Rapallo and nearby towns

Posted by janettravels44 (Chicago) on 03/20/26 04:57 PM

We will spend 4 nights in Rapallo at the end of April and would love advice from people who have visited this area and nearby towns. We hiked the CT about 40 years ago before it was discovered by Americans and again about 20 years ago. Would like to explore some other nearby areas.

Has anyone visited San Fruttouso and was it worth the effort since it is only accessible by boat. What other towns in the region are high on your list. Are there any things of note we should be sure to see in Rapallo?

Posted by Gabriel

Los Angeles, CA

03/20/26 05:35 PM

604 posts

I stayed in Rapallo for my base when visiting CT. I loved the hotel right on the water with a view of the distant hillsides and Portofino. Nearby is Santa Margherita di Liguria. I spent a few hours in Portofino and walked to the Lighthouse which had amazing views. Rapallo itself doesn’t have much to see in terms of sights.

Posted by janettravels44 OP

Chicago

03/20/26 08:58 PM

9572 posts

Thanks, we have a balcony overlooking the water so we will be happy to spend some time just looking. Did you go up the hill on hte cable car in Rapallo? Did you have a favorite nearby town?

Posted by Sharon

Arizona

03/20/26 10:35 PM

139 posts

We went to San Fruttuoso last Spring and really enjoyed our morning there. We had coffee at a small place on the beach and enjoyed the Abbey's small museum. It is definitely worth it. We travelled there by ferry from Camogli. You can also hike there from Camogli or Portofino. You can check out the hiking trails on You Tube and see if you want to try that.

Posted by Janet

Boise, ID, USA

03/20/26 10:39 PM

2593 posts

Camogli is a definite favorite, but on my most recent trip I visited Zoagli and loved it. Tiny town and a little harder to get to, but worth it in my opinion. I've been to San Fruttouso but it's not high on my list.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

03/20/26 11:45 PM

12217 posts

We liked San Fruttuoso and in combination with Camogli can make a good day. (We stayed in Camogli for a week.)

Rapallo is nice and the Cable way leads to marvelous views. There is a promising restaurant a short walk away. Didn’t get to eat there since we were up there early in the day, but it was a great location.

This is a fabulous walk https://www.apathtolunch.com/2018/10/a-beautiful-seaside-walk-along.html as is this https://www.apathtolunch.com/2014/05/getting-to-portofino-walking-hiking-and.html.

Posted by gregglamarsh

03/21/26 02:05 AM

906 posts

Jane, we too are bound for that area but not til the fall. Research has turned up one other local possible place to visit: the Paraggi bay. It is a tiny, sandy picturesque cove but has at least the one popular cafe. Very nice views, proximity to Portofino at the far end and 'Santa' (SML) at the top end. Ekscrunchy and others have said good things also about not-so-far-off Chiavari.
Good luck!
I am done. the Ligurians