Riomaggiore is the first of the five villages. Its name comes from the narrow river channel (Rio Maggiore) that runs through it and flows into the sea. Only in the 19th century was a road paved above the riverbed. It is believed that its first inhabitants arrived in the 8th century AD.

In this charming, colorful village—where the houses seem to grow out of the ground—there is a unique feature: each house has two entrances. One is located at the front on the alley level, and the other at the back on the upper street level. This unique construction began around 1500 to allow residents a quick escape route in case of Saracen invasions.

At the top of the village stands the fortress that once served for defense and today is used as a venue for exhibitions and conferences.

Riomaggiore is where the famous Via dell’Amore (“Path of Love”) begins. In this section, the path leads to the village of Manarola and is the easiest route (it basically continues beyond the second village). The sound of the waves, vegetation, cliffs, and many photo-worthy spots accompany visitors, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

It’s recommended to check if the path is open, as in recent years, severe weather caused mudslides, leading to the path’s closure for hikers.