Family Adventure in the Enchanting Cinque Terre

Love and Ligurian Charm in Riomaggiore

Today was a day filled with the vibrant colors and romantic ambiance of Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of Cinque Terre. I was eager to explore its hidden corners and experience the famed 'Path of Love' with my family. It was a day to remember, blending scenic beauty with delightful culinary experiences, making it a perfect addition to our Italian adventure.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Il Grottino. The cozy atmosphere and the promise of traditional Italian fare made it an ideal spot to fuel up for our explorations. Astrid was particularly excited about the pizza, and Maximilian enjoyed a strong Italian coffee to kickstart his morning. The prices were reasonable, and the service was good.


Experience exquisite seafood dining at Il Grottino in Riomaggiore - where authentic Italian flavors meet breathtaking coastal views.
With our appetites satisfied, we set out to explore Riomaggiore. The village is a cascade of colorful houses tumbling down to a small harbor, a sight that never fails to enchant. We wandered through the narrow, winding streets, soaking in the unique atmosphere. The colorful buildings, stacked one upon another, created a stunning backdrop for our family photos. We made our way towards the harbor, where the boats bobbed gently in the clear, blue water. The harbor was bustling with activity, and we watched as local fishermen prepared their nets for the day's catch. Astrid was fascinated by the boats, pointing out her favorite colors and shapes.

The beauty of Cinque Terre lies not just in its landscapes, but in the simple moments shared with loved ones amidst its stunning scenery.

Next on our list was the famed Via dell'Amore, or 'Path of Love'. This picturesque trail, connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola, has recently reopened after being closed for some time due to landslides. I had heard so much about its romantic allure, and I was excited to experience it firsthand. The path is paved and relatively flat, making it an easy walk for all of us. As we strolled along, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea, the cliffs, and the dramatic coastline. The path was bustling with other visitors, all eager to soak in the beauty and romance of the surroundings. Astrid loved running ahead and then back to us, her laughter echoing along the path.


Explore the romantic Via dell'Amore, a stunning coastal path between Riomaggiore and Manarola, ideal for lovers and nature enthusiasts.
The Via dell'Amore truly lived up to its name. The views were stunning, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of romance and tranquility. It was easy to see why this path is so beloved by couples from all over the world. We took our time, stopping to admire the scenery and snap some photos. I even managed to convince Maximilian to pose for a few romantic shots, much to Astrid's amusement. Access to the Via dell'Amore requires a ticket and reservation, which can be obtained online or at the Cinque Terre National Park Info Points. The path is open from 9 am to 9:30 pm from June 1st to October 25th.

For lunch, we chose Rio Bistrot, a restaurant known for its gourmet seafood dishes and excellent wine selection. Situated on the street leading down to the port, the location was perfect. We sat on the outdoor terrace, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the stunning views of the harbor. I decided to try the salmon tartar, while Maximilian opted for the fried squid. Astrid, of course, chose pasta with pesto, a Ligurian specialty. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the flavors were exquisite. While the prices were a bit on the higher side, the quality of the food and the ambiance made it worth it.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine with stunning views at Rio Bistrot in picturesque Riomaggiore.
After lunch, we decided to explore more of Riomaggiore's attractions. We climbed up to the Castello di Riomaggiore, a 13th-century castle perched on a rocky terrace. Though not much remains inside, the views from the castle were simply breathtaking. We could see the entire village spread out below us, with the sea stretching out to the horizon. Astrid enjoyed running around the castle grounds, pretending to be a princess defending her kingdom.

Before dinner, we stopped by Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma for a relaxing drink. This wine bar is located on the Via dell'Amore, offering a wonderful panorama overlooking the sea. I enjoyed a glass of local Cinque Terre wine, while Maximilian tried a refreshing Italian beer. Astrid sipped on a fruit juice, enjoying the beautiful views. The bar also offers a variety of snacks, such as anchovy dishes and vegetable pies, but we decided to save our appetites for dinner.


Experience the heart of Italian culture at Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma in Riomaggiore, where exceptional wines meet breathtaking coastal views.
As evening approached, we made our way to Trattoria La Lampara for dinner. This traditional trattoria is known for its seafood pizza and local white wine. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff was friendly and attentive. We started with a selection of local appetizers, including bruschetta and marinated anchovies. For our main courses, Maximilian and I shared a seafood pizza, while Astrid chose her favorite pasta dish. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. The prices were reasonable, making it a great value for a family dinner.


Experience authentic Italian flavors and fresh seafood at Trattoria La Lampara in picturesque Riomaggiore.
“The best journeys, like the best love affairs, always begin with a single step.”

After dinner, we took one last stroll through the village, enjoying the magical atmosphere of Riomaggiore at night. The streets were quieter now, and the lights of the houses twinkled like stars. We stopped by the harbor to listen to the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to visit Manarola and the Manarola Overlook Viewpoint []. I’m excited to see what beauty awaits us in the next village and to continue making unforgettable memories with my family in this enchanting corner of Italy. We'll start our day with breakfast at Nessun Dorma []. Then we are planning to have lunch at Trattoria la Lanterna [] and dinner at Trattoria Via dell'Amore []. We might also check out Manarola Boutique [].

Tonight, as I sit here writing, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences we had today. Riomaggiore is a truly special place, and I am so glad that we had the opportunity to explore it together as a family. The memories we made today will stay with us for a lifetime, reminding us of the beauty, romance, and charm of Cinque Terre.

As we prepare for our next adventure, I am filled with anticipation for what tomorrow will bring. Cinque Terre has captured our hearts, and I know that the best is yet to come.