The unusually beautiful, bright and colorful town of Riomaggiore is comfortably located on the elevated rocky coast of the sun-kissed Ligurian coast in the northwestern province of La Spezia, Italy, within the territory of the Cinque Terre National Park.
The park is famous for its man-made terraces, five brightly colored picturesque settlements squeezed into high coastal cliffs, and hundreds of hiking trails through corners of wild and pristine nature.
One of them from Riomaggiore to the village (Manarola) is the most famous and has a very romantic name Dear Love (Via dell'Amore). The park contains many ancient castles, walls and defensive structures. The Cinque Terre coast is replete with small, sometimes inaccessible and remote beaches.
The atmosphere of medieval antiquity is felt here in every winding narrow street and many stone stairs. The houses in the town are built on coastal cliffs leading to the sea and nestled one above the other. The most ancient buildings and sections of the pavement date back to the 13th century.
The town of Riomaggiore is easily distinguished by its unique color, where the colorful and bright facades of buildings contrast with the emerald-turquoise sea and the unusually blue clear Mediterranean sky. Narrow streets smoothly and staircases climb the steep slopes of the coast. Car traffic in such conditions is difficult and has long been simply prohibited.
Pleasant a walk around Riomaggiore should start from Via Colombo, it is here on the main street of the town that there are famous restaurants, shops, souvenir shops and boutiques.
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The chefs of the famous restaurants Il Particciolo, Da Billy and Marina Piccola delight guests of the town with classic Italian dishes, superbly prepared seafood and wonderful varieties of wines, the production technology of which has been kept as a closely guarded secret by winemakers for hundreds of years. Liqueur "Sciacchetra" local production has made this wine-producing province of Italy very popular among gourmets; it is made simultaneously from different grape varieties, which gives the drink a unique bouquet.
During the Saracen invasions, the Castello di Riomaggiore castle, which bears the same name as the town, was built on the Cericco hill overlooking Riomaggiore.
This is a wonderful landmark of the Cinque Terre park, it was founded by the Marquis Turcotti in 1260, completed later, protective walls were erected here until the 16th century. Today the castle is a magnificent tourist attraction, where you can learn a lot about the history of the country on a tour. From the observation deck of the castle, you can see the mesmerizing, colorful Italy.
The Cinque Terre hills are a truly fabulous and amazingly beautiful place; hiking trails connect the sights and settlements here. The Azure Trail - the pearl of the Cinque Terre Park - leads tourists along the sea coast, the Path of Love connects Riomaggiore with Manarola, passes through a rocky and very picturesque area along the sea. The trails – and Vernazza –, each 4 km long, allow you to look around the area and enjoy the healing sea air.
Weather
The climate of Cinque Terre is mild and warm, with slight temperature variations. Mountains protect the area from northern winds. The Mediterranean Sea moderates the winter season, with an average temperature of 12 degrees. In summer it reaches 30 degrees. Rains are short-lived, more often in autumn and spring. Best time to visit this part of the country: from March to the end of October.
You can swim in the beautiful blue water of the Mediterranean Sea from May.
Rocky outcrops, marinas and sloping pebble beaches along the coastline invite you to bask in the sun or swim in the clear waters. The sea of Cinque Terre is characterized by the presence of many fish, beautiful dolphins and even whales.
How to get there
Departures from the nearest airports and train stations of Genoa and Pisa trains to La Spezia near Riomaggiore. From there, within 10 minutes by train to Riomaggiore, tourists arrive at their destination.
Advice for tourists: We recommend purchasing a Cinque Terre CARD, which includes several convenient services: travel on commuter buses, access to all pedestrian paths, Wi-Fi Internet connection. It costs only € 7.50 for 1 day, you can buy it at the Cinque Terre train station.
Visit Riomaggiore, Italy will surprise and delight you, whether you want to walk the Path of Love and learn an amazing legend or admire unique castles and churches.
