Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore, a jewel of Cinque Terre, captivates with its vibrant, stacked houses and stunning harbor views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Riomaggiore
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Riomaggiore, a jewel of Cinque Terre, captivates with its vibrant, stacked houses and stunning harbor views.
"The most magical thing ever. Sunset drinks at Pier de Ma."
🌊 Swim in the Harbor
Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Riomaggiore's harbor for a unique village experience.
🍤 Grab a Seafood Cone
Don't miss out on the famous fried seafood cones from Tutti Fritti for a delicious on-the-go meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riomaggiore Harbor
Main village
Iconic colorful houses cascading down to the sea, perfect for sunset views and swimming.

Via dell'Amore (Lover's Lane)
Path between Riomaggiore and Manarola
A scenic, paved walking path offering breathtaking coastal vistas. (Check accessibility as it's sometimes closed for repairs).

Tutti Fritti
Riomaggiore
Savor delicious fresh fried seafood served in a convenient cone – a must-try local snack.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Train for Seamless Travel
Book Accommodation Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Swim in the Harbor
Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Riomaggiore's harbor for a unique village experience.
🍤 Grab a Seafood Cone
Don't miss out on the famous fried seafood cones from Tutti Fritti for a delicious on-the-go meal.
🚶♀️ Hike Between Villages
Explore the stunning coastal trails connecting the Cinque Terre villages for incredible views.
🚆 Utilize the Train
The train is the easiest way to hop between Riomaggiore and the other four towns.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Swim in the Harbor
Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Riomaggiore's harbor for a unique village experience.
🍤 Grab a Seafood Cone
Don't miss out on the famous fried seafood cones from Tutti Fritti for a delicious on-the-go meal.
🚶♀️ Hike Between Villages
Explore the stunning coastal trails connecting the Cinque Terre villages for incredible views.
🚆 Utilize the Train
The train is the easiest way to hop between Riomaggiore and the other four towns.
📸 Find the Best Photo Spots
Seek out the iconic viewpoints for that postcard-perfect shot of Riomaggiore's colorful houses.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Riomaggiore is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, with colorful houses clinging to cliffs and a vibrant harbor perfect for sunset views. Visitors rave about the delicious local seafood and the ease of exploring via train. However, some find the village can get very crowded, and the steep terrain may be challenging for some.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Riomaggiore from Milan is by taking a train to La Spezia Centrale, and then transferring to the local Cinque Terre train. The journey typically takes around 3-4 hours.
The Cinque Terre train is the most convenient and frequent option. Trains run regularly from La Spezia Centrale directly to Riomaggiore, taking only about 10 minutes.
Driving directly into Riomaggiore is not recommended as the village is largely pedestrianized and parking is extremely limited and expensive. It's best to park in La Spezia and take the train.
Yes, the Cinque Terre train line makes it very easy to travel between Riomaggiore and the other four villages. The train is frequent and efficient.
From Pisa, take a train to La Spezia Centrale, then switch to the Cinque Terre train to Riomaggiore. The total travel time is approximately 2-3 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, for most of the coastal hiking trails between the villages, you'll need to purchase a Cinque Terre Card, which also includes unlimited train travel.
The Cinque Terre Card offers access to the paid hiking trails and unlimited travel on the regional trains connecting the five villages. It's a cost-effective option for exploring.
There are no specific entrance fees to enter the village of Riomaggiore. However, access to certain hiking trails requires the Cinque Terre Card.
You can purchase Cinque Terre train tickets at any train station in the Cinque Terre region, including Riomaggiore, or online through Trenitalia.
The hiking trails are generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's always best to check the official Cinque Terre National Park website for current conditions and any temporary closures, as some paths like Via dell'Amore can be closed for maintenance.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Must-dos include exploring the colorful harbor, enjoying sunset drinks, swimming in the sea, and trying local specialties like fried seafood cones.
Many visitors recommend finding a spot along the harbor or at a bar with a view, like Pier de Ma, for spectacular sunset vistas.
Riomaggiore doesn't have traditional sandy beaches, but there are rocky areas and platforms by the harbor where you can sunbathe and swim.
Yes, Riomaggiore is easily accessible for a day trip, especially if you use the train to explore other villages as well.
Riomaggiore is known for its vibrant, picturesque charm with colorful buildings clinging to the cliffs. It offers a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss out on fresh seafood, especially fried seafood cones from Tutti Fritti, pesto dishes, and local Ligurian specialties.
Riomaggiore offers a variety of dining options, from casual trattorias to restaurants with stunning sea views. Trattoria dal Billy and La Regina di Manarola are popular choices nearby.
Sciacchetrà is a sweet, amber-colored dessert wine produced in the Cinque Terre region, often enjoyed with local pastries or cheese.
While pesto is a Ligurian specialty, you can find delicious pesto dishes in many trattorias throughout Riomaggiore and the Cinque Terre.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, often featuring fresh local produce, pasta, and of course, pesto. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask your server.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spot is from the viewpoint overlooking the harbor with the colorful houses. There are specific paths that lead to excellent vantage points.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most magical light for capturing the colorful buildings and coastal scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the dramatic coastal landscapes and the clustered village views. A zoom lens can be useful for details.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Cinque Terre National Park to protect the environment and residents. Always check local regulations before flying.
Explore the narrow alleyways, look for interesting architectural details, and capture the local life to get unique perspectives beyond the main viewpoints.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantics
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Five Lands: Riomaggiore's Place
While all five villages are connected by train and hiking trails, Riomaggiore often serves as a starting or ending point for many visitors. Its vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evening, makes it a popular choice for those seeking a lively base. The iconic Via dell'Amore (Lover's Lane), though sometimes closed for repairs, historically connected Riomaggiore to Manarola, offering one of the most romantic walks in the region.
When planning your Cinque Terre itinerary, consider how Riomaggiore fits into your overall exploration. Its accessibility and picturesque charm make it a fantastic introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you're looking for a place to swim, dine, or simply soak in the views, Riomaggiore offers a quintessential Italian coastal experience.
Culinary Delights of Riomaggiore
The region is also renowned for its pesto, a vibrant green sauce made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. You'll find pesto incorporated into various dishes, from pasta to focaccia. Don't forget to sample the local wines, particularly Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes grown on the steep terraces.
Beyond these iconic dishes, Riomaggiore offers a range of dining experiences, from casual trattorias serving fresh pasta and seafood to restaurants with breathtaking sea views. Exploring the local eateries is an integral part of the Riomaggiore experience, offering a taste of authentic Italian coastal life.
Capturing Riomaggiore's Charm: Photography Tips
To get those postcard-perfect shots, explore the various viewpoints. A popular strategy is to find the specific paths that offer elevated perspectives, allowing you to capture the full sweep of the village cascading down to the sea. While wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the expansive coastal scenery, don't forget to look for intimate details within the narrow alleyways and charming architectural elements that tell the story of daily life in Riomaggiore.
Remember that Riomaggiore is a living village, so be respectful of residents while you're out capturing its beauty. While drones can offer unique aerial perspectives, their use is often restricted in national parks, so always check local regulations. Ultimately, the best photography in Riomaggiore comes from immersing yourself in its atmosphere and finding your own unique angles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit