What to See in Riomaggiore, the Village of Cinque Terre

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Riomaggiore is the easternmost village of the Cinque Terre, characterized by colorful houses stacked against each other that seem to touch the sky. Coming from La Spezia, Riomaggiore is the first village of the five that you will encounter, known for its picturesque houses overlooking a small harbor. The town has ancient origins, and as you stroll through the steep streets, you can admire the remnants of its rich history, including the castle and small medieval houses with distinctive double entrances. We have created a useful guide on what to absolutely see in Riomaggiore.

Visiting Riomaggiore is like taking a journey back in time, to a place where life is savored slowly, and time is measured by the rhythm of the tides. But what is there to see in Riomaggiore? The Castle, also known as the Castellazzo di Cerricò, is worth a visit. It sits atop a hill and can be reached through a lovely walk starting from the Church of San Giovanni Battista, located in the upper part of the village. The church is worth visiting because it houses a wooden crucifix by Maragliano, the Preaching of the Baptist attributed to Domenico Fiasella, and a triptych attributed to Antelami. In front of the Castle, you will also find the Oratory of San Rocco, which contains a triptych depicting the Virgin with Child and Saints. The Porto di Riomaggiore is the most beloved and recognized landscape of the village, characterized by colorful boats moored along the shore and sheltered by a natural inlet. Two descents allow you to reach the sea and take a swim. Reach the Tower of Guardiola via a nice walk that follows a lovely path. This walk will lead you to an area equipped for swimming in the natural pools. Don't miss a visit to the Church of the Confraternity of the Assumption in the La Compagnia district and walk from the coast of the Cinque Terre to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Montenero in about a 20-minute walk.

Riomaggiore is the perfect starting point to discover the other villages of the Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Corniglia.

Where to swim in Riomaggiore? At the small beach in the village located near the pier where the boats depart. It is a small pebbly cove sheltered from the winds. Here are the beaches to reach between Riomaggiore and its surroundings:

The Via dell'Amore starts from Riomaggiore and leads to Manarola. It is a picturesque and scenic trail carved into the rock, overlooking the sea, built between 1926 and 1928. The trail begins near the Riomaggiore train station. Unfortunately, due to a landslide in 2012, the Via dell'Amore is only accessible for a short stretch starting from Manarola.

At Dau Cila, a seaside restaurant run by young locals, you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes accompanied by excellent Ligurian wines. The restaurant is Michelin-starred, and meals cost between 30 and 70 euros per person. For a more budget-friendly meal, try the Ristorante Via dell'Amore (Piazza Rio Finale 8), where you can enjoy Ligurian seafood dishes in a casual atmosphere (around 20 euros for a two-course menu). Bar O'Netto is a kind of pub recommended for having a drink and grabbing something quick without the prices of a restaurant.