Emma Loubser
Nestled in the Italian Riviera on the Ligurian Coast, Riomaggiore is one of the five, picturesque Cinque Terre villages. It is a perfect holiday destination to eat, relax and, if you’re feeling adventurous, explore.
Just a short train ride from Pisa, Riomaggiore is undoubtedly worth the trip. It is in a largely unspoilt area, and the whole of Cinque Terre has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site for its natural beauty, unique sandstone walls and rich culture. It was not filled with tourists in late July when I visited, making it a quintessential Italian holiday that provides a real escape from the hustle and bustle of Italian cities.
When in Riomaggiore, one can spend their days ambling through the myriad of cobbled passages that wind through the tall houses. Webs of laundry lines add to the movie-set feeling of the village and the deep reds, Mediterranean-sunset oranges and golden yellows of the buildings provide a striking contrast against the rugged landscape. Beautiful murals decorate key buildings in the village. On the town hall, talented Argentinian-Italian painter Silvio Benedetto painted a mural which depicts sailors encountering the wonders of the sea around Riomaggiore, such as mythical sea witches and mermaids. On the walls of the Tourist Office, another mural depicts the men and women who, over generations, built the sandstone walls that run through Cinque Terre.
Wandering down the paths towards the bobbing buoys, you will find yourself at the marina, where you can hire boats and kayaks for the day or take a dip in the glittering waters. Riomaggiore provides an idyllic setting to sprawl across the warm rocks and lap up the Mediterranean Sea and sun. The marina restaurants will tempt you in with mouth-watering seafood and mesmerising views of an unmissable sunset. They are a little more expensive than the village restaurants and so provide a great setting for a special meal to watch the day melt into the night.
Heading away from the sea towards the centre of the village, there are many more Italian culinary delights to enjoy. You will quickly realise that every other person in the village seems to be carrying a pizza box, and for good reason. The Mamma Mia Take Me Away café has the most delicious, and very affordable, pizza; an extra-large can be shared between two and is just 10 €! With some limoncello and fresh fruit from the local market shops, this makes for a delectable meal whilst perched on the rocks, enjoying the sun.
A stone castle sits amongst the rooftops of Riomaggiore. It boasts spectacular views across the village and out to sea. Built in the 13th century, its original purpose was to defend the village, before centuries later becoming a cemetery. Now, it primarily serves as a brilliant viewpoint out to sea. It is definitely worth the hike which, on the route, takes you through village side paths.
Riomaggiore also features many scenic walking trails. Unfortunately, the shorter path along the coast between Riomaggiore and Manarola (the neighbouring village) has been closed, but that opens a whole new realm of adventures to be had in the hills and mountains that lie behind Riomaggiore. The information point at the train station offers assistance and maps on how to access these parts.
For a relaxing Italian holiday, go to Riomaggiore and try the freshly baked panettone from the local village bakeries and let the sunsets take your breath away.
VIAGGI