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– one of the most beautiful corners of Italy, ideal for lovers of excursions. The easternmost city, like the others, is located in a dizzyingly picturesque area with mountains and a sea indented by bays. Characterized by green terraces and colorful houses stacked on top of each other. The colors of the houses are bright: yellow, orange, pink and red, sky blue, intense sea blue, green like hills with vineyards and fruit groves.
Situated on the southernmost edge of the East Coast, historically shared by the powerful maritime republics of Genoa and Pisa, the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a joint wonder of man and nature, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. According to one legend, refugees from Byzantine Greece were the first to settle in this territory in the 8th century. AD
History of Riomaggiore
History has preserved evidence of this. For example, one can note the structure of urban development: bright colors and vertical direction, “overhang” over the sea, a network of streets, stairs and small courtyards. In case of danger from the sea, this type allowed residents to escape higher up to the hills in a short time. This explains the presence of two exits in the houses: the front and the rear, which go to a higher level.
Riomaggiore Castle, a historical monument of the city, was erected around the 13th century. to protect against pirates terrorizing the Mediterranean coast. Today it stands proudly in the center of the historical part of the city. It is easily recognizable thanks to its round turret and large white clock and is used mainly on holidays. Next to it is the main attraction of the city - the bay, small and narrow, lined with colorful houses and equally colorful boats.
City coat of arms depicts the top of Mount Verugola (monte Verugola), the symbol of this place, and is described in heraldry as follows: “Three mountains jutting out over the sea with vine shoots on each side and a crown on top.” Each house, painted by the owner in a cheerful color, each mountain peak here is a pearl, a work of art from which it is difficult to take your eyes off.
What to see in Riomaggiore
Church of St. GiovanniBatista(Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista) first half of the 14th century. is also located on a hill. It is a mixture of Romanesque and neo-Gothic architecture. Inside are masterpieces such as a triptych from the Antelemi school, a wooden crucifix by Anton Maria Maragliano and a canvas by Domenico Fiasella, an artist from Sardzana.
There is a road in the mountains called Dear Temples(Strada dei Santuari), it connects all the sanctuaries of the Five Lands: Temple of Nostra Signora Montenero V , Temple of Nostra Signora della Salute in Manarola, Temple of Nostra Signora delle Grazie in Corniglia, Temple of Nostra Signora di Soviore in and Temple of Nostra Signora di Reggio in Vernazza. The temple dates back to 1335. Like the other temples, it can be reached along a narrow path among the terraces on the hillsides. The view from the small platform is beyond words.
In the south of the city it is worth paying attention to other architectural monuments, for example, Watchtower(Torre Guardiola), inside which there is a botanical garden. Natural attractions are also interesting, such as Cape Montenero(Punta di Montenero), suitable for scuba diving enthusiasts.
After walks and excursions, you want to eat deliciously, and in satisfying this need it is not inferior to other Italian cities. Recharge yourself with the energy of this place by visiting, San Jan Festival. Rice dishes are mainly served here. If fate brings you here in winter, be sure to try “patona” - a traditional chestnut pie.
On this page: the road of love and other attractions, beach, photographs, map.
Features: Perhaps the most romantic place in Liguria and in all of Italy...
(Riomaggiore - Cinque Terre)
The town farthest from Genoa and closest to La Spezia in the “quinta-land” is perhaps one of the most romantic places in Liguria and throughout Italy. Perhaps it is the most colorful of all in the Cinque Terre (although all the small commune villages - except Monterosso - are very similar).
Coat of arms of the commune
You can come here by train or by boat from other villages of the Cinque Terre or more distant cities (La Spezia, Levanto, Rapallo, Santa Margarita...) Naturally, you can also come on foot along the road of love (when it is open).
On the road of love...
Recreation and entertainment
There are several restaurants in Riamaggiore where the menu includes freshly caught seafood. The prices are not very steep (you can order an excellent dish for less than 20 euros).
There are also plenty of private small hotels (there are no large ones at all), but during the season you should book rooms in advance.
