Riomaggiore is a fishing village in Liguria, on the Italian Riviera, and one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre. It sits on steep rocky cliffs above the Mediterranean, with its houses rising in colourful tiers and tumbling down towards the harbour.
The setting is the main reason to visit. From the village you look out over the sea, and the layout of the houses, stacked against the rock, gives the place a distinctive shape. Walking down through the narrow streets towards the water is a good way to get a feel for it, and the harbour is where the village's fishing life has long centred.
What a visit offers
- Views of the coast and the open sea from the cliffs
- A harbour area at the foot of the village
- Paths and lanes that climb and descend between the houses
- A quieter base within the Cinque Terre than some of its neighbours
Because Riomaggiore is one of the Cinque Terre villages, many visitors pair it with the others along the coast. The area is easy to explore on foot, and the terrain is steep, so comfortable shoes are a sensible choice. Stopping for a while in the village itself lets you appreciate its atmosphere without rushing.
Planning your trip
Riomaggiore suits anyone who enjoys coastal scenery, small fishing harbours and walking through a village built into the landscape. If you are deciding whether to go, the combination of sea views, colourful architecture and its place within the Cinque Terre makes it a rewarding stop on a visit to Liguria.
