Stepping off the train and walking through the tunnel into Riomaggiore never gets old. Pastel houses stack down to the sea, and the air smells like salt and pesto. I have used this village as my base in Cinque Terre for years, and my list of things to do in Riomaggiore keeps growing. The sunset from the marina rocks is the main draw, but the town itself has a quiet, lived-in feel that makes it the best place to stay overnight.
- Best time
- Late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September).
- Where to stay
- Riomaggiore itself makes the best base.
- Perfect for
- Couples and solo travelers who want a quieter sunset-view base.
- Don't miss
- Watching the sunset from the marina rocks with a bottle of wine.
Things I'd tell a friend
If you are planning a trip here, here is what matters most.
Use Riomaggiore as Base
Riomaggiore is quieter than Monterosso and less expensive than Vernazza. It has proper restaurants open in the evening. The train connections are excellent, and the sunsets are the best in the area.
Source · Based on five visits
Stay Overnight
Do not do a day trip. The magic happens when the day trippers leave around 5 pm. You get to have the town much more to yourself.
Source · Learned the hard way
Watch Your Bag
Pickpockets are active on the trains in Cinque Terre. Keep your valuables in a secure bag, especially during the busy summer months.
Source · Ask my dad about it
Marina and Sunset Rocks
The small port is the heart of Riomaggiore. Colorful boats sit in the water, and it is widely considered one of the best sunset spots in Cinque Terre.
- Catching sunset from the rocks
- Watching colorful boats in the port
- Taking photos of pastel houses
- Relaxing at an outdoor cafe
The small port of Riomaggiore is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Cinque Terre. A multitude of colorful boats dock near the shore, surrounded by pastel-colored houses. To reach the sunset viewpoint, walk to the marina, then head left up the stairs to the belvedere. From there you can scramble out on the giant marble-like boulders that go into the sea. It can get damp when the waves splash, but the view is worth it. Bring your own bottle of wine and a couple of glasses. The crowds disappear around 4 or 5 in the afternoon, which is why staying overnight makes the experience so much better. You cannot swim in the harbor itself due to boat traffic. The beach is a cove with pebbles and rocks near the boat departure point instead.
Best time for sunset photos
The golden hour before sunset is beautiful, but the real show starts right after the sun dips below the sea. Stay put for another twenty minutes.
Walking down to the marina
You can reach the marina from Via Colombo via a clearly marked set of stairs and a short covered walkway. It takes about five minutes from the main street.
Bring a bottle of wine and watch the sunset from the rocks on the left side of the harbor.
Via dell'Amore
This famous path connects Riomaggiore to Manarola. After years of closure, it is finally open again.
- Walking the flat, paved path with sea views
- Seeing the gate covered in love locks
- Photo opportunities overlooking the cliffs
- Easy, accessible walk between villages
The Via dell'Amore (Path of Love) connects Riomaggiore to Manarola. It is a flat, paved path that offers spectacular views of the cliffs and the sea. The trail was closed for many years after landslides in 2011 caused major damage to the coast. It finally reopened in 2024. You can visit the trailhead in Riomaggiore to get a glimpse of the first section. The gate is covered in locks left by couples. If you want to reach Manarola by foot, the alternative path is Via Beccara. This route is steep, has high steps, and is irregular in both directions. It covers 1.4 km and reaches the 249-meter hill that separates the two villages. It is a serious hike, not a gentle stroll.
Trail status and condition
The Via dell'Amore is open again. The path is paved and easy to walk. Check the official trail status website before you go, especially after heavy rain.
Via Beccara alternative
If you need to walk between Riomaggiore and Manarola and the main trail is too busy, take Via Beccara. It is steep and demanding, but it offers a different perspective.
Go as early as possible to beat the heat and the crowds on the trail.
Staying in Riomaggiore lets you walk to the trailhead in just a few minutes.
Il Borgo Di Campi
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant
- Bar
Hotel Villa Argentina
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
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Castello di Riomaggiore
This ancient fortress sits above the village and offers one of the best panoramic views in Cinque Terre.
- Panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea
- Historic 13th-century Genoese fortress
- Cultural center and wedding venue
- Short uphill walk from the center
The Castello di Riomaggiore is an ancient fortress located in the upper part of the village. It was built for defensive purposes in 1260 by the Republic of Genoa. Today the castle serves as a cultural center, event venue, and a popular wedding location. It offers a dream setting on the cliff with views over the crystal clear waters of the Ligurian Sea. It is one of the most beautiful panoramic points in Cinque Terre. You can reach it by a short walk up Via Colombo, taking the stairs called Scalinata della Valle, and following Via Pecunia all the way up. The walk takes about 15 minutes. Along the way, you pass the Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta, a 16th-century church.
Combine with the old town walk
The walk to the castle winds through the quieter upper streets of the village. Take your time exploring the alleys on the way up.
Used for events and weddings
The castle is an active cultural venue. It may be closed for private events or setting up. If the gate is shut, the views from the pathway outside are still excellent.
The walk from the castle back down to the harbor has some of the best views in the village.