There is a diving center in the town - its office is located very close to the railway station. And the tourist office is located directly in the station building.
Evening entertainment includes breathing in the sea air and sitting in restaurants. During the day you can swim, go on excursions (by boat or train), and walk along Via dell" Amore.
Beach in Riomaggiore
You hear different opinions about him. One thing is that it is bad, rocky and small. And the opposite is that this is one of the most interesting beaches in Italy.
Indeed, it is not even pebble, but with large and rough stones. But its main advantage is that it is there. In this bay formed by rocks, in such an amazing romantic village as Riomaggiore.
It's actually not that small. Tourists like it; there are always sunbathers and swimmers here. It is absolutely “wild” - without any service or any fees. You have to change clothes behind large stones or right where you sunbathed - covered with a towel; but by European standards this is considered normal.
The way to it is along a rocky path. The views are beautiful and overall it is a very pleasant and inspiring experience.
Attractions
The most famous attraction of this place is the “Path (or road) of Love” - a pedestrian path running along the rocks above the sea to the next settlement of the Cinque Terre - Manarola. It offers a very beautiful view of the sea. Here and there along it, cacti and other exotic (for a Russian) plants bloom. At one place on the trail there is a “bench for two” where lovers can rest and (if there is someone nearby who can help) capture this moment on a camera. There is a fee for walking along the trail (5 euros).
The attraction, of course, is the town itself with its colorful houses and the main street running upward.
There is the Torre Guardiola Castle, which began to be built back in 1260. It was intended for defensive military purposes. Now partially destroyed.
The 13th-century church of St. Anthony and the 14th-century churches of St. Rocco and St. Giovanni Baptista, both based on an even older Romanesque building (its elements have been preserved), are worth a visit.
You can explore two or three more chapels of varying degrees of antiquity, for example, the Flagellants (Church of Assunta).
Weather
The climate here is naturally the same as in the neighboring settlements of Cinve Terre - Mediterranean, temperate. Such heat as in the central and southern regions of Italy almost never happens.
Temperatures by month can be viewed on the page dedicated to
Russian tourists
Actually, there are a lot of Russian tourists in Italy. Wherever you go, it is very difficult not to meet them.
But in these places, until recently, they were almost absent. Now they have begun to appear here, and shopkeepers are trying to expand their Russian vocabulary at the first opportunity.
By some amazing coincidence, during our stay here, on the notice board in front of the Dear Love there was an announcement (apparently for local residents) about a tourist train (the only thing, there were no other announcements) - not just anywhere, but to Moscow!
Map
Vacation with children
Vacationers with children should be careful on the beach - children sometimes trip on rocks when entering the sea.
You should also keep in mind that walking along the path of love in the midday hours under the bright sun can be a test of endurance (for a leisurely journey, the travel time to the nearest town takes about an hour).
Photo from Riomaggiore (Liguria, Cinque Terre)
Moscow is probably the same exotic place for Ligurians as this area is for Russians...
Anton also lived.
Several streets running down to the sea, old houses painted in bright colors, a medieval church, restaurants, shops and cafes. There aren't even cars here.
Founded back in the thirteenth century by Greeks fleeing oppression, the town is similar to the traditional villages of the Greek islands. The narrow streets are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, but nowadays there is a cheerful Italian life here.
The cozy place is completely aimed at tourists traveling around. Despite its tiny size, there is a full-fledged tourist infrastructure here.
Hiking area
Geographically, Riomaggiore belongs to the Italian Riviera of Flowers, protected by UNESCO, and is part of the Cinque Terre park. There is no particular place to swim here; there are only a couple of small rocky ones in the town and another one is located in the neighboring village.
There is a small marina next to the beach. is popular, fortunately the water area allows it and a stunning view of the Ligurian coast opens from board.
Riomaggiore and its surroundings are simply made for contemplative walks on foot. The stone-lined street Via Colombo is a place for tourist promenade and shopping, with shops and cozy restaurants concentrated here.
