Family Adventure in the Scenic Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore's Embrace

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Il Grottino. The aroma of freshly brewed espresso filled the air as we settled into a cozy corner. Sophie, ever the early bird, was already wide awake and eager to explore. Jean-Pierre and I savored our cappuccinos, enjoying the quiet before the day's adventures truly began. The pastries were delightful, a sweet start to our exploration of Riomaggiore. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of the delicious pastries when we returned home to Lyon; perhaps a new skill to add to my repertoire!


Experience exquisite seafood dining at Il Grottino in Riomaggiore - where authentic Italian flavors meet breathtaking coastal views.

Fueled and ready, we set off to explore Riomaggiore. The village is a cascade of pastel-colored buildings clinging to the steep hillside, a sight that never fails to take my breath away. We wandered through the narrow, winding streets, each turn revealing a new and picturesque view. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from the city, even if Lyon is a beautiful city itself. I love how each of the five villages has its own unique charm, and Riomaggiore definitely sets the stage for a memorable visit.

Our first major stop was the Castello di Riomaggiore. The walk up to the castle was a bit of a climb, but the panoramic views from the top were well worth the effort. The castle itself has a fascinating history, originally built in the 13th century to protect the village from pirate attacks. It has served many purposes over the centuries, including a cemetery and now a cultural center. Sophie was particularly fascinated by the cannons, imagining what it must have been like to defend the village long ago. I tried to explain the history to her, simplifying the details so she could understand, while Jean-Pierre pointed out the different architectural features of the castle. The views from the top were stunning, offering a sweeping vista of the coastline and the colorful houses below. The January air was cool, but the sun was shining, making it a perfect day for exploring.


Discover the enchanting Castello di Riomaggiore, a historic fortress offering breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage in the heart of Cinque Terre.

Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are found not in grand monuments, but in the quiet corners of a charming village.

After the castle, we decided to immerse ourselves in the local culture with a bit of shopping. We stopped by Cose't Riomaggiore, a charming souvenir shop. The shop was a treasure trove of local crafts and goods. Sophie picked out a small, hand-painted ceramic cat, a memento of our trip. I found a beautiful silk scarf with a design inspired by the Cinque Terre landscape. Jean-Pierre, ever practical, bought a small bottle of local olive oil. It was fun browsing through the shop, discovering unique items that captured the spirit of the region. I am always on the lookout for unique gifts that I can bring back to Lyon for my friends and family, little reminders of my travels.


Discover the heart of Riomaggiore at Cose't Riomaggiore, where unique souvenirs and local craftsmanship meet the charm of the Cinque Terre.

For lunch, we indulged in a delightful meal at Trattoria La Scogliera. The restaurant had a cozy, maritime-themed interior, with stone walls and nautical decorations. We started with a grilled octopus, which was tender and flavorful. For our main courses, Jean-Pierre and I both opted for seafood pasta, while Sophie chose a simple tomato pasta dish. The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was friendly and efficient. It was a perfect spot to relax and refuel after our morning of exploring. I particularly enjoyed the spaghetti alle vongole, the flavors of the sea perfectly complementing the pasta. It's these simple, authentic meals that I truly appreciate when traveling.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at Trattoria La Scogliera in Manarola, where fresh seafood meets breathtaking coastal views.

In the afternoon, we took a leisurely stroll along the Via dell'Amore, or what was open of it. Though not fully reopened, we were still able to enjoy a portion of the famed path. The views were, as always, spectacular. The path is carved into the cliffs, offering breathtaking vistas of the coastline. We stopped frequently to take photos, capturing the beauty of the landscape. Sophie collected seashells along the way, adding to her growing collection of travel souvenirs. It was a relaxing and picturesque walk, a perfect way to soak in the beauty of Cinque Terre. I remember when Jean-Pierre and I first visited Cinque Terre years ago, before Sophie was born. It's wonderful to share these experiences with her now, watching her discover the world with wide-eyed wonder.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Dau Cila for dinner. The restaurant is known for its Ligurian cuisine and seafood specialties. We started with anchovies, and for our main courses, Jean-Pierre and I enjoyed fresh seafood dishes, while Sophie opted for ravioli. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was elegant and inviting. The service, while a bit rushed, was still attentive. It was a perfect way to end our day in Riomaggiore. I appreciated the Michelin recommendation, and while the online reviews were mixed, we had a very positive experience. The flavors were authentic, and the ambiance was perfect for a special dinner.


Experience authentic Italian seafood cuisine with breathtaking sea views at Dau Cila in Riomaggiore.

After dinner, we took a final stroll through the village, enjoying the twinkling lights and the quiet atmosphere. The air was cool and crisp, and the stars were shining brightly overhead. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. As we walked back to our hotel, I felt a sense of contentment and gratitude. Cinque Terre is truly a magical place, and I feel so fortunate to be able to share this experience with my family.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning a day trip to Portofino. We'll be exploring the charming harbor, visiting Castello Brown, and enjoying the luxurious atmosphere of this iconic destination. I'm excited to see what Portofino has to offer, and I'm sure it will be another day filled with unforgettable memories. I’ve heard wonderful things about Castello Brown and cannot wait to explore and take some pictures. Before we leave tomorrow, I need to remember to buy a power adapter! I completely forgot to pack one, and it's been a hassle trying to keep all our devices charged.

As I reflect on our day in Riomaggiore, I am reminded of the simple joys of travel: exploring new places, trying new foods, and spending quality time with loved ones. These are the moments that make life so rich and meaningful. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel and share my experiences with you all. Until tomorrow, ciao!