Cinque Terre Towns: Riomaggiore, Italy
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Wedged between two steeply sided slopes, the tower houses of Riomaggiore, Italy stack uphill accordion-style. One of the liveliest of the Cinque Terre towns, Riomaggiore is known for its great restaurants, bars, and sunsets. Read our guide for insight on what to do, where to stay, and when to go in this Mediterranean village by the sea.
Riomaggiore is often the first village visitors encounter when traveling to the Cinque Terre. With its lovely harbor and festive vibe, it is a great introduction to the “Five Lands.” Over the years, it has become a popular base for exploring the region.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
WHERE IS RIOMAGGIORE, ITALY
Riomaggiore is located within the Cinque Terre National Park in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. The village is one of the five Cinque Terre towns; along with Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. Connected by rail service and hiking trails, the National Park is a UNESCO protected region that marks the beginning of the Italian Riviera.
Riomaggiore is the southern-most of the five Cinque Terre lands. It is the first village reached when traveling north from La Spezia. The village is perched upon cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Genoa on the Mediterranean Sea.
ALL ABOUT THE CINQUE TERRE TOWNS & RIOMAGGIORE
Romans settled the Cinque Terre towns in the 11th century. These fishermen and farmers worked the harbors and began building garden terraces into the hills. Footpaths between the terraces eventually linked the “five lands” together. Later, in the Middle Ages, a series of defensive towers were constructed to protect against marauding pirates.
Riomaggiore was named after the stream (“rio”) that flows under its main avenue (Via Columbo). The town’s multi-story buildings have front and back entrances so residents could escape the pirate raids that plagued village in medieval times. Key landmarks include Riomaggiore Castle, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Via dell’ Amore walking path.
Today, Riomaggiore is linked to the other Cinque Terre towns by train, hiking trails, and roads. Tourism and hospitality are the town’s main economic drivers, supported by traditional agricultural pursuits and the local fishing industries.
TRIP ESSENTIALS
For almost every travel destination, I find myself reaching for my Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket, Frogg Toggs Hat, Merrell Hiking Boots, and Crocs Strappy Sandals (wear to dinner or the pool).
Other items I rely on include my Huk Sunglasses and Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle (no spills in the backpack).
But by far, my number one can’t-do-without essential is my Sony RX100 Compact Camera. It fits perfectly into a pocket. Or, mounted on a Mini-Tripod it slips into my Travelon Sling Bag.
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RIOMAGGIORE, CINQUE TERRE HOTELS
Travelers who love to stay in Riomaggiore often speak of its warm orange sunsets and spirited bar scene (some bars stay open till 1am – late for this area).
Since the town is built on two hillsides, you will need to decide whether to stay closer to the train and ferry station – where it is a short walk with your luggage to your accommodations. Or, further uphill – where the views are dramatic, but the walk with suitcases is more arduous.
There are no large resorts in Riomaggiore. Here, you will find small guesthouses, Airbnb’s, and boutique properties. Below, we have listed a few well-reviewed lodgings to jumpstart your search:
Vertigini Suites - rooms with AC and fee wifi
La Vista di Marina by the First - rooms with private indoor hot tub and AC
Terre Prime Suite - rooms with a rooftop terrace and full service spa
HOW TO GET TO CINQUE TERRE & RIOMAGGIORE
It takes a bit of time and coordination to get to the Cinque Terre towns. The nearest transportation hubs are in the towns of La Spezia (to the south) or Levanto (in the north).
Travel to the region:
By Plane: Fly into Milano, Genova, or Pisa. Then, take the train to La Spezia. Click here to explore airfare to destinations in northern Italy.
By Train: Book your ticket to La Spezia Centrale Station (or Levanto). Next, take the local Cinque Terre train to the Riomaggiore. Click this link to explore train tickets in Cinque Terre. Note: We think this is the most reliable, efficient, and cost-effective way to reach Riomaggiore.
By Ferry: In season (March until November), ferries run from La Spezia to Levanto every day. Stops are made in Riommagiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso (hilltop Corniglia does not have a harbor). Ferries are weather dependent. Click this link to explore ferry tickets to the Cinque Terre towns.
By Car: From La Spezia or Levanto follow the road signs to Le Cinque Terre - Riomaggiore. The roads are windy and narrow. Park in the lot on the outside of town (only local traffic is allowed in the villages). Click here to explore car rentals in Italy.