The street, named after the artist Telemaco Signorini who painted the city, begins near the railway station and along it you can come to the ancient church of San Giovanni Battista. The architectural attractions of the town include almost all the residential tower houses with their small windows and graceful balconies, the oratory built in the 16th century, the Chapel of the Flagellants and the snow-white Church of St. John the Baptist.
The last architectural landmark is the Riomaggiore Castle, towering above the city, or rather all that remains of it. Founded in the thirteenth century and completed by the Genoese, which influenced its appearance, the castle protected the townspeople from Turkish raids. As centuries passed, the need for it disappeared, and the abandoned castle gradually began to collapse.
Now tourists can climb Cherikko Hill and explore the remains of the fortress wall and two donjons. In addition, the elevation offers stunning views of the city, cliffs and the Ligurian Sea.
This is where the architecture of Riomaggiore ends, but there are still many in the area. The most romantic and beautiful place for a walk is the Path of Love, which runs along the sea coast; in Italian it sounds like Via Del Amore. You can walk along it from Riomaggiore to the village of Manarola, admiring the coast, sea and cliffs.
You will have to pay for the walk; the funds go towards maintaining and repairing the road. At one time, local authorities banned the use of the trail, but after strengthening the dangerous sections, the attraction again became accessible to tourists.
A legend is associated with this trail about the local Romeo and Juliet, who lived in the warring Riomaggiore and Manarola. There was a source of drinking water only near one settlement, and the residents of another collected water secretly. The young people met near a spring, fell in love and began going on dates in the rocks between the settlements.
The girl became pregnant, her relatives decided to kill the stranger-seducer. The lovers, fleeing persecution from relatives, met on the rocks and accidentally slipped into the depths of the sea. The saddened relatives made peace with their neighbors, and together they laid out a convenient walking path through the coastal cliffs.
A glass of wine with fish Ligurian style
After long walks in the fresh Mediterranean air, you want to relax and eat something tasty. The main diet of Riomaggiore residents consists of seafood and fish. Olives and vegetables complement the meal. By the way, olives and grapes are grown nearby, on small terraces above the city.
Apparently, there is a special kind of olive growing on the sunlit hills, so the olive oil here is very tasty. And in restaurants they serve a local dish - fish in Ligurian style, and with it a glass of local dry wine “Cinque Terre”, a source of pride for local winemakers. But for dessert, the sweet liqueur “Skiaketra” produced in Riomaggioro would be appropriate.
The technology of wine and liqueur production is a big secret, which for centuries has been passed on only to members of the winemaking family. It is only known that the unusual taste of the liqueur is achieved by blending different grape varieties.
You can see ancient olive groves and grape plantations by climbing ancient mountain paths to the terraces. From below they appear to be large green waves hanging over the town. And from above the town looks like a small bright spot. There are also a lot of bright wild flowers here, it’s not for nothing that this area is called the Riviera of Flowers.
Italy is a beautiful and amazing country, and the town of Riomaggiore is a bright and incredibly atmospheric piece of it, very attractive for tourists and lovers of beautiful nature.
The Ligurian coast, which is located in the north-west of the Italian province of La Spezia, is decorated with an unusually beautiful rainbow town called Riomaggiore. It is part of the Cinque Terre National Park. The park itself is famous throughout Europe and the world. There are many man-made terraces here, and the main attractions are the five rocks in the form of arches. They are painted in bright colors, and underneath there are residential settlements. Everything here is created to make the tourist feel comfortable. Many walking paths along the coast, and of course, unforgettable beautiful landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent.
One of the hiking trails leads from the town of Riomaggiore to the village of Manarola. This trail bears the very romantic name “Road of Love”. On the territory of the Five Lands Park you can see a sufficient number of castles, unusual architectural structures and monuments. But the beaches on the Cinque Terre are not entirely accessible, although they are considered one of the best in Italy. They are not so easy to reach. However, if you manage to do this, then happiness will know no bounds.
