Andrea & Annarita's Guide
Visite turistiche
It doesn't matter if you are religious or not, this place is magic.
The view over the Tigullio gulf is unique.
The sanctuary includes a source of water that the legend says gushed after the apparition of the Madonna.
If you prefer more secular entertainment, you can have an aperitif on the terrace of the Pellegrino bar or dinner at the Montallegro restaurant.
You can achieve Motallegro by car, on foot (challenging walk on an ancient medieval mule track) or by cable car.
57 locals recommend
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro
24 Via al SantuarioIt doesn't matter if you are religious or not, this place is magic.
The view over the Tigullio gulf is unique.
The sanctuary includes a source of water that the legend says gushed after the apparition of the Madonna.
If you prefer more secular entertainment, you can have an aperitif on the terrace of the Pellegrino bar or dinner at the Montallegro restaurant.
You can achieve Motallegro by car, on foot (challenging walk on an ancient medieval mule track) or by cable car.
The beach is wide, in addition there is a beautiful walk to visit the most hidden places
9 locals recommend
Zoagli station
The beach is wide, in addition there is a beautiful walk to visit the most hidden places
Portofino is famous all over the world and needs no presentations.
Don't just stay in the square, make a visit to the Brown castle and for the strong walkers an aperitif at the lighthouse is a unique experience.
Some tips to reach the city.
You can enter by car only if there is place in the expensive public parking (the municipal police control the entrances). The ferry could be an alternative, otherwise arrive at the "Covo di Nordest" and park your car, a 3 km walk will permit you enjoy the beauty of the place.
83 locals recommend
Portofino
Portofino is famous all over the world and needs no presentations.
Don't just stay in the square, make a visit to the Brown castle and for the strong walkers an aperitif at the lighthouse is a unique experience.
Some tips to reach the city.
You can enter by car only if there is place in the expensive public parking (the municipal police control the entrances). The ferry could be an alternative, otherwise arrive at the "Covo di Nordest" and park your car, a 3 km walk will permit you enjoy the beauty of the place.
Founded in 1204 by Altilia Malfanti and her sister Tiba, it was a cloistered monastery of the Cistercian nuns.
In ruins due to abandonment, today it has been declared a monument of national interest and public events are held there.
A legend tells that in very ancient times, a nun, madly in love with a shepherd, transgressed the rule of chastity. She became pregnant and as a punishment she was walled up alive, with her newborn baby.
On moonless nights a poignant lament can be heard in the Monastery.
11 locals recommend
Monastery Valle Christi
5 Via S. MassimoFounded in 1204 by Altilia Malfanti and her sister Tiba, it was a cloistered monastery of the Cistercian nuns.
In ruins due to abandonment, today it has been declared a monument of national interest and public events are held there.
A legend tells that in very ancient times, a nun, madly in love with a shepherd, transgressed the rule of chastity. She became pregnant and as a punishment she was walled up alive, with her newborn baby.
On moonless nights a poignant lament can be heard in the Monastery.
The square is nice and full of life. A plaque is commemorating the Nietzsche's stay in Rapallo.
It recalls that in Rapallo the German philosopher wrote the first part of the "So spoke Zarathustra"
Piazza Martiri della Liberazione
Piazza Martiri della LiberazioneThe square is nice and full of life. A plaque is commemorating the Nietzsche's stay in Rapallo.
It recalls that in Rapallo the German philosopher wrote the first part of the "So spoke Zarathustra"
Offerta gastronomica
We recommend this restaurant for the focaccia (a sort of pizza without tomatos), of course, but also for the "sea view" position.
12 locals recommend
Focaccia Restaurant in Riviera
1 Via Paolo ZuninoWe recommend this restaurant for the focaccia (a sort of pizza without tomatos), of course, but also for the "sea view" position.
Armida 1905
23/25 P.za del PozzoSophisticated cuisine and very kind staff
A very special restaurant.
The outdoor terrace is very pleasant in summer, but the (rather kitchy) interiors are worth a visit.
On the walls there are reproductions of comics of any sort.
The staff is very kind.
Some specialties are recommended: the mixture of fried cheese and vegetables (typical of tigullio Gulf), the tagliolini with chilli (only if you love the strong chilli, because they are very strong) and the typical soups.
The location is a bit isolated, in return you can find relatively easy a parking place
22 locals recommend
U Giancu
78 Via S. MassimoA very special restaurant.
The outdoor terrace is very pleasant in summer, but the (rather kitchy) interiors are worth a visit.
On the walls there are reproductions of comics of any sort.
The staff is very kind.
Some specialties are recommended: the mixture of fried cheese and vegetables (typical of tigullio Gulf), the tagliolini with chilli (only if you love the strong chilli, because they are very strong) and the typical soups.
The location is a bit isolated, in return you can find relatively easy a parking place
Very top cuisine and very kind staff.
It is a little expensive, but it's worth.
Ask the owner to tell you his story, his life is quite interesting
Zi’ Ninella
15 Via Anton Maria MaraglianoVery top cuisine and very kind staff.
It is a little expensive, but it's worth.
Ask the owner to tell you his story, his life is quite interesting
Beaches
This gulf is wonderful, but also very expensive.
We suggest the small free beach to the north (towards Portofino), it is a bit hidden, but if you find it you can take a free bath in the most beautiful beach in Tigullio.
(obviously it is always crowded, choose off-peak times)
71 locals recommend
Paraggi
This gulf is wonderful, but also very expensive.
We suggest the small free beach to the north (towards Portofino), it is a bit hidden, but if you find it you can take a free bath in the most beautiful beach in Tigullio.
(obviously it is always crowded, choose off-peak times)
It is a little expensive, but welcoming.
Lunch is also recommended.
13 locals recommend
Il Porticciolo
98 Via Renato BirolliIt is a little expensive, but welcoming.
Lunch is also recommended.
Zoagli has a wide beach (like not many in Tigullio). You can go to one of the two equipped beaches (we prefer Punta Stella) or to the free beach (which offers some free services (shower).
53 locals recommend
Zoagli
Zoagli has a wide beach (like not many in Tigullio). You can go to one of the two equipped beaches (we prefer Punta Stella) or to the free beach (which offers some free services (shower).
Coffee & Cappuccino
Excellent bar in the center of Rapallo (in piazza della Chiappa).
The breakfasts are great and the ice cream is good.
You can sit at the tables outside and watch the people strolling in the nearby via Mazzini.
The pastry is good, even if the choice is limited.
9 locals recommend
eldòlz..
3 Piazza della ChiappaExcellent bar in the center of Rapallo (in piazza della Chiappa).
The breakfasts are great and the ice cream is good.
You can sit at the tables outside and watch the people strolling in the nearby via Mazzini.
The pastry is good, even if the choice is limited.
It needs a 20 min trip on foot trough marvellous villas, orchards and breathtaking views.
in front of the lighthouse there is a small bar where you can enjoy aperitifs and drinks.
It is not possible to book a table and the place is small. You risk not finding a place where to sit, anyway you can take something to drink and enjoy it sitting on the rocks.
La Portofinese • Al faro di Portofino
18 Via alla PenisolaIt needs a 20 min trip on foot trough marvellous villas, orchards and breathtaking views.
in front of the lighthouse there is a small bar where you can enjoy aperitifs and drinks.
It is not possible to book a table and the place is small. You risk not finding a place where to sit, anyway you can take something to drink and enjoy it sitting on the rocks.