Cinque Terre.

Riomaggiore drops through a narrow valley to a small marina framed by tall, colorful houses. Its steep lanes make the harbor view memorable, but also demand some climbing.

Start near the marina to see how the buildings rise almost vertically above the water, then climb toward the upper village and San Giovanni Battista. Houses were built over arches once used to store wine, a clue to the vineyards behind the village's maritime face. The change in level is as much a part of Riomaggiore as its waterfront.

• Tall, colorful houses frame the narrow marina.
• San Giovanni Battista stands in the upper part of the village.
• Stepped lanes connect the harbor with the higher streets.

Visit the marina and upper village as two levels of the same walk; expect stairs between them.

Check route-specific conditions before adding Via dell’Amore or another trail to a village visit.