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Spring · In the city (0 minutes) · Rapallo

Sailing & Boating in Rapallo

Porto Carlo Riva is one of Italy's finest yacht marinas. Regattas on the Gulf of Tigullio, classic boats, a maritime culture that runs deep: Rapallo is not just a base for events elsewhere — it is itself a destination.

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Rapallo's sea is not just a backdrop

Some cities have the sea. Others live it. Rapallo falls firmly in the second category. The Gulf of Tigullio — closed to the west by the Portofino headland and open to the east towards Sestri Levante — is one of the most sheltered and beautiful sailing environments in the western Mediterranean. It is no coincidence that Carlo Riva, the boat builder whose mahogany craft defined the imagery of postwar nautical luxury, chose to root himself here. The marina that bears his name is no geographical accident: it is the recognition of a bond between Rapallo and the sea that has lasted for centuries.

Porto Carlo Riva today is one of Liguria's most appreciated marinas: over 1,000 berths, excellent facilities, a position in the gulf that shelters it from open-sea winds and keeps it accessible in almost all conditions. Those who arrive by boat in Rapallo come not only to moor: they come for the town, the seafront, the restaurants, the cable car to the Montallegro Sanctuary, the excursions towards Portofino. The marina is the departure point for sailing to San Fruttuoso, Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure — all destinations reachable in under an hour.

Rapallo's nautical events calendar is concentrated mainly in spring: from April to June the Gulf of Tigullio fills with regattas. The Yacht Club Rapallo and Porto Carlo Riva organise coastal and offshore sailing competitions that bring enthusiasts and professionals from across Italy. The regattas can be followed comfortably from the Vittorio Veneto seafront promenade, which offers a direct view of the race course. You do not need a boat to experience them: just walk.

But sailing in Rapallo goes beyond the regattas. The Gulf of Tigullio is a natural sailing ground that attracts sailors of all levels for day trips, lessons, charter and guided outings. Skippered trips to Portofino depart from Porto Carlo Riva, alongside classic boat rallies (some of which are genuine masterpieces of nautical craftsmanship) and sailing training days. In spring, with the sea warming and the summer crowds still away, this is probably the best time to experience this side of Rapallo.

Porto Carlo Riva Over 1,000 berths — one of Liguria's most appreciated marinas, named after the legendary boat builder.
Regattas The Gulf of Tigullio hosts coastal and offshore sailing regattas with direct visibility from the seafront — free of charge.
Sailing trips Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Camogli: all reachable in under an hour by charter or organised skippered outing.
In the city Unique among events in this guide: Rapallo Smart Home is in Rapallo — zero distance from the marina and the regattas.

What to expect in practice

A typical morning during the sailing season: breakfast at a town-centre café, a walk along the seafront watching the boats leave the marina for the day's regatta, perhaps a stop at the port to look at the vessels at their moorings. In the afternoon, if you have booked a sailing trip, you head to the marina and set off towards Portofino or San Fruttuoso. In the evening: aperitivo with a view over the gulf, then walk back to the apartment. No train, no transfer. Everything in the city.

Getting there

From your front door to the marina: on foot in the city

For once, no train needed. Rapallo Smart Home is in Rapallo — the marina, the seafront and the regattas are all within walking distance.

Departure
Rapallo Smart Home

Home in the city, within Rapallo's urban fabric. Kitchen for breakfast, no hurried check-out — leave when you like.

On foot
Rapallo town centre

Walk through the centre: cafés, bakeries, the covered market. Everything in Rapallo's centre is within a 10–15 minute walk.

Seafront
Vittorio Veneto promenade

The seafront walk with a view over the gulf. From here you can see the boats at their moorings and the regattas in the open waters of the Gulf of Tigullio.

Marina
Porto Carlo Riva

Rapallo's yacht marina: over 1,000 berths, bar, restaurants, harbour office and embarkation point for organised trips to Portofino and the gulf.

To reach Santa Margherita Ligure or Portofino by ferry, boats depart from Rapallo harbour with seasonal frequency. To reach Camogli or Genoa, Rapallo train station is also walkable from the city centre. Check the regatta calendar at portocarloriva.it before your trip.

The obvious choice

Why stay in Rapallo for Rapallo's sailing

This is the one page on this site where the answer is simple: you are already in the right place. The marina, the seafront, the regattas — it is all right here.

1

Zero distance from the action

Porto Carlo Riva, the seafront, the regatta courses: everything is in Rapallo. No train, no car. Step out of the apartment and you are already in the heart of the Tigullio's sailing city.

2

Early morning at the marina

Having an apartment in the city means going out at dawn to watch the boats prepare for the day's race, having breakfast at the marina café, enjoying the nautical bustle before the start. You simply cannot do this from a hotel in another town.

3

The Gulf of Tigullio as your sailing ground

From Rapallo you reach Portofino by ferry, on foot along the coastal path or by sailing boat. Santa Margherita Ligure is 10 minutes away. The gulf is one of the most sheltered and navigable in Liguria: there is no better base for those who want to sail.

4

Spring: the best time

April, May, June: the sea is already navigable, temperatures are ideal for being outdoors, the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Prices are lower. Spring Rapallo is probably the best version of Rapallo.

5

Regattas visible from the seafront — free

Regattas on the Gulf of Tigullio can be followed comfortably from the Vittorio Veneto promenade. No ticket, no boat needed. Bring a chair, order something at the bar, watch. The Riviera at its best.

