Rapallo Marina Porto Carlo Riva
A luxurious marina on the Italian Riviera, offering seamless yacht arrivals and a stylish gateway to the stunning Portofino Coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Rapallo Marina Porto Carlo Riva
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A luxurious marina on the Italian Riviera, offering seamless yacht arrivals and a stylish gateway to the stunning Portofino Coast.
"Rapallo is a beautiful village close to Portofino, which is a tourist trap. Rather stay in Rapallo, great hotels, fantastic food, reasonable priced."
Golf Car Transfers Available
Enjoy discreet, fast, and stress-free transfers directly to your berth via golf car. :car:
Consider Santa Margherita Ligure
If you encounter rude staff at Porto Carlo Riva, travelers suggest trying the adjacent Santa Margherita Ligure marina instead. :informationdeskperson:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Porto Carlo Riva Marina
Rapallo
A modern, luxurious marina offering seamless yacht arrivals and a stylish gateway to the Italian Riviera.
Proximity to Portofino
Short boat or car ride from Rapallo
Easily access the iconic, picturesque harbor of Portofino, a world-renowned destination for its beauty and exclusivity.
Rapallo's Historic Charm
Rapallo town center
Wander through the charming streets of Rapallo, enjoying its historic architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and delicious Ligurian cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Rapallo's Charm
Beyond the Marina
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Golf Car Transfers Available
Enjoy discreet, fast, and stress-free transfers directly to your berth via golf car. :car:
Consider Santa Margherita Ligure
If you encounter rude staff at Porto Carlo Riva, travelers suggest trying the adjacent Santa Margherita Ligure marina instead. :informationdeskperson:
Plan Portofino Excursions
Access to Portofino and the Riviera is controlled; pre-booking or careful planning is essential for boaters. :boat:
Rapallo as a Base
Rapallo offers great hotels, fantastic food, and reasonable prices, making it a better alternative to the tourist trap of Portofino. :forkandknife:
Tips
from all over the internet
Golf Car Transfers Available
Enjoy discreet, fast, and stress-free transfers directly to your berth via golf car. :car:
Consider Santa Margherita Ligure
If you encounter rude staff at Porto Carlo Riva, travelers suggest trying the adjacent Santa Margherita Ligure marina instead. :informationdeskperson:
Plan Portofino Excursions
Access to Portofino and the Riviera is controlled; pre-booking or careful planning is essential for boaters. :boat:
Rapallo as a Base
Rapallo offers great hotels, fantastic food, and reasonable prices, making it a better alternative to the tourist trap of Portofino. :forkandknife:
Post-Storm Recovery
The marina has been affected by storms, but is re-emerging sustainably. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rapallo Marina Porto Carlo Riva is praised for its luxurious facilities and seamless yacht arrival services. Visitors appreciate its strategic location as a gateway to the Italian Riviera, offering a more relaxed alternative to nearby hotspots. However, some reviews mention issues with staff attitude and the controlled access to surrounding coastal areas, suggesting careful planning is needed.
"Rapallo I was totally blown away by the beauty of this area. Couldn't imagine why we didn't live there. If you have the opportunity to visit go you will not be disappointed. People are helpful and charming it is everything that you think of when dreaming of Italy."
Paul Queenan
"No parking, extremely busy. Ideal to leave to go to Portofino Riviera but the Riviera is strongly controlled. you cannot stop anywhere. There are places where you can tie to a boyance but it costs 10 euro and you also need to pre book! If there is no place you are left going back and fro. Definitely not worth visiting. Better place in Italy where to do go by boat"
Marco Boscolo
"Unlike most other beautiful marinas in Italy, this one is staffed by rude and snobby staff. Go to adjacent Santa Margherita Ligure."
Audrey Park-Skinner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rapallo is accessible by train, car, and ferry. The marina is located within the town of Rapallo, making it easy to reach on foot from the train station. If arriving by car, be aware that parking can be extremely busy and limited.
Parking at Rapallo Marina can be very challenging and is often extremely busy. It's advisable to research parking options in advance or consider arriving by public transport.
Yes, Portofino is a short boat ride or drive from Rapallo. Many visitors use Rapallo as a base to explore the more exclusive Portofino.
