Porta delle Saline
Rapallo's revitalized harbor, Porta delle Saline, offers brilliant facilities and stunning waterfront views, a true gem of the Italian Riviera.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Porta delle Saline
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rapallo's revitalized harbor, Porta delle Saline, offers brilliant facilities and stunning waterfront views, a true gem of the Italian Riviera.
"The harbour port and facilities are brilliant, after the devastating storm hit it years ago, it is now coming back to life."
🚢 Ferry to Portofino
Take the ferry from Rapallo's harbor for a scenic and easy trip to Portofino.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the coastal paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rapallo Harbor
Porta delle Saline
A beautifully restored harbor, vibrant with boats and offering stunning waterfront views. A true asset to the town.
Passeggiata dei Baci
Coastal path from Rapallo to Portofino
An incredibly scenic coastal walk offering breathtaking views of the Italian Riviera. Perfect for nature lovers.
Historic Center of Rapallo
Rapallo
Wander through charming caruggi (narrow alleys) and discover local life, historic buildings, and vibrant piazzas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Porta delle Saline
Getting Around Rapallo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry to Portofino
Take the ferry from Rapallo's harbor for a scenic and easy trip to Portofino. +1
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the coastal paths. +1
🍕 Delicious Pizza
Don't miss trying the local pizza – some say it's the best in Italy!
🚶♀️ Wander the Alleys
Get lost in the charming narrow streets (caruggi) of the historic center.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry to Portofino
Take the ferry from Rapallo's harbor for a scenic and easy trip to Portofino. +1
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the coastal paths. +1
🍕 Delicious Pizza
Don't miss trying the local pizza – some say it's the best in Italy!
🚶♀️ Wander the Alleys
Get lost in the charming narrow streets (caruggi) of the historic center.
📸 Capture the Views
The harbor and coastline offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Porta delle Saline and the Rapallo harbor for its brilliant facilities and beautiful waterfront, noting its successful revitalization. It's seen as a lovely place for a wander and enjoying amazing views, making it a significant asset to the town.
"The harbour port and facilities are brilliant, after the devastating storm hit it years ago, it is now coming back to life. An asset to the lovely Rapallo."
David Rule
"Highly recommended! Nice way to discover the Portofino"
Santorini Trips
"Beautiful water front"
Paul Corsi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porta delle Saline is located within the main harbor of Rapallo. You can easily walk to it from most parts of the town. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from the Rapallo train station to the waterfront.
Yes, Rapallo is well-connected by train, especially from major cities like Genoa and Turin. The train journey from Turin is about 3 hours.
The most scenic and convenient way is by ferry from Rapallo's harbor. This avoids traffic and offers beautiful coastal views. +1
Driving directly to the harbor area can be challenging due to limited parking and pedestrian zones. It's generally recommended to park in designated areas and walk.
While walking is highly encouraged, local buses do operate within Rapallo, connecting different parts of the town and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Porta delle Saline and the Rapallo harbor area is free. You can wander around and enjoy the views without any admission fee.
The harbor area is publicly accessible at all times. However, individual businesses like restaurants and shops will have their own operating hours.
The coastal walks, such as the Passeggiata dei Baci to Portofino, are free to access.
Yes, you can often find boat tour operators and ferry services departing from Rapallo's harbor. It's advisable to check schedules and prices locally.
Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, especially outside of peak summer months, will offer a more relaxed experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire harbor offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the colorful boats and the backdrop of the town. The waterfront promenade is also ideal.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful soft light for capturing the harbor and coastline.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone in the harbor or coastal areas to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbor views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on boats or distant scenery.
The iconic view of the harbor with the town buildings and the surrounding hills is a must-capture. Look for charming boats and reflections in the water.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The area around the harbor and the historic center of Rapallo offers numerous restaurants, from casual trattorias to more upscale dining.
Look for pesto Genovese, focaccia, fresh seafood, and trofie pasta.
Absolutely! Rapallo is known for its excellent pizza. One TikTok creator highly recommends a specific pizza place they tried.
Yes, many cafes and bars along the waterfront offer lovely views of the harbor and the sea, perfect for a coffee or aperitivo.
Lunch is typically served from around 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and dinner from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Many places close between lunch and dinner.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many restaurants in the vicinity offer family-friendly options, and the relaxed atmosphere of the town makes it easy to manage with younger travelers. The nearby beaches also provide opportunities for play.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Opt for local trattorias or pizzerias for affordable and delicious meals, rather than high-end restaurants. Taking the ferry to nearby towns like Portofino is also a more economical option than other transport methods, and it offers great value for the scenic journey.
couples
The scenic ferry ride to Portofino or a leisurely walk along the coastal paths can be a perfect activity for couples looking for beautiful scenery and a touch of adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Revitalization of Rapallo's Harbor
The harbor is not just about the boats; it's a lively area where you can enjoy beautiful waterfront views and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. It's a place recommended for a wander and simply doing nothing, highlighting its relaxed charm. [^Review]
Beyond its functional role, Porta delle Saline is a picturesque spot. The beautiful water front offers a pleasant backdrop for strolls, and the surrounding area is perfect for enjoying the seaside escape. [^Review]
Exploring the Coastal Beauty: Passeggiata dei Baci
The trail provides a unique perspective of the coastline, with the sparkling sea on one side and lush Mediterranean vegetation on the other. It's an experience that truly immerses you in the natural splendor of the region.
After enjoying the walk, visitors can easily hop on a ferry back to Rapallo, making it a perfect day trip that combines invigorating activity with scenic relaxation.
Immersing in Rapallo's Historic Charm
These caruggi lead to hidden piazzas, historic buildings, and local shops, creating a sense of discovery around every corner. The area around Porta delle Saline also connects to these historic parts of the town, making it easy to combine a harbor visit with an exploration of the old town.
Visitors often describe getting lost in the beauty of these streets, finding them to be a captivating part of the Rapallo experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit