Riomaggiore: Hiking, History and Sea

Riomaggiore amid terraces, trails and sea

Riomaggiore unfolds across a vertical terraced landscape. Rows of medieval houses in the typical Ligurian colors stand on the arches of former wine cellars. This village setting combines landscape, historic buildings and trails that, depending on your interests, lead to sanctuaries, viewpoints, wine and the sea.

Hikes with different profiles

The Via dell’Amore is a coastal path high above the sea that connects Riomaggiore with Manarola and offers wide panoramic views. A circular hike begins and ends in Riomaggiore and leads via the Scala Santa, the Nostra Signora di Montenero Sanctuary and the AV5T.

For a longer hike, the route leads from the Lavaccio district in upper Riomaggiore to the Nostra Signora di Montenero Sanctuary via the SVA trail, formerly No. 3, which is also known as “La Via Grande”. It is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The circular hike returns to Riomaggiore; the Via dell’Amore connection, on the other hand, leads to Manarola.

Access arrangements to include in your daily planning

Access to the Via dell’Amore is available by reservation for a designated time slot; no more than 100 people are admitted every 15 minutes. The limit of no more than 100 people per quarter-hour organizes access by time. The ancient Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero cannot be reached by car, but only via several paths. A vineyard in the municipality of Riomaggiore can only be reached on foot via a steep path or, where possible, by cog railway. The Via dell’Amore and the vineyard therefore require different forms of access: a reserved time slot in one case, and a steep path or, where applicable, a cog railway in the other.

Religious buildings and local history

The Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1340, is located in the upper part of Riomaggiore’s historic center. The Church of Nostra Signora di Montenero was first documented in 1335. On the Saturday before Pentecost, the village’s residents make their way to the sanctuary; the votive offerings “Gli ori di Montenero” are displayed there.

The Oratorio Sant’Antonio Abate is considered one of Riomaggiore’s oldest religious buildings. The Oratorio San Rocco stands next to Riomaggiore Castle, while the Oratorio Santa Maria Assunta dates from 1500. Castello di Riomaggiore houses the permanent exhibition “Cinque Terre, Un paesaggio umano”.

Wine and activities on the water

At Cantina 5 Terre, a visit with wine tasting is possible by prior reservation, including a selection featuring Sciacchetrà. The clear waters of the marine reserve off Riomaggiore are suitable for diving excursions.

Discover more places

Corniglia, Bocca Di Magra, Rocchetta Di Vara, Cavanella Vara, Tellaro, Le Grazie, Piana Battolla, Bracelli

To the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.