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February / March · Genoa · Fiera di Genova

Megacon Genova

Liguria's great comics, anime, manga, gaming and cosplay fair. A perfect day trip that pairs beautifully with a few days on the Riviera out of season — 35 minutes by train from Rapallo.

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Pop culture has found a home in Genoa

Megacon Genova is Liguria's main fair dedicated to pop culture in its broadest sense: Italian and international comics, manga, Japanese anime, video games, board games, cosplay. This is not a niche industry event — it attracts families with curious children, long-time enthusiasts, cosplayers of every skill level and anyone who grew up with a passion for illustrated stories, fantastical worlds or digital characters. Genoa, with its port history and imagination-steeped identity, turns out to be a surprisingly fitting backdrop.

The event typically takes place between February and March, a time when Genoa is liveable, far less chaotic than summer, and the Ligurian Riviera takes on a quality all of its own. Visitors coming from outside the region discover that combining a day at the fair with a few days on the Riviera — exploring Camogli, Portofino or Rapallo out of season — is one of the least predictable and most rewarding Ligurian experiences on offer.

The exhibition area features stands from publishers, distributors, authors and artists, with signing sessions, previews, round tables and presentations. The cosplay competition is one of the most anticipated fixtures: the stage becomes a spectacle in itself, with costumes at every level of elaboration and an enthusiastic audience. For gamers there are demo stations and tournaments. For board game fans, dedicated spaces with open play and new-title showcases.

A single day is enough to see everything at a relaxed pace. Two days allow you to follow the special events on the programme as well. From Rapallo, on the regional train, you can arrive in the morning, experience the fair fully and return to the Riviera in the evening without any rush.

Comics & manga Exhibition area with publishers, authors, artists and signing sessions: the best of Italian and international production.
Cosplay Cosplay competition with judges and audience: one of the most popular and photogenic events at the fair.
Gaming Demo stations, tournaments and video game previews: a lively dedicated area for gamers.
Off season February/March: Riviera without crowds, accessible prices, trails open. Combining fair and coast here genuinely makes sense.

What to expect in practice

Arriving early in the morning is the right move: you avoid the entrance queue and have time to get your bearings before attendance peaks in the early afternoon. Signing sessions with guest authors fill up quickly — check the programme on the official website in advance and, if there are priority events, arrive early. Saturday is the busiest day; Sunday and Friday (when scheduled) are quieter. The return to Rapallo in the evening is very comfortable: trains run frequently and in under 40 minutes you are back on the Riviera.

Getting there

Rapallo to Genoa: about 35 minutes by train

No car needed. The train is faster than Genoa's urban traffic and drops you in the heart of the city with no parking hassle at all.

Departure
Rapallo Station

Genoa–Sestri Levante line. Frequent regional trains throughout the day. The station is walkable from Rapallo's centre.

~35 min
Regional train

Trenitalia Regionale, direct, no changes required. Cheap return ticket, very comfortable.

Arrival
Genova Brignole or Piazza Principe

Brignole is the most convenient starting point for reaching the Fiera di Genova. From Piazza Principe use the metro or city buses.

Bus / Taxi
Fiera di Genova

The Fiera di Genova is reachable from Brignole by bus or taxi in a few minutes. Check the exact venue on megacon.it — spaces used can vary from year to year.

Timetables and frequencies change: always check trenitalia.com. On Megacon days, traffic towards Genoa's fair area can be heavy — the train is by far the most comfortable option. Parking near the Fiera or in central Genoa is expensive and subject to availability.

The smart choice

Why stay in Rapallo instead of Genoa

Rapallo is 35 minutes by train but offers what Genoa cannot: the sea, the off-season Riviera and a holiday that goes far beyond the fair itself.

1

The Riviera out of season is something else

February and March in Liguria are quiet months, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery without the crowds. Having Rapallo as a base means rediscovering the coast without the summer invasion — an authentic, relaxed side of Liguria.

2

No need to choose between the fair and the coast

From Rapallo you take the morning train to Genoa, enjoy Megacon, then return in the evening to the seafront. The stay becomes much more than a simple fair day trip — it is a short off-season holiday on the Riviera.

3

Lower prices out of season

Rapallo in February/March has low-season rates. A whole apartment with a full kitchen costs far less than in summer. For families or groups coming to Megacon with children, it is a very affordable combination.

4

Open trails and villages without queues

Camogli, Portofino, the Portofino Natural Park trails: in February and March they are walkable and beautiful. A day at Megacon plus a day in Portofino is an unusual combination that works perfectly.

5

Coming home to a real apartment

After an intense day at the fair — noise, crowds, colour, adrenaline — having a spacious, quiet, smart apartment to relax in makes a genuine difference. A kitchen to cook something Ligurian, adjustable lights, everything ready for the evening.

6

Genoa as a day trip, not your only destination

Having Rapallo as a base means Genoa is one of your day trips, not the sole reason for the journey. If Megacon is less compelling on a given day, Genoa's historic centre, the Aquarium or Boccadasse are excellent alternatives.

Rapallo Smart Home

Your base: convenient, smart, steps from the station.

Two double bedrooms, full kitchen, integrated home automation and a strategic position to explore the entire Riviera and Genoa. Currently in pre-launch phase: sign up for first availability.

4 guestsTwo double bedrooms — ideal for families, couples or fan friends
Station nearbyGenoa, Camogli, Recco and the Riviera without a car
Smart homeLights, blinds, video intercom, automated front door
Full kitchenTotal independence, no reliance on restaurants
Plan with LigurIA Notify me at launch

🏨 Hotels in the area peak season: typically €150–250/night, no kitchen. RSH: full home for 4, direct booking with zero OTA fees (Airbnb +15%, Booking +20%).

Rapallo and surroundings around Megacon

What to do before and after the fair.

February/March on the Riviera offers experiences that summer simply cannot. Four concrete ideas.

Morning

Portofino out of season

In February and March Portofino is spectacular and nearly deserted. The walk from Santa Margherita Ligure or the boat from Rapallo takes you to one of Italy's most famous villages without any summer queues — a completely different experience from the usual image.

Evening

Aperitivo on Rapallo seafront

Returning from Genoa and walking along the Vittorio Veneto promenade at a winter sunset, the sea castle lit up in the background: the low February light creates an atmosphere that summer could never replicate. The town-centre bars are open and quiet.

Day off

The trail to San Fruttuoso

The path from Camogli to San Fruttuoso (about 2 hours) is one of the most beautiful trails on the Riviera. In winter the woodland is silent, the cove is nearly empty and the abbey can be visited at leisure. Impossible in summer because of the heat and crowds.

Culture

Boccadasse and Genoa's historic centre

If you have already visited Megacon and want a second Genoa day, the medieval historic centre (UNESCO World Heritage) and Boccadasse — the fishing village to the east, with its colourful houses clinging to the rocks — are the places that transform Genoa from backdrop to protagonist.

Pair it with other events

Megacon is the winter reason to be on the Riviera. Other events complete the seasonal calendar.

Genoa for Rolli Days and Festival della ScienzaOctober

Rolli Days & Festival della Scienza

October in Genoa: UNESCO palaces open to the public and 300+ science events. The other great reason to return to Genoa — and Rapallo — in autumn.

Explore →
Camogli for the Festival della ComunicazioneSeptember

Camogli Communication Festival

September in Camogli: 100+ speakers in the piazzas, Golfo Paradiso, sea still warm. The cultural landmark of the Riviera in shoulder season.

Explore →
Porto Carlo Riva and sailing in RapalloSpring

Sailing & Boating in Rapallo

Porto Carlo Riva and the Tigullio sailing tradition: Rapallo in spring fills with boats and regattas. The season after Megacon, on the same coast.

Explore →

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know.

Practical answers to help you plan your stay without surprises.

Does it make sense to stay in Rapallo for Megacon Genova?

Yes — especially for anyone wanting to combine the fair with more than a simple day trip to the city. Rapallo is 35 minutes by train from Genoa, offers wider accommodation options and lets you enjoy the out-of-season Riviera in the morning before the fair or on the way back in the evening. February and March in Liguria are peaceful, affordable and genuinely beautiful.

When does Megacon Genova take place?

Megacon Genova typically takes place between February and March. Exact dates vary from year to year and are announced on the official website megacon.it. Always check the official source before booking accommodation or tickets.

How long is the train journey from Rapallo to Genoa?

About 35 minutes on the Trenitalia regional train along the Genoa–La Spezia line, with no changes needed. You arrive at Genova Brignole (most convenient for the Fiera) or Piazza Principe. Check up-to-date timetables at trenitalia.com — regional trains run with good frequency, including in the evening for the return trip.

Is the Riviera worth visiting in February/March?

Absolutely. February and March in Liguria are quiet, with mild temperatures (often 12–16°C) and beautiful landscapes. The Portofino Natural Park trails are walkable without summer heat, Camogli and Portofino can be explored without queues, and restaurants are accessible without booking weeks ahead. Combining Megacon with a few days on the off-season Riviera is one of the most rewarding Ligurian experiences available.

What exactly is Megacon Genova?

Megacon Genova is Liguria's main fair dedicated to comics, anime, manga, gaming and cosplay. It draws enthusiasts, collectors, cosplayers and families from across northern Italy. The event is typically held at the Fiera di Genova or other city venues, with an exhibitor area, events, special guests and a cosplay competition. The detailed programme is published on megacon.it in the weeks before the event.

Should I book Megacon tickets in advance?

Yes — booking online in advance is strongly recommended, especially for Saturday, which is the busiest day. Tickets bought online avoid queues at the entrance and are often slightly cheaper. Tickets and access details available at megacon.it.

What else is there to see in Genoa beyond Megacon?

Genoa has a great deal to offer even in winter: Europe's largest medieval city centre (UNESCO World Heritage, with Strade Nuove and Rolli Palaces), the Genoa Aquarium, Boccadasse fishing village, the Musei di Strada Nuova, Palazzo Ducale. A full day is not enough to see everything. If the fair programme allows time, the caruggi and the Musei di Strada Nuova are the highlights worth prioritising.

Is Rapallo Smart Home bookable yet?

The home is in pre-launch phase and is not yet bookable online. Leave your email to receive updates on first availability, the free guide to Rapallo and surroundings, and practical information on the season's events.

Plan your stay for Megacon Genova.

LigurIA builds a tailored mini-itinerary: the fair, the off-season Riviera and Ligurian cuisine in one practical, realistic plan.

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