Dear Toronto, Ontario:

I just returned from Riomaggiore last week so I have the scoop on the parking situation outside of this town. As with all the Cinque Terre towns parking is not permitted in the villages. Riomaggiore, the first town you'll hit travelling up from Roma or across from Firenze, has a paid 6 storey parking garage which is quite expensive-at least 20 euros for a 24 hour cycle. Plus, it closes at 7 so good luck if you want to drive anywhere along the coast at night. I ended up staying there the one night as I was too tired to park along the road. About 1 kilometer outside of town is a small, paved free parking lot. There are only about 10 spaces total. Then, you may park along the side of the road which is steep, high, and far, far away. I ended up snagging a spot in the free lot just as a man was driving away. My fiance ran back to our car at least 2 kilometers away as I waited in our spot. By the time he returned with the car, I'd had to fight for the spot as car after car came down the hill towards town and tried to push me out of the way. With it all said and done, we left our car there for three days and nights solid without any problems. So, parking is possible. Just be aware that with many, many heavy suitcases such as I had it is arduous but doable. You can drive to the edge of town to drop off your suitcases just be aware that a traffic cop is there to watch what you are doing and shoo you along. FYI: Either Manarola or Monterrosa also has a free parking lot outside of town. If a B&B is offering 10 euro parking and it was close, I'd take them up on their offer. It really will the cheapest paid parking you'll find in that area or all of Italy for that matter. Good luck, enjoy, and, be aware that American type college kids have invaded Riomaggiore and party late into the night. I know I didn't go there to feel as if I were participating in a block party down the street. The hiking and water are beautiful.

Thank you Latvian in Kansas. Having now visited Riomaggiore, I can say that your summary is a very good one for anyone visiting the area by car. The place that we stayed at offered 10 euro parking and because we had a reservation with them we avoided paying the entry fee to the town. The place is Locanda del Sole. I would recommend it to all the drivers and non-drivers.

PS. Hope you drove to Cinque Terre from Riga or Daugavpils and not Kansas ;)

Does anyone have precise directions on how to get to this free lot 1km out of Riomaggiore?

It is open all night? Thank you!

Did you get an answer to your question about parking in Riomaggiore....or have you already been and can give first hand knowledge?

Mark

Asheville, NC

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