In the city of Riomaggiore, everything will remind you of medieval times. Walk along the narrow streets, go up and down the incredibly beautiful stone stairs. National music will be heard somewhere in the distance. This is all very fascinating and interesting. The cliffs are dotted with houses. Despite the fact that it looks a little scary in appearance, the locals feel quite comfortable here. Houses of different colors hang over one another. There are many buildings here, including architectural structures dating back to the 13th century.
This city is very easy to distinguish from the “other Italy”. Everything here is done with some kind of sophistication. The city began to be built back in the Middle Ages, and its successors simply decided to maintain tradition and architecture without introducing modern notes here. The turquoise sea and blue sky only complement Riomaggiore. The sun floods the houses with its rays, and the city always seems bright and cheerful, even on the darkest days. Perhaps this is facilitated by painting the facades of houses in their own specific color. The narrow streets can only be walked on foot. And in general, car traffic has been prohibited here for a long time. It's not that it's difficult, it's practically impossible.
The main street of Riomaggiore is Via Colombo. When in the city, it is best to start your journey from here. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, shops and souvenir shops here.
Riomaggiore cuisine
The local cuisine is very diverse and refined, but first of all your attention should be given to the wines of various varieties. It is this drink that is famous not only for the city, but for the whole of Italy. Here, numerous winemakers will be able to offer you a taste of this divine drink. The secret of making wine here is considered a closely guarded secret, which is why, from time immemorial, Italy has been considered the main wine-producing country. But the branded liqueur called “Sciacchetra” will radically change your perception of wine. You will never be able to try this wonderful drink anywhere else. The liqueur is made from mixing numerous varieties of wine.
Attractions Riomaggiore
The Castello di Riomaggiore was built on Mount Cerrico when the city was invaded by the Saracens. In 1260, the Marquis Turcotti undertook its construction. However, the fortress was built before the 16th century. It gradually added defensive structures and walls. Numerous travelers and tourists come to visit this landmark of the city. And thanks to the observation deck located near the castle, you can admire the unusually beautiful views of Italy.
The hills of Cinque Terre are another of the attractions of Riomaggiore. They are connected by numerous trails and settlements. Here you can often meet people from all over the world. As mentioned above, there are many incredibly beautiful trails here. The main one is the Azure Trail, walking along which you can admire the coast of the city and the views that open before the eyes of the tourist. From Riomaggiore to Manarola you can follow the Path of Love. It passes between the rocks along an unusual and beautiful area. There are two more trails: Corniglia - Vernazza and Vernazza - Monteresso - these are two more unforgettable paths through the most beautiful places in Italy. Each of the trails is no more than 4 km long.
Climate in Riomaggiore
The climate in Riomaggiore is quite moderate and mild. It's always warm and clear here. Thanks to the rocky coastline, northern winds do not reach the city. In winter, the average temperature in the city is 12⁰ C. In summer, the average temperature is 30 degrees. Rain in Riomaggiore is quite rare, but it does happen. Most often it rains in spring or autumn. The tourist season starts from late March to early November. But the swimming season here begins in May.
How to get to Riomaggiore
From the train stations of Pisa and Genoa, which are very close to Riomaggiore, you can take trains to La Spezia, which is located very close to the city. Travel time will take no more than 10 minutes. A large number of tourists use this method. These are mainly those who have a lot of things and bags on their hands.
Many tourists come to the city in rented cars. You should drive until La Spezia and then follow the SS 370 along the coast. There, following the signs you can easily find Riomaggiore. You can rent a car in the nearby cities of Pisa or Genoa. Van must have an ID card with you, your license and your age must be at least 21 years old.
The most popular mode of transport for tourists is mountain biking. You can take it to the Lerici marina in Portovenere, from where you continue directly to the town of Riomaggiore. This mode of travel will expose you to many unique places along the way. You can enjoy the purest mountain air. Also, the most beautiful landscapes that you will pass by will remain in your memory for a very long time.
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