B&B Villa Olimpo, historic villa with a gulf view in Rapallo
B&B Villa Olimpo is a historic villa in Rapallo, on the Gulf of Tigullio, with a garden, a panoramic terrace and a veranda overlooking the sea. It suits those looking for a quiet stay with a carefully prepared breakfast and a caring host, rather than hotel services.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of B&B Villa Olimpo.
Where Villa Olimpo is and how to get there
The B&B Villa Olimpo is in Rapallo, in Liguria, along the Via Aurelia Ponente, on high ground above the gulf. According to the listing it is about 400 metres from the beach, but guests stress above all the view of the harbour and the sea.
Rapallo is well connected to Genoa, so the villa works well as a base for exploring the Gulf of Tigullio and reaching the regional capital. If you arrive by car, it is handy to know the property is easy to reach, but it is worth asking in advance how to park.
What the villa and the rooms are like
Villa Olimpo is a historic villa in Rapallo, looked after with care and full of old-world atmosphere. The reviews mention only a few rooms, each with its own character, and a veranda facing the gulf.
According to the description, each room has a private bathroom with bidet, toiletries, hairdryer and slippers. Outside there is a garden with a panoramic terrace, ideal for breakfast.
| Space | What the details say | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Rooms | Private bathroom, slippers, toiletries | Couples and travellers who love the details |
| Veranda | View over the gulf, mentioned by several guests | A quiet break after sightseeing |
| Garden and terrace | Sea view, for breakfast and relaxing | Anyone who wants to slow down |
What guests appreciate
The reviews are almost all five stars and tell the same story. They talk about an elegant villa, a postcard view and a host who looks after her guests.
- The welcome. Several guests describe a warm, caring host who gives tips on what to see and makes you feel at home.
- The breakfast. It is described as indulgent and top-class, and eating it in the veranda with a view over the gulf is one of the most mentioned memories.
- The atmosphere. Guests speak of a villa that oozes history and elegance, with past and present in harmony.
- The view. The panorama over Rapallo's harbour and the Gulf of Tigullio comes up in almost every comment.
The Google rating is very high, although based on a modest number of opinions.
What to know before booking
I did not find any negative reviews, but that does not mean it is perfect. There are a few points I would weigh up calmly.
- The reviews are not recent. The ones I have date back a few years. It is worth asking the property whether everything is still as guests describe it.
- Few rooms. Guests talk about a villa with only a few rooms, so at weekends and in high season you need to book early.
- B&B services, not hotel services. You will not find a restaurant or a reception desk that is always staffed, but a host who greets you in person. Let them know your arrival time.
- The road. The villa faces the Via Aurelia Ponente. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a quiet room.
Who it is recommended for
I would choose Villa Olimpo for a romantic weekend or an anniversary in Liguria, since one guest chose it for exactly that reason. It is also a good idea for anyone who loves historic houses and wants to wake up to breakfast with a view.
It is less suitable for travellers with small children who want equipped spaces, or for anyone looking for entertainment, a spa and constant services. Here the value lies in the villa, the view and the welcome.
What to do in Rapallo and around
From the B&B you can reach the centre of Rapallo and its harbour, and from there explore the Gulf of Tigullio. The listing also points out that Genoa is close, convenient for combining sea and city.
- The seafront and the harbour. What guests see from the veranda is also the first walk to take.
- Genoa. Reachable from the area, ideal for a day of sightseeing.
- A water park nearby. The listing mentions it, useful if you are travelling with family.
If you want to compare other places to stay in Liguria, you can take a look at Agriturismo La Pietra in La Spezia or Il Pozzo e il Melograno in Finale Ligure. Inland there is also Ca' de Bací Du Mattu in Mendatica, while in Piedmont you will find La Cascina Grossa in Cascinagrossa.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
