Exploring the Enchanting Villages of Cinque Terre

A Warm Ligurian Welcome

After a scenic train journey from Pisa, Hans and I finally arrived in Riomaggiore, ready to immerse ourselves in the beauty of this coastal paradise. Riomaggiore, the first village we encountered, immediately captivated us with its colorful houses cascading down to the sea. I already feel inspired to capture all of this in my knitting!


Discover the colorful charm of Riomaggiore, a picturesque village in Cinque Terre, Italy, known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant local culture.
The journey here was quite pleasant. We flew into Pisa from Berlin, and the train ride offered glimpses of the Italian countryside. I always find train travel so relaxing, a perfect way to transition from the hustle of Berlin to the tranquility of coastal Italy. I did realize I forgot my portable phone charger, so I hope my phone lasts the day!

Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are the ones we stumble upon unexpectedly.

Our exploration began at the heart of Riomaggiore, the vibrant harbor. Fishing boats bobbed gently in the water, their bright colors mirroring the buildings above. I could already feel the inspiration for new knitting patterns swirling in my mind – perhaps a textured piece reflecting the waves or a colorful design echoing the hues of the houses.

A Morning of Discovery

We decided to start our day with breakfast at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre. The reviews promised a delightful start, and they were right. The pastries were heavenly, and the coffee was strong and just what we needed after our early start. I even tried a Sicilian granita, which was a refreshing treat.


Experience authentic Italian seafood at Il Pirata delle 5 Terre in Vernazza—where every dish tells a story and every view captivates.
Fueled up, we made our way to the Church of San Giovanni Battista. The church sits proudly in the upper part of the village. Founded in 1340, it has a beautiful neo-Gothic facade added in 1870. The Carrara marble rose window is stunning. Inside, the basilica plan and the artwork, including a painting of John the Baptist, were fascinating. I always appreciate seeing the history embedded in these old structures.


Explore the historic Church of San Giovanni Battista in Riomaggiore, a serene sanctuary with stunning views and rich cultural heritage.

Castles and Coastal Views

Next on our list was the Castello di Riomaggiore. The walk up was a bit steep, but the panoramic views were worth every step. Built in the 13th century to protect the village from pirate attacks, the castle now serves as a cultural center. As we walked around the ancient walls, we could see the Ligurian Sea stretching out before us, a breathtaking sight.


Explore the breathtaking Castello di Riomaggiore, a 13th-century fortress offering stunning views and rich history in the heart of Cinque Terre.
The castle has quite the history, originally built in 1260 and expanded in the 15th century. It even served as a cemetery in the early 19th century before being converted into a cultural space. It's amazing how these structures adapt over time, serving different purposes while retaining their historical significance.

Ligurian Cuisine and Evening Delights

For lunch, we chose A Cantina da Mananan, drawn in by the promise of Ligurian specialties. This cozy restaurant, with its stone walls and old-world decor, was everything we hoped for. We shared testaroli with pesto, a local pasta dish, and I couldn't resist trying the Ligurian-style rabbit. Hans, of course, opted for the fresh seafood, and we both agreed that the meal was a highlight of our day.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at A Cantina da Mananan in beautiful Corniglia - your perfect culinary escape in Cinque Terre.
As the afternoon waned, we strolled through the village, soaking in the atmosphere. We stopped at Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma for an aperitivo. The bar is known for its stunning views, and it didn't disappoint. Sipping local wine as we watched the sunset over the harbor was the perfect way to end our first day in Cinque Terre. I made a mental note to bring my sunglasses tomorrow, as I forgot them today.


Experience the heart of Italian culture at Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma in Riomaggiore, where exceptional wines meet breathtaking coastal views.
For dinner, we decided on Dau Cila, a restaurant recommended for its Ligurian cuisine. The restaurant was lovely, with a cozy atmosphere. We enjoyed fresh seafood, and the service was excellent. It was a perfect way to end our first day in Riomaggiore.


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

Reflections on Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore has certainly charmed us. The colorful houses, the historic landmarks, and the delicious food have all made a lasting impression. As we walked back to our accommodation, we talked about the beauty of the village and the adventures that await us in the coming days.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Manarola and hike the Sentiero 7A Corniglia-Volastra-Manarola. I am particularly excited about the Manarola Overlook Viewpoint, as I have seen so many beautiful photos of it. I'm also looking forward to breakfast at Il Grottino and dinner at Nessun Dorma, both highly recommended.

I'm so glad Hans and I decided to come to Cinque Terre. It's a truly special place, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I am also excited to find some eco-friendly accommodation, as we haven't booked a hotel yet. I hope we can find something that suits our sustainable travel preferences.

The air is fresh, and the sound of the waves is soothing. I think I will sleep well tonight, dreaming of colorful houses and coastal trails. I am so grateful for this experience, and I can't wait to share more of our adventures with you all.

I'm also excited about the possibility of the Carnival celebrations in the coming days. I read that there are often festivities in the villages, and I would love to experience that.

As I sit here writing, I can't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment. Cinque Terre is a place that nourishes the soul, and I am so grateful to be here with my wonderful Hans. It is experiences like these that remind me why we love to travel and explore the world together.

Goodnight from Riomaggiore!