Riomaggiore

The gateway to the Cinque Terre

Starting from La Spezia, Riomaggiore is the first village in the Cinque Terre and the gateway to a land of wonders. The village perched on a rocky spur features colourful houses overlooking the sea, connected by narrow alleyways and stairways.

Mediterranean scrubland, terraces outlined by dry stone walls, the sea and blue sky surround the village. Accessible by train or boat, Riomaggiore is compact and easy to explore on foot through the narrow streets of the old town. Don’t miss the Gothic Church of Saint John the Baptist.

It is a 10-minute walk to the castle, dating back to 1260 and offering breath-taking sea views. Next to it is the Oratory of San Rocco, built during the 1480 plague. You can also enjoy spectacular views from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero, only accessible by foot.

Riomaggiore is the starting point of the Via dell’Amore (Way of Love), among the most romantic paths in the world. According to legend, if you kiss your partner on the path at the end of the tunnel leading to Manarola, you will love each other forever. After a dip in the sea, you can relax on Fossola Beach.