Why Rapallo Is One of the Best Honeymoon Destinations in Italy

Why Rapallo Is One of the Best Honeymoon Destinations in Italy

November 20, 2025
Words by Jennifer Stein
Photos courtesy of various

There’s no question that Italy is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. It’s no wonder celebrities and elites flock here to tie the knot or celebrate their unions. Some of the most popular destinations, like Lake Como or Florence, are sought after for good reason, but I’d like to propose an alternative. If you’re dreaming of a wedding or honeymoon filled with coastal charm, fine Italian cuisine, and postcard-perfect views, Rapallo belongs on your radar. This enchanting seaside town along the Ligurian Sea, tucked between Portofino and Cinque Terre, captures everything couples crave about Italy: romance, elegance, and authenticity. Whether you’re searching for the best honeymoon hotels in Italy or wondering where to elope on the Italian Riviera, Rapallo offers an unforgettable blend of intimacy and adventure.

A red carpet runs down the center of a pedestrian street lined with tall yellow buildings, outdoor tables, and greenery under a partly cloudy sky. Photo by Graeme Nicholson from Getty Images Signature

A Hidden Gem on the Italian Riviera

Rapallo feels like a love letter to old-world Italy. Its pastel buildings, palm-lined promenade, and sparkling harbor make it one of the most photogenic towns on the coast. For couples seeking to elope on the Italian Riviera, it’s the perfect destination. It’s easy to reach by car or train, yet far enough from the crowds to feel truly private.

A stone castle-like building sits by the waterfront, surrounded by colorful houses and hills with trees and more buildings in the background. Photo by Virrage Images Inc

The town’s history stretches back to Roman times, and its cultural legacy still lingers in its architecture and cuisine. The Castello sul Mare, a 16th-century seaside fortress, is one of Rapallo’s most romantic landmarks and a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. Beyond the waterfront, cobblestone lanes lead to lively cafés, artisan shops, and cozy trattorias that celebrate the flavors of Liguria like pesto, focaccia, and freshly caught seafood.

A formal living room with two brown leather sofas, a wooden coffee table, pink lamps, and a framed portrait on the wall above a console table with flowers.

Grand Hotel Bristol: A Riviera Classic for Weddings and Honeymoons

Among the best Italian hotels for honeymoons, Grand Hotel Bristol stands out as a masterpiece of Riviera glamour. Overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, this five-star retreat (and part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection) offers sweeping views, refined décor, and the kind of service that makes couples feel like royalty.

A person is lying on a lounge chair next to a pool, with their legs raised on another chair. The pool water is clear and surrounded by wooden decking and flowers. A dining table set for two with plates and glasses sits by a large arched window overlooking a body of water and distant hills. A hotel room with a large bed, armchair, TV, and window offering a view of water and mountains. Large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by pink and white lounge chairs and umbrellas, with buildings, mountains, and a lake in the background under a cloudy sky. Photo by Jennifer Stein

For weddings and elopements, Grand Hotel Bristol provides several romantic venue options. Exchange vows on the terrace, where the Ligurian Sea stretches endlessly before you, or celebrate poolside surrounded by olive trees and vibrant bougainvillea. The Marina di Bardi Beach Club is another option, not just for intimate weddings but for daytime fun under the sun. Included in your stay, the private beach club is offered to all hotel guests, and there are shuttles that run to and from the hotel down to the beach all day long.

Outdoor poolside seating area with two chairs, a bench, and a table set with snacks and drinks on a wooden deck beside a clear blue swimming pool. Indoor spa area with a modern pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, stone walls, soft ceiling lights, and accent lighting along the floor and pool edges.

The hotel’s Erre Spa, one of the largest on the Ligurian coast, offers a haven of wellness for newlyweds. Indulge in couples’ massages, hydrotherapy pools, and private spa suites designed for two. The indoor pool feels like a tucked-away grotto with several areas to relax and different temperature pools to soak in.

A table by a swimming pool with a pizza, a salad, a cocktail, a soda, and a small potted plant. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are in the background. Person wearing a large white sunhat sits by a pool with legs in the water, holding a tropical drink, on a wooden deck.

The outdoor pool, with its breathtaking sea views, is another highlight. Complete with overwater swinging lounge chairs and poolside service, it’s perfect for lazy afternoons with a glass of Prosecco in hand.

At Le Cupole Restaurant, couples can savor gourmet Ligurian cuisine crafted from local ingredients, paired with wines from nearby vineyards. The romantic ambiance is perfect for a celebratory meal or a nightcap after an evening in downtown Rapallo.

People dine at outdoor restaurant tables under large umbrellas in the evening, overlooking a body of water and distant hills. A large, light-colored hotel building with multiple floors and balconies overlooks an outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by trees and hills in the background.

Exploring Rapallo and the Riviera

What makes Rapallo so ideal for honeymoons and elopements is its central location. Just a short ferry or car ride away, couples can explore Portofino and the famed five towns of Cinque Terre. Boat excursions along the coast offer cinematic views of rugged cliffs, pastel villages, and turquoise coves.

Within Rapallo itself, you can visit the Sanctuary of Montallegro, built in 1517, where panoramic views of the Riviera make for an unforgettable photo op. Wander the Lungomare Vittorio Veneto promenade at sunset or enjoy a romantic dinner in the harbor as sailboats sway in the distance. Our absolute favorite way to see the Italian Riviera is on an e-scooter or Vespa. Zipping up the two-lane coastline from Rapallo to Portofino is a must. The drive is outstanding, and the views will take your breath away.

Photo by Graeme Nicholson from Getty Images Signature

Unlike more crowded destinations such as Amalfi or Venice, Rapallo offers quiet sophistication and authentic Italian warmth. With its scenic beauty and historic character, Rapallo stands as one of Italy’s most romantic seaside towns. For couples seeking an intimate wedding or honeymoon that feels personal, stylish, and truly Italian, Rapallo is a love story waiting to unfold, and Grand Hotel Bristol makes the perfect backdrop.