The largest Italian Riviera seaside resort town, Rapallo in the Tigullio Gulf between Genoa and Cinque Terre offers a 16th-century castle, Castello sul Mare in the middle of the small harbour, a seaside promenade, pedestrian shopping streets in the historical centre, and good seafood restaurants. A lively, friendly place, Rapallo is busiest on Thursdays when colourful market stalls fill central Piazza Cile.

Take the cable car up the hill to the Santuario Basilica di Montallegro, where the Virgin Mary was reportedly sighted on July 2 1557. Walkers and mountain bikers can follow an old mule track 5km up to the sanctuary where the views are spectacular. The sixth-century Basilica of Santi Gervasio e Protasio is also worth a visit.