Discover Riomaggiore: Trails, Churches and the Sea

Riomaggiore combines hiking with historic churches and experiences centered on wine and the sea. The trails vary in route: one leads from Lavaccio to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero, a circular hike starts and ends in Riomaggiore, and the Via dell’Amore connects Riomaggiore with Manarola. There are also religious buildings in the village, a wine tasting and diving trips. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can plan your trip around the activities that interest you most.

Hiking Trails and Planning

From the hamlet of Lavaccio in upper Riomaggiore, trail SVA, formerly no. 3 and also known as “La Via Grande,” leads to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero. The route is about 3.5 kilometers long; its stated duration is approximately one hour and 30 minutes. The distance and time are estimates and may vary depending on trail conditions. Another option is a circular hike that starts and ends in Riomaggiore and passes along the Scala Santa, the sanctuary and the AV5T. When planning your route, it helps to note the difference: the start and destination are specified for the Lavaccio hike, while the other route is a circular hike that returns to Riomaggiore. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The Via dell’Amore is a seaside walking path high above the sea between Riomaggiore and Manarola, with sweeping panoramic views. Access requires a reservation for a time slot; a maximum of 100 people are admitted every 15 minutes. Since this information is important for planning your visit, check the conditions again before your trip. The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero is part of several hiking trails. The ancient monastery cannot be reached by car, only via several trails.

Churches, Tradition and the Village Landscape

The church of Nostra Signora di Montenero was first mentioned in documents in 1335. It is more than just a hiking destination: on the Saturday before Pentecost, local residents make their way to the sanctuary, where the votive offerings known as “Gli ori di Montenero” are displayed. Those interested in religious architecture will also find other examples from different periods in the historic center. The church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1340, stands in the upper part of the center. The Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta dates back to 1500. Sant’Antonio Abate is considered one of Riomaggiore’s oldest religious buildings; the Oratory of San Rocco stands next to the castle.

The village’s vertical terraced layout shapes its appearance: rows of medieval houses in typical Ligurian colors stand on the arches of former wine cellars. The permanent exhibition “Cinque Terre, Un paesaggio umano” is housed at Castello di Riomaggiore. If you’re planning to visit the exhibition, check in advance whether a visit is possible.

Wine and Experiences by the Sea

At Cantina 5 Terre, a visit with wine tasting is available by prior reservation; this also includes a selection featuring Sciacchetrà. Reservation details may change, so it’s worth checking them in advance. A vineyard in the municipality of Riomaggiore can only be reached on foot via a steep path or, if available, by cog railway. The cog railway is therefore not a reliable requirement for planning; take the route description into account and check local conditions.

The sea is also part of the possible itinerary: the clear waters of the marine reserve off Riomaggiore are suitable for diving trips. Check sea conditions and applicable rules before taking part in an activity. Hiking, historic buildings, wine and diving offer different focuses and can be considered separately when planning. This lets you match your hotel search to the activities you have planned for your time in Riomaggiore.

Discover more destinations: Carro, Montemarcello, Portovenere, Fiumaretta di Ameglia, Vernazza, Lavaggiorosso, Cembrano, La Foce

For the main travel overview: La Spezia.