The first of the five towns, its name Rio-Maggiore comes from the narrow river channel that runs through it and flows into the sea. A road over the channel was only paved in the 19th century. It is believed that the first inhabitants arrived in the 8th century.

In this charming, colorful town, where the houses seem to grow out of the ground, there is a unique feature: each house has a double entrance—one at the level of the alley in front, and the other at the upper street level behind. This distinctive construction began in the 1500s to provide residents with a quick escape route in case of Saracen invasions.

At the top of the town is a fortress that once served for defense and today hosts exhibitions and conferences. Riomaggiore is also the starting point of the famous Via dell’Amore (“Path of Love”), which, in this section leading to Manarola, is the easiest route (it continues, in principle, past the second town). The sound of the waves, vegetation, cliffs, and numerous photo spots accompany visitors, creating a relaxing atmosphere. It is recommended to check whether the path is open, as in recent years storms have caused landslides, leading to temporary closures.