The population, in ancient times made of farmers, used to live on the hills. With the end of the Saracen raids, when the sea was felt too be safe, they moved down and built their houses at the mouth of the torrent "Rio", near the sea. The village is arranged along the steep main street under which the tumultuous stream of water, the Rio, flows down to the sea cliffs. The coast mirrors the harsh landscape. High falaises plunging straight down into the deep blue sea hide from sight minuscule pebble beaches. The village is dominated by a castle, whose rooms are now hosting cultural events and meetings.

In the Church of St. John the Baptist, built in 1340, some sculptures and paintings of value are worth a visit; remarkable are the two side doors of the XIV Century.

Riomaggiore, thanks to an attentive and caring work of conservation and protection of its typical traditions and natural patrimony, offers a large range of itineraries:

- A walk along the panoramic Via Signorini, reachable either on foot or, from the Rail

Station, by a lift hidden from sight;
- A short path starts from the Rail Station and follows the cliff-line to the East;
- Another magnificent path climbs up hill among the green, from the road going down to the beach, offering unforgettable views. It takes to Torre Guardiola and Punta Montenero where the Centre of Natural observations offers a botanical itinerary, a bird-watching point and the "Writing Path".

Continuing uphill you reach the Santuario di Montenero, on a square from which you enjoy an unmissable view and the chance of observing dolphins and whales.Trekking and horse riding are available here. Another interesting destination is the romantic Church of N.S. della Salute at Volastra, starting point for a walk downhill to the beach and Manarola. The most famous attraction of the Cinque Terre is anyway the "Via dell'Amore" (the path of Love) linking Riomaggiore to Manarola (about 30 minutes). Cut on the rocks, this path twists along the sea, offering a romantic atmosphere and beautiful views.