Rapallo was not on my bucket list this year but I’m glad I went on this spontaneous trip to meet a friend I hadn’t seen for ages. To be sincere I had never heard of this port city along Italy’s Ligurian coast but I really enjoyed my 24hrs stay and wish I had stayed longer. 
Rapallo lies on the Tiguillo gulf about 15miles Southeast of Genoa. South of Rapallo is the famous Cinque Terre, a Unesco World Heritage site since 1997. The five cliffside villages on the Italian Riviera, set amid some of the most picturesque coastal scenery.
There is a handful of things to do and see in Rapallo or if you are planning to visit neighbouring cities like Santa Margherita, or Portofino, Rapallo makes a good base because it is cheaper in terms of eating out in restaurants, hotels or even parking fee.
Rapallo’s 16th century Castello-Sul-Mare is situated on the seafront and is used for art exhibitions and cultural events. Unfortunately it is not open to the public but It is picturesque and such a spectacular sight to look at especially in the night. This striking landmark adds up to the charm of Rapallo waterfront.
Take a walk on the elegant seafront promenade of Lungomare Vittorio Veneto shaded with palm trees. Stop for a spritz or even better, a bubbly Prosecco in one of the many darling bars and watch people pass by. Or grab a gelato and walk your way along the seaside to Santa Margherita. This will take you approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus or small boat that runs throughout the day to Santa Margherita and Portofino.
One thing I regret not doing is taking the cable car up to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montellagro. I hear it is quite a treat and the views are simple stunning. Oh well, there is always a next time.
We stayed at Best Western Hotel Tiguillo Royal. An elegant 4 star hotel strategically located on Rapallo seafront. I highly recommend it because of its vicinity to the train and bus station, cafés and restaurants and historical and cultural interests. Very convenient.
They offer beautiful, spacious, well maintained rooms with different views. You can always upgrade to a bigger room or one with a better if you wish to. Since we were only staying for a night we didn’t mind our partial sea view.
Staff is welcoming, amicable and kind. Despite our early arrival prior to check in time, seeing we had a baby, they allocated a room and allowed us to check in immediately.
The hotel has an amazing sky bar that opens from 7pm. My girls and I enjoyed a quite aperitivo with a view, accompanied by nice Italian music and inclusive assorted bites before stepping out for dinner.
We woke up to a breakfast buffet spread like no other. Everything was just sumptuous. Whatever you do, don’t miss breakfast!
We couldn’t have wished for a better stay. Thank you Best Western Hotel Tiguillo. 
Best Western Tigullio Royal Hotel,
Piazza IV Novembre, 3 – 16035 – Rapallo,
Telefono: +39 0185 273805
E-mail: info@hoteltigullioroyal.it
Lora by Lora. x
LORA BY LORA 