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September · Genoa · Waterfront

Genoa International Boat Show

One of Europe's leading nautical fairs, every September at Piazzale Kennedy on Genoa's waterfront. Over 300,000 sq m of land and water, vessels of every kind on display — a must-attend event for sailing enthusiasts, boating professionals and anyone who loves life on the water.

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The Genoa Boat Show: sixty years of sea, boats and the sailing industry

The first Genoa International Boat Show was held on 27 January 1962. That inaugural edition attracted 585 exhibitors from 16 countries and 300,000 visitors — impressive numbers for a first-time event, proof that the idea had struck exactly the right chord. Genoa, a city defined by the sea, a historic Mediterranean port, was the natural home for the annual gathering of those who live the sea by profession or by passion. Since then the show has grown into one of Europe's foremost nautical reference points.

The venue is the waterfront at Piazzale Kennedy, Genoa: over 200,000 sq m of land and 100,000 sq m of water where vessels are displayed afloat. 85% of the areas are outdoors, which means the September light and weather of the Ligurian coast are part of the experience — and September in Genoa is often magnificent. You walk among sailing boats of every size, motorboats, dinghies, tenders, superyachts on the water and accessories of every kind on land. It is not just a trade fair: it is full immersion into the world of those who have made the sea their passion or their livelihood.

The audience is mixed: private recreational boating enthusiasts — those dreaming of a sailing boat, those looking to upgrade their dinghy — mingle with industry professionals, brokers, racing sailors and specialist journalists. The atmosphere is unlike many trade fairs: there is sunshine, there is the sea, and there are boats in the water. Even those who buy nothing leave with something.

For those coming from the Riviera, the Boat Show is a natural fit. Rapallo and the Tigullio gulf are already a maritime world — Portofino, the Golfo Paradiso, sailing boats visible every day from the coast. Combining a few days at the show with a stay on the Riviera is one of the most coherent trips imaginable for a boating enthusiast.

History First edition 27 January 1962: 585 exhibitors from 16 nations and 300,000 visitors at the very first show.
Scale 200,000+ sq m on land and 100,000 sq m of water. 85% of areas are outdoors.
Venue Piazzale Kennedy 1, Genoa — historic port waterfront, reachable by train from Rapallo in ~35 minutes.
September Late summer in Genoa and on the Riviera: sea still warm, fewer crowds than August, perfect light for visiting.

How to plan your visit sensibly

The show runs for about 10 days. A private enthusiast usually needs 1–2 days: one to see the land areas at leisure, another to go back to the vessels that caught their attention. Professionals or trade visitors may need more. In any case, weekdays are always preferable to weekends, when the show is far more crowded. Check ticket prices and buy in advance at salonenautico.com.

Logistically, Rapallo works perfectly as a base: 35 minutes by train, get off at Genova Brignole or Piazza Principe, take the AMT bus or enjoy a walk along the waterfront to Piazzale Kennedy. No parking hassle, no traffic, and in the evening you come back to Rapallo with the Riviera still to enjoy.

Getting there

Rapallo to Genoa: about 35 minutes by train

No car needed. The train is more convenient and spares you Genoa's traffic and the parking nightmare during the show.

Departure
Rapallo Station

Genova–La Spezia line. Regional trains every 30–60 min approx. The station is walkable from Rapallo town centre.

~35 min
Regional train

Trenitalia Regionale, direct to Genoa. Get off at Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe.

Arrival
Genova Brignole / Piazza Principe

From Brignole or Piazza Principe: take the AMT bus towards the port or walk along the waterfront to Piazzale Kennedy.

AMT or on foot
Piazzale Kennedy — Boat Show

Entrance to the show on Genoa's waterfront. Check updated AMT routes at amt.genova.it during the event.

Timetables and frequencies change every year: always check trenitalia.com. During the show, trains to and from Genoa can be crowded, especially at weekends. Driving to Genoa during the Boat Show is strongly discouraged: traffic is heavy and parking near the venue is very limited and expensive.

The smart choice

Why stay in Rapallo instead of Genoa

Rapallo is 35 minutes by train, but offers what Genoa during the show rarely can: reasonable prices, tranquillity and the Riviera right outside your door.

1

Genoa during the show is expensive

Accommodation prices in Genoa during the Boat Show rise significantly. Rapallo offers more stable prices and a wider range of options, with the added benefit of being on the Riviera — somewhere you actually want to be, not just sleep.

2

Don't choose between the show and the Riviera

From Rapallo, go to the show in the morning, return in the afternoon, and in the evening enjoy the waterfront promenade, the harbour, a slice of focaccia. The show becomes part of a complete holiday — not the only reason for the trip. September on the Riviera is beautiful and less crowded.

3

The Tigullio is perfect for sea lovers

Portofino, Camogli, Santa Margherita: anyone visiting the Boat Show out of a passion for the sea will find the Tigullio an ideal complement. The atmosphere of the fishing villages, boats in the harbour, sailing — it all fits perfectly with the spirit of the trip.

4

September in Rapallo is magnificent

Late summer on the Riviera: sea still warm, beaches far less crowded than August, ideal temperatures. Morning at the show, afternoon at the beach — a combination that those who come only for the fair will miss.

5

Genoa is only 35 minutes away

35 minutes by train is nothing. You can go back and forth easily, even several days in a row. Those needing to visit the show multiple times — for business, for meetings — can do so effortlessly from Rapallo.

6

Complete flexibility

If one day the show is too crowded or you've seen what you came for, you still have the Riviera: Portofino, Camogli, the cable car up to Montallegro. You're never stuck with one event in one city.

Rapallo Smart Home

Your base: comfortable, smart and steps from the station.

Two double bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, integrated home automation and a strategic location for getting around the Riviera and reaching Genoa by train. Pre-launch phase: register for first availability.

4 guestsTwo double bedrooms — ideal for couples, friends or colleagues
Close to the stationGenoa, Camogli, Sestri Levante and the Riviera without a car
Smart homeLights, blinds, intercom, automated front door
Full kitchenComplete independence during your show days
Plan with LigurIA Notify me when open

🏨 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 show

What to do before and after your show days.

Show days still leave room for the Riviera. Some practical ideas for September in the Tigullio.

Tip

Visit the show on weekdays

The Boat Show is far more crowded at weekends. If you have a choice, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday offer a more relaxed experience and the chance to speak with exhibitors without queuing.

Evening

Aperitivo at Rapallo harbour on the way back

After a day among boats and trade stands, returning to Rapallo and strolling along the Porto Carlo Riva — with its moored yachts and the illuminated seafront promenade — is the perfect way to stay connected to the real sea.

Day off

Portofino or Camogli between show days

Those spending several days at the show can fit in a rest day in the middle. Portofino by ferry from Santa Margherita or the Camogli walk to Punta Chiappa: two different maritime experiences, both just minutes from Rapallo.

Genoa

Boccadasse and the historic carruggi after the show

If you stay in Genoa for the evening, the Boccadasse neighbourhood (a small fishing village) and a walk through the historic centre among the narrow lanes are worth lingering over. Genoa is a rich city that is often underestimated.

Pair it with other events

The show is one of many reasons to be on the Riviera in September. The Tigullio at this time of year is at its best.

Camogli Communication FestivalSeptember

Camogli Communication Festival

The same week or the next: 100+ national speakers in Camogli for four days of culture and ideas in the village squares. 10 minutes from Rapallo.

View details →
Genoa Rolli Days and Science FestivalOctober

Rolli Days & Science Festival

October in Genoa: UNESCO palaces open to the public and 200,000+ visitors for a science celebration. Another reason to stay on the Ligurian Riviera in autumn.

View details →
Stella Maris Camogli sea candlelight processionFirst Sunday of August

Stella Maris in Camogli

For those returning to the Riviera in summer: the sea procession with floating candles is one of the most moving spectacles on the Ligurian coast.

View details →

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 the Genoa Boat Show?

Yes, and it is often the most sensible choice. Accommodation in Genoa during the Boat Show is in very high demand and prices rise sharply. Rapallo is about 35 minutes by train, offers a wide range of accommodation at more reasonable rates, and lets you combine the show with a genuine Riviera holiday. The price difference between staying in Genoa and in Rapallo during the show can be substantial.

When does the Genoa Boat Show take place?

In the second half of September, typically for 10–11 days. Exact dates change every year: always check salonenautico.com before booking. Do not rely on the previous year's dates without confirmation.

How long is the train journey from Rapallo to Genoa?

About 30–35 minutes from Rapallo to Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe on the regional train. From there, Piazzale Kennedy is reachable by AMT bus or on foot along the waterfront. Check up-to-date timetables at trenitalia.com and AMT routes at amt.genova.it.

Is the Boat Show a paid event?

Yes. Admission prices vary by visitor category (private, trade) and ticket type (day pass, season pass). Check the latest prices and buy tickets in advance at salonenautico.com to avoid queues and save compared to paying at the door.

Is it better to go on a weekday or at the weekend?

Definitely a weekday. The Boat Show at weekends — especially Saturday — is far more crowded, with queues at the entrances and difficulty moving between stands. Weekdays offer a more comfortable experience, shorter waits and better access to exhibitors to discuss the boats properly.

What can you see at the Genoa Boat Show?

Sailing boats, motorboats, dinghies, tenders, superyachts, nautical accessories, marine electronics, technical clothing and maritime lifestyle. 85% of the areas are outdoors: the largest vessels are displayed afloat in the 100,000 sq m basin. It is one of the most comprehensive maritime events in Europe.

How many days should you plan for the show?

It depends on your visit: 1–2 days is enough for a private enthusiast who wants to see everything at leisure. Those attending for professional or business reasons may need 3–5 days. With Rapallo as your base, you can easily combine 1–3 show days with the rest of your time on the September Riviera.

Is Rapallo Smart Home bookable yet?

The property is in pre-launch and is not yet bookable online. Leave your email to receive updates on first availability, a free guide to Rapallo and the surrounding area, and practical information on events throughout the autumn season.

Plan your stay for the Boat Show.

LigurIA builds a bespoke mini-itinerary: the show, the Ligurian Riviera and Genoese cuisine in a practical, realistic plan.

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