Riomaggiore
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Latest page update: 18 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The sumptuous fishing port of Riomaggiore is nothing short of a riot of colour.
From the sparkling blue water you can make your way through the village centre, flanked on both sides by a steep wall of brightly painted houses. One of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, it seems almost folly to pick a favourite but Riomaggiore fills the soul with joy when exploring its many nooks, crannies and amazing vistas. |
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What People Ask About Riomaggiore
Where is Riomaggiore located?
Does Riomaggiore have a train station?
What is Riomaggiore known for?
Can you swim in Riomaggiore?
Is Riomaggiore easy to walk around?
Related links
Overview
Overview
Riomaggiore: one of the five Cinque Terre villages listed by UNESCO
In each village of the Cinque Terre, the main sight is generally the village itself but Riomaggiore does have a few landmarks that you should tick off when making a visit. From the town centre, the tendency for most people is to follow the main street, Via Colombo, all the way down to the shoreline.
However, it's worth first taking the steep incline up to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista as this will give you one of the best vantage points over the village. Then from the church, continue along the path, climbing further up to the castle that overlooks the town, simply called the Castello di Riomaggiore.
From up high at the castle you can really appreciate the intricate network of colourful streets that make Riomaggiore so captivating. You can also see everything from another angle by crossing to the other side of the village, climbing up through the vineyards before heading to the little fishing port. Every visitor to Riomaggiore makes a bee-line for the viewing area just south of the port from where you can get some of the best photos.
However, it's worth first taking the steep incline up to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista as this will give you one of the best vantage points over the village. Then from the church, continue along the path, climbing further up to the castle that overlooks the town, simply called the Castello di Riomaggiore.
From up high at the castle you can really appreciate the intricate network of colourful streets that make Riomaggiore so captivating. You can also see everything from another angle by crossing to the other side of the village, climbing up through the vineyards before heading to the little fishing port. Every visitor to Riomaggiore makes a bee-line for the viewing area just south of the port from where you can get some of the best photos.
Things to Do
Things to Do
Making your way around the village
Riomaggiore's train station is tucked away just to the west of the village centre and accessed via a tunnel. Beyond the train station, to the north-west, you can start the hiking trail known as the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path).
The hiking trail is a popular option for a tour of the Cinque Terre with this particular section connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola known as the Via dell'Amore (Love Way or Love Path).
During the summer months, visitors are able to find their way to Riomaggiore by boat from the larger towns nearby such as Levanto, La Spezia, Portovenere and Rapallo. Each of the five villages apart from Corniglia has its own port and the ferries run frequently.
The hiking trail is a popular option for a tour of the Cinque Terre with this particular section connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola known as the Via dell'Amore (Love Way or Love Path).
During the summer months, visitors are able to find their way to Riomaggiore by boat from the larger towns nearby such as Levanto, La Spezia, Portovenere and Rapallo. Each of the five villages apart from Corniglia has its own port and the ferries run frequently.
Tours & Activities
Comune di Riomaggiore
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
Year: 1997
Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
Year: 1997
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
- Scorci di Mare Located just above the harbour in one of Riomaggiore’s historic buildings, this guesthouse offers rooms with sea-view balconies, vaulted ceilings, and stylish modern touches. Guests appreciate the combination of traditional character and contemporary comfort, along with the views of boats and coastline. €€€ (high-end)
- Hotel Villa Argentina Set higher up in the village, this hotel offers comfortable rooms—some with balconies overlooking the sea or vineyards—and a breakfast room with panoramic views. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, helpful staff, and short walk to the centre and train station. €€ (mid-range)
- Alla Marina Affittacamere Positioned just a few steps from the harbour, these rooms are housed in a restored fisherman’s building with modern amenities and sea views. Guests value the location near the seafront and restaurants, as well as the welcoming service. €€€ (high-end)
- Affittacamere Le Giare A small guesthouse in the upper part of Riomaggiore offering clean, air-conditioned rooms, some with terraces, and easy access to hiking trails. Visitors enjoy the quiet area, comfortable beds, and good value for money. €€ (mid-range)
