Camping in Rapallo

Sunshine and pleasant temperatures greet holidaymakers camping on the beach in Rapallo, before heading to the enchanting old town for a hearty breakfast. In the afternoon, holidaymakers can enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea or take part in various water sports. Thanks to the 18-hole course, Rapallo is also ideal for golfers. After an exciting game, victory is celebrated with a good glass of wine in the open air.

Special features of camping in Rapallo

Rapallo's campsites are mostly set in beautiful natural surroundings with trees. Holidaymakers can choose between pitches in the shade or in the sunshine, depending on their preference. Many sites are located close to the sea, so bathers can enjoy a relaxing holiday on the beach. Families with children can look forward to the friendly staff, some of whom look after the youngsters as part of holiday programmes. The sanitary facilities with hot water meet the highest standards. Examples of this are Camping Miraflores on the outskirts of the village and Campeggio Rapallo.

Depending on whether guests are travelling with their own motorhome, caravan or vehicle, they can either book a spacious pitch or a bungalow or mobile home. In some cases, dogs are also allowed on the campsites. It is always advisable to book in advance so that the whole family can enjoy a carefree holiday in Italy together.

How to get there

There are various ways to get to Rapallo by motorhome or caravan. The shortest route from Munich, for example, is 655 km and runs via Lindau, Chur, Como and Milan. Campers travelling from Frankfurt am Main to Liguria often cover the approximately 825 km via Basel, Lugano and Milan.

The further north the departure point is, the more sensible it is to stop overnight en route. The distance from Hamburg to Rapallo on the Kassel, Lindau, Como route is around 1,270 km and should not be travelled in one go, especially with a dog or child on board.

Top 5 sights

• Old town: Visitors can stroll around Piazza Cavour in the heart of the city. Here you will find the parish church with its bell tower, which dates back to 1857.
• Harbour: Up to 400 beautiful yachts are moored in the marina.
• Harbour castle: The 16th century fortress was built after a raid by Turkish corsairs.
• Lace museum: Villa Tigullio in the town park houses the museum with valuable lace from the 16th to 20th centuries.
• Sanctuary: The sacred building of Madonna di Montallegro is situated on a hill and fascinates with its gigantic view of the town of Rapallo and the beautiful bay.

Activities and excursions

The enchanting seaside resort on the Ligurian coast attracts holidaymakers with its crystal-clear sea, numerous sports facilities and excellent cuisine. Those interested in culture can look forward to a trip to nearby Genoa or the fishing village of Portofino.

Water sports

Rapallo's 300-metre-long sand and pebble beach is ideal for families and active holidaymakers alike. While the little ones splash around in the warm sea or build sandcastles, adults can enjoy swimming, snorkelling and canoeing. The Ligurian coast also offers fishing trips as well as surfing and sailing courses.

Golf

The 18-hole Rapallo Golf Club is open 365 days a year and delights visitors with its many natural obstacles. In the background, a mountain range protects against cool northerly winds. A driving range is available. Booking is required at weekends. A club card with a registered handicap must also be presented. The course is suitable for experienced players.

Genoa

The old maritime trading city impresses with its imposing buildings. A day trip to the city, which is around 30 kilometres away, should definitely include a visit to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Piazza de Ferrari with its decorative fountain and the Piazza dei Rolli palace. One of the largest aquariums in Europe is also located in Genoa.

Portofino

The supposed fishing village of Portofino is known for its pastel-coloured houses, luxury boutiques and fish restaurants, as well as the numerous luxury yachts moored here. The panoramic view of the town and the Ligurian Sea from the fortress is much appreciated by visitors.

events

July

• Patron saint's day: The Madonna di Montallegro pilgrimage church sits enthroned on Mount Fontanabuona just north of Rapallo. To attend the mass on the occasion of the feast of the apparition of Our Lady of Montallegro, you can either walk, take the bus or the cable car to the summit. Festive ceremonies take place in Rapallo. On the last evening, there is a huge fireworks display in the harbour.
• Blues festival: Music lovers can look forward to the legendary blues festival in summer. For more than ten years, renowned artists have been coming to Liguria to thrill audiences with various concerts. Some shows take place in Rapallo in the district of San Michele di Pagana. If, exceptionally, it rains, the performances are moved to the Clarisse Theatre.

November - January

• Christmas in Rapallo: Natale al Mare is a big spectacle on the Ligurian coast. A beautiful Christmas market takes place in the colourfully decorated town. The love for the holy festival goes so far that a nativity scene is even set up under water, which is discovered as part of the Le Tre Prie snorkelling competition.

Gastronomy

Pesto is a typical speciality of the region. The thick sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan and olive oil is traditionally used to flavour pasta dishes. Of course, fish dishes are also on the restaurant menus due to the location by the sea. Flavoured fish soups and deep-fried sardines are popular. Meat lovers get their money's worth with stuffed veal breast and tender roast rabbit.

The savoury Torta Pasqualina, filled with eggs, cheese and herbs, was created especially for Easter. There is also a delicious onion tart to delight the palate. The regional wines such as Vermentino, Ciliegiolo and Bianchetta taste delicious with it. Those with a sweet tooth can order the Pandolce genovese cake, the Amaretti almond biscuits or the Cubeli shortcrust biscuits.

Best time to visit

The mild climate of the Ligurian coast makes Rapallo an attractive holiday destination almost all year round. In autumn and winter, the Alps and the Apennines protect the coastal areas from cold winds, keeping temperatures as pleasant as 15 degrees Celsius in November. January is the coolest month of the year at around eight degrees Celsius. Snow sometimes falls in the region.

When everything is in full bloom in spring, active holidaymakers and sun-seekers flock to Rapallo, with temperatures often breaking the 15-degree mark as early as March. In May, temperatures rise to 23 degrees Celsius. In the summer months, bathers flock to the beaches of Liguria. In August, the sea is between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius and on land it can be up to 30 degrees Celsius.