CINQUE TERRE EXCURSIONS
GETTING AROUND THE CINQUE TERRE
Hiking is the most famous way to travel between the five Cinque Terre towns. The trail system between villages is well-signed and mapped. There is also an efficient rail system linking the towns. Finally, between March and November, ferries travel between the port towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
Riomaggiore, and all of the Cinque Terre towns, are walking villages (only limited local traffic is allowed). Make sure to bring comfortable footwear for the stone streets. Be prepared for many stairs, and up and downhill climbs.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
It requires a bit of planning to decipher the Cinque Terre train and ferry schedules. Letting someone else coordinate the transport and the timing on a guided excursion can be a relaxing way to see the Five Lands. Tours to Cinque Terre leave from many Italian cities including:
If you are staying overnight in Riomaggiore there are a number of tours that can help you immerse in the cliffside town. There are:
Water Adventures
Wine & Culinary Experiences
Multi-town Sightseeing
Hiking Tours
THINGS TO DO IN RIOMAGGIORE CINQUE TERRE
Stroll the Via dell’ Amore: This famous, cliff-side “Path of Love” goes from Riomaggiore and Manarola. The one-way, 1 km route has stunning views. Requires advance reservations.
Walk The Harbor to Via Columbo: Meander from the colorful rocky harbor to the main avenue. Discover Via Columbo’s restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, and artisan galleries.
Watch the Sunset: Find a spot on a flat rock along the harbor, or on the tiny terrace of a cliffside bar, and watch the sky change from blue to gold to fiery orange. Try this tour: Riomaggiore Sunset Sailing Tour
Hike up to Castello di Riomaggiore: Climb up to ruins of a 13th century castle for unparalleled views of the village and Mediterranean Sea.
Indulge in the Local Cuisine: Try fresh local seafood (traditional salted anchovies, fried calamari, sea bass, and swordfish), pasta, focaccia, fresh vegetables, and pesto. Try this class: Pesto Cooking Class with a Local.
Climb to the Sanctuary of Montenero: Take a 2.2 mile moderately challenging hike to an historic hillside Catholic Church and monastery. The site can only be reached by foot. Panoramic views.
Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista: See a collection of religious artifacts including paintings, a wooden crucifix, and mechanical organ in this Gothic church (1340).
Taste the Local Wines: Sample wines from grapes grown on the vineyards surrounding town. Try some DOC White Wine, Sciacchetra (sweet dessert wine), and Limoncino (lemon Liquor). Try this tour: Cinque Terre tour with Limoncino tasting.
Get Out on the Water: Schedule a diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding adventure leaving from the harbor. Or, take a sailing adventure. Try this tour: Hybrid Boat Tour with Swimming Stop
Hike the Coastal Paths: For a vigorous hike, take Via Beccara straight up over the mountain from Riomaggiore to Manarola (1 hour). Or, embark upon a hike from Riomaggiore to nearby Portovenere (5 hours), and take the ferry back. Try this tour: Cinque Terre Hiking Adventure.
RIOMAGGIORE, ITALY RESTAURANTS
For such a small village, Riomaggiore has a surprising number of quality restaurants. Most are by the harbor, but you will also find a number of indoor and terraced dining rooms in the hills (some with dramatic cliffside views). Eateries tend to be on the small side so make reservations ahead. Here are a few long-time area favorites:
Osteria La Torpedine: Italian restaurant with two nightly seatings. Intimate, tiny, tucked away.
Fuori Rotta: Taditional Italian restaurant with outdoor dining (spectacular views). Romantic cilffside dining with great sunsets.
A Pie de Ma: Wine bar and bistro. Clifftop terrace with gorgeous views. Inventive wines and dishes.
Pizzeria Kepris: Pies and calzones. On a quiet alley behind the harbor. Great prices and food. No reservations. Limited seating.
PACKING ESSENTIALS
We rely on a combination of bags: Our Level-8 28” and Level-8 20” spinners are fun and stylish. Our Delsey Helium 28” hardshell is a workhorse. Our Tomtoc Backpack is great for short trips.
Randy doesn’t use them, but I swear by segregating items into Compression Packing Cubes and Wet Bags.
For security, we place an Apple Air Tag in each bag, and keep a supply of RFID Blocking Sleeves on hand.
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CINQUE TERRE WEATHER & BEST TIME TO VISIT
Riomaggiore and the other Cinque Terre towns experience mild winters (temperatures averaging in the 50’s); and humid, hot summers (temperatures averaging in the 80’s F). The rainiest times of the year are in the shoulder months of October, March, and April.
Best Time to Visit
We think the best time to visit Riomaggiore and the Cinque Terre National Park is during the months of May, June, and September. At this time of year temperatures are pleasant, businesses and hiking trails are open, and crowds are below peak-levels.
Be aware that in the winter (November and February) many businesses are updating and the hiking trails are closed. The most crowded travel times are during the months of July and August, weekends, holidays, and during popular festivals.
Don’t miss your chance to stroll the “Path of Love” with your amore, Laura and Randy
For more information on Cinque Terre travel, read our travel blog posts on:
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