- Il Borgo di Campi Located just outside Riomaggiore on the cliffs above the sea, this property offers self-catering apartments with terraces and spectacular views, surrounded by terraced gardens. It’s ideal for those with a car and offers a peaceful setting away from the busy centre. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
- Ristorante La Lampara: Located near the seafront, Ristorante La Lampara offers a range of traditional Ligurian dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and local specialties. The outdoor seating area provides stunning views of the Ligurian coastline, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria A' Cantina de Mananan: Found near the town centre, Trattoria A' Cantina de Mananan specializes in homemade pasta and seafood, including risotto and grilled fish. The rustic and cosy setting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for a traditional Ligurian dining experience. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Primo Piatto: Situated just off the main square, Ristorante Primo Piatto offers a variety of Italian and Ligurian dishes, including seafood pasta and local meats. The restaurant’s friendly service and scenic views of the surrounding area make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Café del Mar: Located near the water, Café del Mar serves a variety of light meals, including pizzas, sandwiches, and fresh seafood. The outdoor terrace provides panoramic views of the sea, making it a great spot for an informal meal or an aperitivo. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Vineria de la Sassa: Situated in the heart of Riomaggiore, Vineria de la Sassa offers a selection of Ligurian wines paired with light bites and local delicacies such as focaccia and seafood. The intimate setting and exceptional wine list make it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening out. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Nearby Places
Nearby Places
- Manarola (approx. 2 km northeast of Riomaggiore): The second village of the Cinque Terre, Manarola is famous for its vibrant houses perched on the cliffs above the sea. Visitors can explore the Via dell’Amore, a scenic trail connecting Manarola to Riomaggiore, or simply enjoy the peaceful harbour, perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the water.
- Vernazza (approx. 5 km southeast of Riomaggiore): Often considered the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages, Vernazza features narrow streets, colourful buildings, and a beautiful small harbour. Key attractions include the Castello Doria, which offers panoramic views of the coastline, and the Chiesa di Santa Margherita di Antiochia, perched above the sea.
- Monterosso al Mare (approx. 7 km northwest of Riomaggiore): The largest of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso is known for its expansive beaches and charming old town. Visitors can explore the medieval Monterosso Castle or take a relaxing walk along the scenic Fegina Beach. The village offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.
- La Spezia (approx. 10 km northeast of Riomaggiore): A lively port city and the gateway to the Cinque Terre, La Spezia boasts several attractions, including the Castello di San Giorgio and the Museo Civico Amedeo Lia. The city is also home to a vibrant seafront, offering excellent dining options and stunning views of the Gulf of Poets.
- Levanto (approx. 15 km northwest of Riomaggiore): A popular coastal town located just outside the Cinque Terre, Levanto offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The town also features a charming historic centre with shops and restaurants, making it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding coast.
Liguria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Liguria
1. Cinque Terre
2. Portofino
3. Sestri Levante
4. Camogli
5. Rapallo
6. Portovenere
7. Lerici
8. Santa Margherita Ligure
9. Genoa
10. Finalborgo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
1. Cinque Terre
2. Portofino
3. Sestri Levante
4. Camogli
5. Rapallo
6. Portovenere
7. Lerici
8. Santa Margherita Ligure
9. Genoa
10. Finalborgo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
Getting There
Getting There
An all-year-round option for visiting the Cinque Terre is to take the train. Accommodation options in the villages themselves are few and far between which makes a day-trip much more attractive. The trains run frequently, usually every half an hour or so, and it only takes a few minutes to get from one stop to the next.
With time constraints usually a factor for most people, it's handy to know that you can visit all five villages in one day by train, as long as you keep the timetable handy and don't linger too long in any one place.
Obviously, that's not the ideal way to visit the area and a longer visit is advised if possible. One thing worth bearing in mind is that the Cinque Terre are largely inaccessible by private car; yes there are roads but they are narrow, steep, hazardous in places and there are few, if any, parking places close to the villages.
With time constraints usually a factor for most people, it's handy to know that you can visit all five villages in one day by train, as long as you keep the timetable handy and don't linger too long in any one place.
Obviously, that's not the ideal way to visit the area and a longer visit is advised if possible. One thing worth bearing in mind is that the Cinque Terre are largely inaccessible by private car; yes there are roads but they are narrow, steep, hazardous in places and there are few, if any, parking places close to the villages.
