Rapallo, with its centuries of history and magnificent monuments is rightly considered the pearl
of the Gulf of Tigullio. Its picturesque and colourful centre enraptures tourists seeking excellent food, culture and top quality bathing establishments.
Close to the city centre, perhaps in the shade of the 16th century Castle on the Sea, visitors are easily seduced by the beauty of the liberty style Chiosco della Musica, the sumptuous monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus adjacent to the port, or the enchanting Hannibal Bridge, built in an unmistakeable Romanesque style.
Rapallo also offers the opportunity to admire its medieval towers, the most important of which is undoubtely the recently restored Civic Tower, and various religious monuments including the church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Marian Shrine of Montallegro, which can be reached in around ten minutes using the funicular and from which visitors can enjoy a splendid view.
A relaxing stroll through the colourful alleyways of the city inevitably leads to the lace museum (Museo del Pizzo) at the beautiful Villa Tigullio, and to the Attilio and Cleofe Gaffoglio museum, which occupies the former convent of the Clarissa nuns and exhibits many collections of gold, porcelain and ivory objects.
Just three hundred metres from the motorway exit is the Rapallo Golf Club, where you can enjoy the challenges of one of the best golf courses in the country. The club is an unmissable destination for golf lovers staying at the Hotel Tigullio Royal in Rapallo and has a discount agreement with the hotel.
In the area around the Gulf of Tigullio there is a wide choice of activities for horse-riding enthusiasts, with the Rapallo riding-school providing an excellent base.