Michele’s local guide

What to do in Riomaggiore & around

A personal selection of beaches, hikes, restaurants, wine experiences and day trips to help you enjoy Cinque Terre like a local.

View over Riomaggiore and the Cinque Terre coastline
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Beaches

Rocky coves, crystal-clear water and sandy options nearby.

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Hiking

From easy scenic walks to spectacular full-day trails.

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Food & wine

Local restaurants, pesto, Sciacchetrà and aperitivo spots.

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Day trips

Portovenere, La Spezia, Sestri Levante, Pisa and more.

A few ideas to start

This page is just a taste. The full guide includes detailed tips, restaurants, logistics, useful links and practical advice.

Beaches
Riomaggiore beach
Near the house

Swim in Riomaggiore

A rocky beach with clear water, close to the harbor and perfect for a refreshing swim.

Monterosso beach
Sandy beach

Relax in Monterosso

The largest and most comfortable beach in the Cinque Terre, with beach clubs and services.

Framura beach
Hidden gem

Explore Framura

A beautiful option outside the five villages, with turquoise water and a quieter feel.

Hiking
Via dell'Amore trail
Easy walk

Walk the Via dell’Amore

The famous romantic path between Riomaggiore and Manarola, with spectacular sea views.

Vernazza from the hiking trail
Classic view

Hike Monterosso–Vernazza

One of the most iconic trails in the area, with postcard views over Vernazza.

Trail to Portovenere
Full-day adventure

Reach Portovenere on foot

A demanding but unforgettable hike along the high trail from Riomaggiore to Portovenere.

Food & wine
Aperitivo by the sea
Sunset

Aperitivo at A Piè de Mà

A panoramic wine bar by the cliffs, perfect for a glass of local wine at sunset.

Pesto making class
Experience

Take a pesto class

Learn how to make Ligurian pesto with mortar and pestle, then enjoy it with local wine.

Cinque Terre restaurant table
Local picks

Cinque Terre restaurants

From seafood trattorias to scenic wine bars and casual places for focaccia or pizza.

Explore nearby
Portovenere
By boat

Visit Portovenere

A beautiful harbor village with colorful houses, the Church of San Pietro and Byron’s Grotto.

Boat excursion in Cinque Terre
Boat excursions

Explore Cinque Terre by boat

One of the best ways to experience Riomaggiore and the Cinque Terre: private boat tours, sunset aperitifs, swimming spots and hidden coves only reachable from the sea.

Sestri Levante Bay of Silence
Beach town

Spend a day in Sestri Levante

Known for the magical Bay of Silence and a relaxed Ligurian seaside atmosphere.

Pisa
Classic day trip

Take the train to Pisa

The Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli are easy to reach by train from Riomaggiore.

Best way to move

The train is usually the fastest and easiest way to explore the five villages.

Try the ferry once

It’s slower than the train, but the coastline from the sea is unforgettable.

Start early

Morning is the best time for popular trails and viewpoints before the crowds arrive.

Ask me

I’m always happy to suggest restaurants, hikes and practical tips for your dates.

Complete PDF guide

Get Michele’s Cinque Terre guide

A personal guide with restaurants, beaches, hikes, transport tips, day trips, useful links and local suggestions for Riomaggiore and the surrounding area.

  • Restaurants and aperitivo spots
  • Beaches and swimming tips
  • Hiking routes and difficulty notes
  • Train, ferry and logistics advice
  • Day trips from Cinque Terre

Request the guide

Leave your name and email and I’ll send you the PDF guide.

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Your email is used only to send you the guide and useful information about your stay.

Want to stay close to all this?

La Nave is a sea-view apartment in Riomaggiore, a perfect base to explore Cinque Terre.

Check availability