Tigullio · 20 min from Rapallo
Chiavari & Lavagna: medieval arcades, sandy beaches and the Torta dei Fieschi.
Two towns of character divided by the Entella river: Chiavari's arcades stretching nearly a kilometre, Lavagna's sandy beaches, and every 14 August the spectacular Torta dei Fieschi. 20 minutes by train from Rapallo.
Chiavari and Lavagna, the two sides of the Tigullio
Chiavari is the small capital of the eastern Tigullio. Its arcades stretch nearly a kilometre — among the longest in Liguria — a covered gallery of shops, bars and workshops running through the historic centre, making it a pleasure to explore even in the rain. Palazzo Rocca, a 17th-century noble residence, houses the Civic Picture Gallery and looks out over an Italian garden with Lebanon cedars.
The Chiavari chair, invented in 1807, is a remarkably lightweight seat in walnut or ash — originally designed to reduce the weight and cost of Napoleonic-era chairs — which went on to inspire designers from Thonet onwards and is still crafted by hand in the city. A few workshops in the old-town alleys still sell them.
Lavagna, separated from Chiavari by the Entella river, has the widest sandy beaches in the eastern Tigullio — a genuine rarity on the Riviera di Levante, where sandy shores are scarce. The Basilica di Santo Stefano, a 13th-century Romanesque church, is a short walk from the centre. Every year on 14 August, the Matrimonio di Obizzo Fieschi re-enacts the 1230 wedding with period costumes, culminating in the free distribution of a giant cake to the entire crowd.
Combine with & don't miss
- Chiavari arcades — nearly 1 km, a must-walk
- Palazzo Rocca — Civic Gallery and Italian garden
- Antique market — third weekend of the month
- Weekly market — Thursday mornings
- Lavagna beaches — sandy and wider than most on the Riviera
- Basilica di Santo Stefano (Lavagna) — 13th-century Romanesque
- Sestri Levante — 15 min further by train
- Torta dei Fieschi — 14 August, medieval re-enactment
Suggested day itinerary: morning in Chiavari (arcades, Palazzo Rocca, coffee), seafood lunch, afternoon at Lavagna beach — or continue to Sestri Levante.
Logistics
Getting from Rapallo to Chiavari.
The train is fast and easy. Chiavari and Lavagna are two consecutive stops on the same line — both very comfortable to combine in a morning.
By train — from Rapallo station, Trenitalia regional service towards La Spezia. Chiavari in about 20 minutes (~€2–3); Lavagna is the next stop (5 more minutes). Chiavari station is a 5-minute walk from the arcades. Check timetables at trenitalia.com.
By car — SP1 coastal road, about 25 minutes. Parking available on the outskirts; Chiavari's historic centre is a ZTL (restricted traffic zone). Not recommended over the train for a visit to the centre.
Stay in Rapallo
The Tigullio in a day, from one base.
From Rapallo, 20 minutes by train puts you in Chiavari. Time for the arcades, the museum, lunch, and an afternoon at Lavagna beach — back in the evening without changing accommodation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Chiavari and Lavagna.
Practical answers for planning your visit.
How do you get to Chiavari from Rapallo?
By regional Trenitalia train towards La Spezia: about 20 minutes, ticket ~€2–3. The station is a 5-minute walk from the medieval arcades. Lavagna is the very next stop (5 more minutes).
What is the Torta dei Fieschi?
A medieval re-enactment held in Lavagna every 14 August: a recreation of the 1230 wedding of Obiazzo Fieschi and Bianca de' Bianchi in period costume, followed by the free distribution of a giant wedding cake to the entire crowd. One of Liguria's most spectacular local events.
Does Chiavari have an antique market?
Yes: the antique market is held on the third weekend of each month along the historic arcades. There is also a weekly market every Thursday morning with local food and produce.
What are the Chiavari arcades?
A covered arcade nearly a kilometre long running through the historic centre — among the longest in Liguria. They make the town a pleasure to explore in any weather, lined with shops, cafés and artisan workshops. Still the social and commercial heart of the city.
Can you combine Chiavari with Sestri Levante?
Easily: Sestri Levante is 15 minutes further by train. Chiavari + Lavagna + Sestri Levante in one day is a classic eastern Tigullio itinerary, very comfortable from Rapallo.
Plan the Tigullio with LigurIA.
LigurIA builds a tailored itinerary combining Chiavari, Lavagna, Sestri Levante and the rest of the Riviera — with Rapallo as your base. Free, no registration required.