In a nutshell

  • Riomaggiore is the first village you reach from La Spezia — making it the ideal starting point for exploring the Cinque Terre.
  • It’s also a great base for the night: the selection of accommodations is larger here than in most other villages — we really loved the Stellio.
  • There’s a small swimming cove right by the village — just know it’s rocky and not ideal for young kids.
  • Don’t miss the Via dell’Amore, Cinque Terre’s most scenic trail: it runs from Riomaggiore to Manarola, it’s only one kilometer long, and it’s fully paved.

Attractions in Riomaggiore

Three- or four-story colorful houses stacked on top of one another, a small rocky swimming cove, and plenty of photo spots — that’s Riomaggiore.

Riomaggiore is the closest village to La Spezia. If you only have one day for your Cinque Terre trip, start here — it’s the perfect entry point.

Here are the highlights waiting for you:

Viewpoint Castello di Riomaggiore

View of a village on a hillside with colorful houses
This is the view that awaits you at the castle of Riomaggiore

The medieval castle of Riomaggiore is a 10-minute walk from the train station.

Even though only the ruins of the original fortress remain, it’s absolutely worth the short climb.

In the past, lookouts would scan the horizon for pirates from here — today you still get that exact same stunning panorama of the sea, the village, and the mountains. Seriously one of the best vantage points in the area.

Viewpoint of Riomaggiore

View of a fishing village by the sea with colorful houses seen from below
Down at the harbor you’ll find the best photo spot with a view of Riomaggiore from below

From the harbor, a paved walkway leads to Riomaggiore’s most popular overlook.

What makes this one special among Cinque Terre viewpoints: you’re not looking down at the village — you’re looking up from below. The colorful houses seem to literally stack on top of one another.

The perfect postcard shot — don’t miss it!

San Giovanni Church Square

Square with a church in the background, a hillside, and the village below
The church square of Riomaggiore is also a great photo spot

The villages of Cinque Terre are small, and you can count the sights on one hand. That’s why the local churches always make the list!

The church itself is a simple little village church, but what’s really worth seeing is the church square: from here you get a lovely view of the colorful houses cascading down toward the sea.

Beach of Riomaggiore

Close-up of stones on a beach with the sea and mountains in the background
Riomaggiore has a small beach, though it’s very rocky

In addition to various swimming spots on the rocks around the harbor, Riomaggiore also has its own small beach.

You’ll find it just outside the village, a short walk from the harbor.

Fair warning: it’s not exactly comfortable — there’s no sand, just some pretty large stones. The water, on the other hand, is wonderfully clear and perfect for snorkeling!

Hotel Tips in Riomaggiore

Modern double bed with exposed wall, beam ceiling, and modern bathroom
From the windows of the Stellio in Riomaggiore you can hear the sound of the sea (© Stellio Affittacamere)

When it comes to places to stay, Riomaggiore has a pretty solid selection — comparable to Monterosso. Here are the three best hotels in Riomaggiore, chosen for their great locations and excellent reviews:

  1. Double room at AffittacamereLe Giare

    Affittacamere Le Giare

  2. Modern double bed with unplastered wall, beamed ceiling and modern bathroom

    Stellio Affittacamere

  3. Hotel room with white walls, double bed, mirror, blue velvet sofa and balcony

    EC Luxury Rooms

By the way: It’s also worth checking out accommodations in La Spezia. It’s only 10 minutes away from Riomaggiore on the Cinque Terre Express — and you’ll often find more availability and better prices there!

Our Restaurant Tips in Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore has plenty of restaurants, but because the village is seriously touristy, not all of them are worth your time.

These three, though, have consistently excellent reviews and we’d happily recommend all of them:

  • Condì: Pizza or sandwiches to go, right at the harbor — great for a quick, affordable bite.
  • La Cantina del Macellaio: Set in a former butcher shop, this is honestly the best restaurant in Riomaggiore.
  • Old School Cocktails: Finger food and cocktails with an amazing view — perfect for sundowners.

Hiking from Riomaggiore

Aerial view of a coastline with a small village and a hiking trail cut into the rock
From Riomaggiore you can reach Manarola via the Via dell’Amore

The most famous trail in Cinque Terre is the Via dell’Amore, which runs between Riomaggiore and Manarola.

The path is only one kilometer long, carved into the cliff face above the sea, and the views are truly stunning. There’s a €5 entry fee, though access is also included in the Cinque Terre Card.

Want something more of a workout? There are other trails starting from Riomaggiore too — the Via Beccara, for instance, runs parallel to the Via dell’Amore but heads inland, with around 600 steps to climb.

Depending on your fitness level, you can reach Manarola via the Via Beccara in about an hour.

Getting to Riomaggiore

The easiest way to reach Riomaggiore is by Cinque Terre Express. From La Spezia, the local train takes just 10 minutes.

By car it’s a bit more complicated — parking is scarce in Cinque Terre and the roads are steep and winding.

Our recommendation: leave your car in a parking garage in La Spezia and hop on the train. It’s far less stressful and much more convenient. There are several garages in La Spezia set up exactly for this, including one right at the main train station.

Want a full overview of the region? Check out our complete guide to Cinque Terre.