Riomaggiore is our top pick for couples to stay. It is one of the smaller towns with the least amount of touristy things to do in it. Normally this would be a negative, but in Cinque Terre where large tourist groups can overwhelm the small towns, it’s nice to stay somewhat away from much of the large tour groups and simply visit the other towns at your convenience. Whereas in Manarola the best views are from the hikes and restaurant up on the hill (Nessun Dorma), the best views in Riomaggiore are found from the balcony of the ample accommodations near the port.
The area near the water in Riomaggiore boasts plenty of relatively cheap and super nice hotels and airbnbs. The areas in front of your building will be cordoned off from tourists and will have picture perfect views right from your window overlooking the sea. We stayed at a beautiful hotel called Allo Scalo dei Mille which is nestled right in the middle of the most picturesque scene in all of Riomaggiore. The rooms were fantastic (as in almost all accommodations in Cinque Terre there will be stairs and no elevator), the view was perfection and the location could not have been any better.
Tourists only come down to the water in Riomaggiore to take the classic photo looking up at the bright colored homes from the port and then typically leave the area pretty quickly as there is not much else to do in the port area. This makes it an ideal spot for romantic travelers looking to get away from the crowds and have some peace overlooking the best hotel views in all of Cinque Terre.
Best things to do in Riomaggiore
– Take that famous post card photo that everyone has seen at some point, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past ten years. This photo is iconic and it is super easy to get. When looking at the sea, walk up the left sided path up towards the wine bar. Right past the wine bar is a small set of stairs that drop down towards the water. From here you will get that perfect shot of Riomaggiore.
– Grab a drink at La Conchiglia: This small unassuming cocktail and wine bar is the perfect spot to start your day in Riomaggiore. Grab some delicious local wine and enjoy the views.
– Continue around the back of the cliff walkway past La Conchiglia and you’ll find cool spots to sunbath on the rocks and even a local hang out where people jump off the cliffs and into the sea.
Best places to Eat & Drink in Riomaggiore
–Enoteca Dau Cila: This spot is located right in the harbor with perfect views of the sea while you eat. Don’t miss their lobster gnocchi.
– A Pie’ de Ma’: The most charming and rustic restaurant in Cinque Terre. This delightful little restaurant doubles as a wine bar, serving some of the best wines in the Cinque Terre region. The bar is open year round, but the restaurant is only open from June through September.
– Rio Bistrot: Riomaggiores top Michelin Star restaurant. Just a phenomenal restaurant with a phenomenal view and simply perfect food. Make sure to book well in advance.
– Il Pescato Cucinato: Riomaggiores street food of fried fish in a cone. Delicious and easy to walk with while you eat.
– Don’t forget to stop and sample some amazing local produce stands along the main street in Riomaggiore
Best places to stay in Riomaggiore
Don’t forget to see if you can find all these cool paintings of famous figures wearing swim googles that are hidden all throughout the region.