The colourful village of Riomaggiore cascades down a rocky cliff to the Ligurian Sea. It’s set on the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of five postcard-perfect coastal villages. The brightly painted houses and traditional fishing boats of Riomaggiore contrast beautifully with the turquoise water.
Walk along the scenic Via Dell'Amore to the neighbouring village of Manarola. Also known as the Way of Love, the footpath skirts the cliffs and is decorated with padlocks engraved with the names of couples. Purchase your own lock from a local store, secure it to the railing and toss the key into the Ligurian Sea. Finish your walk in Manarola or continue onto the Sentiero Azzurro to visit more Cinque Terre villages.
Unlock spectacular views from Castello di Riomaggiore. The medieval castle is perched high above Riomaggiore and was built in the 13th century to defend the city from pirate raids. Admire the impressive stone tower and stay for spectacular sunsets.
Getting there
Riomaggiore is on the Cinque Terre in Liguria, a 20-minute drive from La Spezia and two hours from Genoa and Florence. Trains run between Riomaggiore and Manarola in 10 minutes or you can walk in 30 minutes. Genova City Airport is a two-hour drive away.