Rapallo

The modest yet refined town of Rapallo is all about beautiful harbours and an imposing medieval castle that seems to be guarding the town like a giant. Walking around certain parts of this seaside beauty is a lot like going back in time. There is this inexplicable lyricality about Rapallo and this perhaps is the reason why geniuses like D.H Lawrence and Ezra Pound derived inspiration from this place. While the traffic and the boring apartments might be a bit of a let down, the cheerful seafront promenade makes up for all the disappointment. This Ligurian coastal city also occupies a significant place in history owing to the fact that the Treaty of Rapallo, signed between Russia and Germany during the First World War, was concluded here. A day-trip is a feasible idea for most travellers but in case you intend to stay, there is no dearth of hotels and apartments.

Getting there: While trains originate from La Spezia and Genoa, taking a boat from Genoa, Portofino, Porto Venere or the Cinque Terre villages up to Rapallo is a more popular choice perhaps because the sea is more beautiful. The railway network however is cheaper with Euros 4-6 being enough for a trip.