6

Full kitchen for cooking the catch

Having a full kitchen in the apartment means buying fresh fish at Rapallo market in the morning and cooking it in the evening. A seafront with boats, a kitchen with the day's catch: it is not a small detail.

Rapallo Smart Home

Your base: convenient, smart, in the heart of Rapallo.

Two double bedrooms, full kitchen, integrated home automation and a town-centre position — steps from the marina and the seafront. Currently in pre-launch phase: sign up for first availability.

4 guestsTwo double bedrooms — ideal for sailing fans, families or couples
In the cityMarina, seafront and centre on foot — zero transfers
Smart homeLights, blinds, video intercom, automated front door
Full kitchenFresh fish from the market, total independence
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 around the sailing

What to do before and after the regattas.

Four ideas to make the most of a week in Rapallo in spring, between sea, marina and the Riviera.

Morning

Rapallo market and fish stall

Rapallo's covered market is one of the best-stocked on the Riviera. Early morning, before the regattas, doing the shopping — fresh fish, pesto, focaccia, trofie — is an experience in itself and the foundation for a quality home-cooked dinner.

Sailing trip

Skippered outing to Portofino

Skippered boat trips to Portofino and San Fruttuoso Bay depart from Porto Carlo Riva. Seen from the sea, the Portofino headland and the Natural Park coastline take on a completely different scale from walking paths. An experience you remember.

Hiking

The trail to Montallegro or Santa Margherita

The path from Rapallo climbing to the Montallegro Sanctuary (or the cable car for the less athletic) offers views over the gulf that explain why Rapallo has always attracted sailors: you can see the entire race course from above. Alternatively, the coastal path towards Santa Margherita is among the most beautiful on the Riviera.

Evening

Aperitivo at the marina watching the boats

After a day of racing or sailing, sitting at the harbour bar as the sun sets over the Gulf of Tigullio is the perfect way to end the day. Rapallo's 16th-century sea castle lights up at the harbour entrance, boats rock gently at their moorings: it is impossible not to stay longer than planned.

Pair it with other events

Sailing in spring is the first event of the season. Here are the other fixtures that complete the calendar.

Camogli for the Festival della ComunicazioneSeptember

Camogli Communication Festival

September in Camogli: 100+ speakers in the piazzas, sea still warm, Golfo Paradiso. 10 minutes from Rapallo by train — the cultural event of summer's end.

Explore →
Genoa for Rolli Days and Festival della ScienzaOctober

Rolli Days & Festival della Scienza

October in Genoa: UNESCO palaces open and 300+ science events. 35 minutes from Rapallo by train — the autumn cultural calendar of Genoa.

Explore →
Megacon Genova comics and gamingFebruary/March

Megacon Genova

The comics, anime and gaming fair in Genoa in winter — the time of year when the Riviera is peaceful and the trails are accessible without crowds.

Explore →

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know.

Practical answers to help you plan your stay without surprises.

What is Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo?

Porto Carlo Riva is Rapallo's marina, named after the legendary boat builder Carlo Riva — who made Rapallo his adoptive home and founded the boatyard that produced some of the most iconic luxury mahogany boats of the postwar era. With over 1,000 berths, it is one of Liguria's most highly regarded marinas and a reference point for recreational boating on the Gulf of Tigullio.

When do the regattas take place in Rapallo?

Rapallo's nautical events calendar is concentrated mainly in spring (April–June) and autumn. The main regattas are organised by the Yacht Club Rapallo and Porto Carlo Riva. The updated calendar is available at portocarloriva.it and yachtclubrapallo.it. Check the dates of the specific events you are interested in before booking your stay.

Do I need my own boat to enjoy Rapallo's nautical events?

No. Regattas on the Gulf of Tigullio can be followed comfortably from the Vittorio Veneto seafront promenade — no ticket, no boat required. For those wanting to sail without their own vessel, Porto Carlo Riva is the departure point for organised skippered trips to Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli Bay. Various operators offer bare-boat and skippered hire, sailing lessons and day trips.

What kind of nautical events take place in Rapallo?

Rapallo hosts offshore and coastal sailing regattas, classic yacht gatherings, vintage boat rallies and events centred on maritime culture and classic yachting. The Gulf of Tigullio — with Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and Camogli as its backdrop — is one of Italy's most beautiful sailing environments.

What is the connection between Rapallo and Carlo Riva?

Carlo Riva, founder of the Riva boatyard that produced some of the most iconic and coveted watercraft of the 20th century, had deep ties to Rapallo — the city where he had his home and spent much of his time. The marina was named in his honour. This connection transforms Porto Carlo Riva from simple infrastructure into a place with a precise historical identity in the imagination of Italian and European boating.

Can I go sailing from Rapallo?

Yes. From Rapallo and the Gulf of Tigullio, organised boat trips depart towards Portofino, Camogli, San Fruttuoso and the Cinque Terre. Various operators offer skippered hire, sailing lessons and day trips. Check availability directly at Porto Carlo Riva or through local sailing clubs, especially in high season when advance booking is recommended.

Is spring the best time for sailing in Rapallo?

Both spring and summer are ideal, but April, May and June offer specific advantages: the sea is already navigable, temperatures are pleasant for time outdoors, prices are low-to-mid season and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. The spring light on the Gulf of Tigullio is one of Liguria's most beautiful natural spectacles.

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 spring sailing season's events.

Plan your stay for Rapallo's spring sailing season.

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