Santa Margherita Ligure is closer but has less choice. Rapallo is about 8 km from Portofino, has everything a real town offers and is lived in all year round. The trade-off is a longer trip to the Piazzetta, and arriving by boat is the nicest way to get there anyway.
It also works well if you want to see more of the coast: Genoa is half an hour away by train, Camogli about twenty minutes, Chiavari and Lavagna around a quarter of an hour, and the Cinque Terre about an hour.
The centre and the seafront
The heart of Rapallo is the Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, with palm trees, Art Nouveau buildings and the bandstand, ending at the castle on the sea. Behind it are the lanes of the old town, the basilica of Santi Gervasio e Protasio and the Porta delle Saline. Staying here puts the station, the ferry pier, restaurants and shops within walking distance.
If you want a sea view, filter for hotels on the seafront; the inner streets are still only a few minutes from the water. The beaches are small, pebble and shingle, with many beach clubs on stilts and piers: if swimming matters to you, choose a hotel with an affiliated beach.
San Michele di Pagana: the quiet option
West of the centre, towards Santa Margherita, the village of San Michele di Pagana has small coves and sheltered beaches and a more residential feel. It suits travellers who want quiet and the sea nearby, and don’t need shops and restaurants on the doorstep. You’ll need a short trip to reach the station and the boats.
Getting to Portofino from Rapallo
- Boat: the Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio links Rapallo with Santa Margherita, Portofino and San Fruttuoso every day, all year, on seasonal timetables. Sailings depend on the weather; tickets are sold at the ticket office. From May to September there are also boats to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere.
- Train + bus: one stop by train to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino, then AMT bus 782 from the station, about 20 minutes.
- On foot: from Rapallo to Santa Margherita along the coast takes a little over an hour; from there it’s about another 5 km to Portofino.
- Car: not recommended. The road to Portofino is narrow and parking in the village is very limited.
For the full route, read from Santa Margherita to Portofino and where to stay in Portofino.
Places to stay in Santa Margherita Places to stay in Portofino
Montallegro and the cable car
Above the town, at 612 metres, stands the sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro. The cable car leaves from the upper part of the centre, a few minutes’ walk from the station, and climbs about 600 metres in around 7 minutes. It reopened at Easter 2026 after maintenance work; check that it’s running before you go, as it can stop for maintenance or wind. If you like walking, you can climb the old mule track in about an hour and a half. All the details are in our guide to Montallegro.
Car, train and when to book
- Car: A12 Genoa–Livorno motorway, Rapallo exit. Parking in town is paid: ask your hotel about spaces or deals, and leave the car parked for day trips.
- Train: Rapallo station is on the coastal line, with trains to Genoa, Santa Margherita, Camogli, Chiavari and La Spezia.
- Airport: Genoa airport is about 40 km away.
- When to book: well ahead for July and August, and for the Feste di Luglio (1–3 July, with fireworks and the “burning” of the castle). Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Portofino without the crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rapallo a good base for Portofino?
Yes, if you want more choice and more affordable prices. The boat takes you straight to Portofino; otherwise take the train to Santa Margherita and then bus 782.
What is the best area to stay in Rapallo?
The centre near the Lungomare Vittorio Veneto: the station, boats, restaurants and the castle are all within walking distance. San Michele di Pagana is quieter but less convenient without a car.
Does the Portofino boat run all year?
Yes, the Rapallo–Santa Margherita–Portofino–San Fruttuoso line runs all year on seasonal timetables, but sailings depend on the weather. Check times at the ticket office or on the Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio website.
Rapallo or Santa Margherita Ligure?
Santa Margherita is closer to Portofino; Rapallo is bigger, with more places to stay and lower prices on average. They’re just one train stop apart.
Is the Montallegro cable car open?
It reopened at Easter 2026 after maintenance work. It may close for maintenance or wind, so call or check before you go up.