Best of Riomaggiore – gateway to colorful Cinque Terre

Post author:Traveler with a Map
Post published:August 4, 2019
Post category:Blog / Cinque Terre / International Travel / Italy

Riomaggiore - Cinque Terre - arrival and orientation

Riomaggiore is the first Cinque Terre town when coming from the south. If you arrive by water, you’ll be immediately struck by its brightly painted houses appearing to be stuck upon each other in a narrow harbor. In fact, the town was built up on both sides of a river which at one time ran through the middle of it. The residents laid a street there but the name of the town still reminds us of its past. Riomaggiore literally means Major River.

What to see in Riomaggiore?

Similarly to other Cinque Terre towns, Riomaggiore has a pretty main street, Via Cristoforo Colombo, with carruggios going off of it. It is absolutely pleasurable to explore the winding narrow alleyways decorated with beautiful flowers and tiny statues of saints over the doorways.

Although no significant ruins or museums are in town, it’s always interesting to visit centuries-old churches in Italian towns. Riomaggiore has certainly its share of them. When you hike up the main street, you will walk upon a 15th century church of Santa Maria Assunta.

A more impressive church tucked into the north part of the hill is Church of Saint John the Baptist. The church sits on a lovely little square with a view over the town and surrounding vineyards.

Swimming options

In terms of swimming and sunbathing options, many people utilize the rocks in and around the harbor. The water feels great and will certainly cool you off in the heat of the summer. From time to time you may spot a beautiful jellyfish in the water. We saw a huge one from the boat when pulling into the harbor.

Via Dell' Amore

Riomaggiore is also where the Via Dell’ Amore starts. It is the trail connecting Manarola with Riomaggiore. You can still see a little bit of it if you climb up toward a bar above the train station. Unfortunately, most of them trail is closed and won’t reopen for at least another year.

For now, enjoy the views of the town from the water and several elevated points, and take in the feel of this charming town by sitting in one of the cafes. You’re in Cinque Terre!