The easternmost village of the Cinque Terre clings to the steep valley walls of the creek from which it took its name (now underground). Legend has it that it was founded by a group of Greek refugees around the 8th century. This is the starting point for the romantic Via dell′Amore, a path cut into the rock that leads to Manarola.
Things to see
• From the Cerricò Castle, a fortress dating back to the 13th century that still towers over Riomaggiore, you can enjoy a fabulous view overlooking the sea.
• The small Cappella dei Santi Rocco e Sebastiano was built to commemorate a terrible plague that struck the town in 1480.
• The Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to 1340, still houses many valuable paintings and drawings.
• The Via dell′Amore leads to Manarola.