Rapallo occupies a sheltered bay on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, its promenade of palm trees and belle epoque hotels facing a small castle built on a rock in the sea. The town has been a haven for the wealthy since the early 20th century: Max Beerbohm spent decades here, and Ezra Pound wrote much of the Cantos at the town hotel. Charter motor yachts based at Rapallo give guests access to one of the most diverse stretches of the Italian Riviera, from the headland at Portofino, 8 kilometres west, to the Cinque Terre villages 40 kilometres southeast. The Ligurian Sea is well-suited to motor yachts: summer is reliably calm in the mornings, with afternoon breezes from the northwest. The marina at Rapallo is well-equipped, making it a practical base for a week-long charter with good provisioning and straightforward berthing. Motor yachts available for charter in this area range from practical 20-metre vessels ideal for a family of six to 40-metre-plus superyachts with beach clubs and multiple guest suites. Weekly rates run from around 20,000 euros for a capable 20-metre vessel to 200,000 euros and above for larger models. Add 30 percent as the APA for fuel, marina fees, food and harbour dues. High season is July and August; June and September offer better value and quieter anchorages.