You can take a ferry or a water taxi from Rapallo to Portofino, which offers scenic views. Driving is also an option, but parking in Portofino is notoriously difficult and expensive.
Rapallo has a train station, and local buses serve the town. The marina is within walking distance of many town amenities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the marina itself is generally accessible to walk around. However, if you are arriving by boat, you will need to arrange for a berth.
Marinas typically operate 24/7 for boaters. For specific services or office hours, it's best to check their official website or contact them directly.
Berths can usually be booked directly through the marina's management. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Access to the public areas of the marina is typically free. Fees apply for mooring a boat.
If no berths are available, you may be left going back and forth. Pre-booking is strongly advised, and having alternative marinas like Santa Margherita Ligure in mind is a good backup.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Porto Carlo Riva offers a seamless arrival experience with golf car transfers to berths, emphasizing discretion and style.
While the marina is luxurious, the surrounding town of Rapallo offers family-friendly activities and dining. The proximity to the sea is a plus for children.
The marina aims for a luxurious and stylish atmosphere, with a focus on providing a seamless experience for yacht owners.
Yes, you can typically walk around the public areas of the marina to admire the yachts and the waterfront.
The marina has been affected by past storms, with some damage to yachts. However, it is being rebuilt sustainably.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Rapallo has a vibrant dining scene with many restaurants offering fantastic food at reasonable prices, often featuring local Ligurian specialties.
Expect delicious Ligurian cuisine, including fresh seafood, pesto, focaccia, and local wines.
While the marina focuses on yacht services, the town of Rapallo, adjacent to the marina, offers numerous dining establishments.
Don't miss trying Trofie al Pesto, Focaccia Genovese, and fresh seafood dishes.
Compared to some other Italian Riviera hotspots, dining in Rapallo is generally considered reasonably priced.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sleek lines of the yachts, the modern architecture of the marina, and the picturesque Ligurian coastline. The golf car transfer service also offers unique photo moments.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Weekday mornings can also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Consider viewpoints from the waterfront promenade or from higher ground overlooking the town and marina for panoramic shots.
The variety of yachts at Porto Carlo Riva provides excellent subjects. Focus on details, reflections in the water, and the overall scale of the marina.
Absolutely! Portofino offers iconic photo opportunities of its colorful harbor and luxury yachts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider staying in Rapallo as a base, as it offers good hotels and dining options at reasonable prices. While direct beach access might require a short trip, the general vibe of Rapallo is welcoming for families. The proximity to the sea is always a hit with kids, and the marina's modern facilities can be fascinating for them to see.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider using public transport like trains and buses to get around the region. Avoid the temptation of expensive day trips to overly touristy spots and instead focus on enjoying the local atmosphere and cuisine in Rapallo.
🛥️ Yacht Owners & Boaters
It's a well-equipped facility for those seeking comfort and convenience on the Portofino Coast.However, be prepared for potential challenges with availability and access along the Riviera. Pre-booking berths is highly recommended, and understanding the controlled nature of coastal access is key to a smooth boating trip. If issues arise at Porto Carlo Riva, the adjacent Santa Margherita Ligure marina is often cited as a viable alternative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Porto Carlo Riva Experience
While the marina itself is a hub of modern nautical luxury, it's also important to note its context within the Italian Riviera. Recent efforts have focused on sustainable rebuilding after storm damage, integrating the marina more closely with the heart of Rapallo. This blend of modern amenities and community integration is a key aspect of its current appeal.
Travelers seeking an exclusive and well-serviced marina experience will find Porto Carlo Riva appealing. However, it's worth noting that some visitors have reported less-than-ideal interactions with staff, suggesting that managing expectations and perhaps considering nearby alternatives like Santa Margherita Ligure might be prudent for some.
Exploring Rapallo and Its Surroundings
The Italian Riviera, including areas around Rapallo, is known for its stunning coastal scenery. However, access to certain areas, particularly along the Riviera, can be strongly controlled. This means that simply stopping anywhere by boat might not be possible, and pre-booking or understanding specific access points is crucial.
For those looking to explore beyond Rapallo, the proximity to Portofino is a major draw. While Portofino is undeniably beautiful, it's often described as a tourist trap. Rapallo offers a more authentic and relaxed experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the Ligurian charm without the overwhelming crowds.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit