The village stands like a nest on the rocky promontory which separates the " RIO FINALE" stream to the west from Riomaggiore to the east.
The houses have an odd configuration, beehire like, they wind along the mountain like a stage. The result is a fascinating pictorial scenery.

Like the other places in the Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore has the shape of a medieval village and is overlooked by a castle built in the XV century.
Riomaggiore's name derives from latin Rivus Major and its origins are legendary: tradition says it was founded in the VIII century by Greek sailors.
The historical informations date back to 1239, when the village was annexed to the Republic of Genoa.

From Riomaggiore starts the part of the Blue Path called "Via dell'Amore" (the love road).