Staying uphill near the castle means quieter nights and amazing morning views.
Hotel Nella
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Terrace
- Garden
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
Hotel Due Gemelli
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Room service
- Bar
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Church of San Giovanni Battista
The parish church of Riomaggiore dates back to the 1300s and holds important artworks inside.
- White Carrara marble rose window
- Wooden crucifix by Maragliano
- Three naves with pointed arches
- Lovely view from the piazza
The parish church of Riomaggiore sits in the upper part of the village. It was founded in the mid-1300s. The white Carrara marble rose window on its facade is typical of the Gothic period. The neo-Gothic facade you see today came after a collapse at the end of the 19th century. Inside, the church has three naves separated by pointed arches. It holds a beautiful wooden crucifix by the artist Maragliano, an eighteenth-century pulpit, and a mechanical organ from the mid-19th century. The small piazza in front of the church gives you a lovely view over Riomaggiore. It is a quiet spot to take a break from the crowds.
Free entry to the church
Entry to the church is free. There is no ticket required to see the interior or the artworks.
Opening hours vary
The church hours can be irregular, especially outside of mass times. Morning visits are usually the most reliable.
Step inside to see the Maragliano crucifix and take a break from the Ligurian sun.
Staying near the church puts you in the quieter part of Riomaggiore with easy access to the upper trails.
Affittacamere Ca' Dei Lisci
- Non-smoking rooms
Locanda Ca Dei Duxi
- Private Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
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Sanctuary of Montenero
The hike to this 11th-century sanctuary offers breathtaking views over the entire Cinque Terre coast.
- Spectacular panoramic views
- Scenic hike through vineyards
- 11th-century church
- Peaceful trail away from crowds
On the heights of Riomaggiore stands the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero. The church itself is often shut to visitors, but the real reason to come up here is the view. The trail offers a breathtaking panorama over the entire coast of the Cinque Terre. From the Riomaggiore marina you take path 593v (ex 3a). The route is steep but scenic and takes about 50 minutes. An alternative circular hike begins and ends in Riomaggiore, covering 3.5 km. It winds up through vineyards and should take someone of average fitness about 1.5 hours. Starting from Via Colombo, you make your way to Via Santuario, past a small car park, and then keep heading directly up.
Trail details from the marina
From the marina, look for path 593v. It is steep but very scenic. Allow 50 minutes going up and less coming down.
Church is often closed
Do not expect to go inside the sanctuary. The views from the grounds are the main draw anyway.
This is the best hike for sunset views without the harbor crowds.
Via Colombo
Riomaggiore's main street is where most of the restaurants, bars, and shops sit. It is also the best place to eat your way through the village.
- Fried fish cone from Tutti Fritti
- Fresh trofie al pesto
- Local Cinque Terre DOC wine
- Evening passeggiata atmosphere
Riomaggiore's main street, Via Colombo, is where most of the action happens. For a quick bite, grab a cone of mixed fried fish at Tutti Fritti. A regular cone costs about €5 and a large one around €8. The anchovies are a local specialty. The region is the birthplace of pesto, so ordering trofie al pesto in any restaurant is a must. For a sit-down dinner, try Rio Bistrot or Enoteca dau Cila, both overlooking the harbor. La Lampara is a solid pizza and pasta spot right at the tunnel exit. Riomaggiore also has several wine shops like Vineria Ghemé and The Wine House that stock local Cinque Terre DOC and Sciacchetrà DOC wines. If you want a drink with a view, head up the stairs near the train station to Bar e Vini a Piè de Mà.
Cheap eats on Via Colombo
A cone from Tutti Fritti or a slice of focaccia is a great budget meal. Full dinners in the harbor restaurants run higher but are worth the price.
Best wine shops
Vineria Ghemé and The Wine House sell local bottles you can take back to your apartment. The staff know their vintners well.
Dinner reservations in high season
The popular places like Rio Bistrot book up early. Call ahead or stop by during the day to reserve a table for the evening.
Tutti Fritti on Via Colombo is the best spot for a quick and cheap fried fish cone.
How long does it take to hike to the Sanctuary of Montenero?
The direct route from the marina (path 593v) takes about 50 minutes. The circular 3.5 km hike takes about 1.5 hours and offers more vineyard views.
Is the Via dell'Amore open to walk?
Yes, it reopened in 2024 after being closed for over a decade due to landslides. It is a flat, paved path between Riomaggiore and Manarola.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset?
The wave breaker rocks at the marina are the most popular spot. You can also watch from the belvedere to the left of the harbor.
Can I swim from the rocks in the marina?
No, swimming is not allowed in the harbor due to boat traffic. The small pebble beach, Spiaggia di Riomaggiore, is the place to go for a swim.
Is Riomaggiore wheelchair accessible?
Not really. The town is very hilly with rough cobblestone streets. There is no internal public transport to help navigate the steep slopes.
What is pesto traditionally served with in Riomaggiore?
Trofie pasta. It is a short, handmade pasta shape that holds the pesto perfectly. Liguria is widely considered the birthplace of pesto.
