Manarola cascades down a rocky cliff to the Ligurian Sea. The postcard-perfect village is one of the most beautiful in the Cinque Terre group and features colourful houses set around a tiny harbour. Explore a maze of streets, staircases and piazzas in the upper village or swim, sunbathe and sip aperitivos by the marina.
Things to do in Manarola
Manarola swaps pebble beaches for picturesque swimming areas framed by natural rocks and paved sunbathing terraces. Spend the day basking in the sunshine, swimming in the crystalline pools and jumping off the rocks. Cafes overlook the marina and will tempt you with Aperol Spritz specials.
Climb steep streets and staircases up to Piazzale Papa Innocenzo IV. Gothic-style Chiesa di San Lorenzo soars over the piazza and features a charming stone façade and an interior decorated with centuries-old artwork. On the opposite side of the piazza is an ancient watchtower built to defend the village from pirate raids.
Sunsets are best enjoyed from Manarola’s famous hilltop lookout. Access is via a narrow stone path that starts in the harbour and leads to a steep set of stairs. The views are incredible, especially at sunset when the village acquires a golden glow.
Manarola is surrounded by leafy, cliffside vineyards. Locals use the grapes to produce Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine served at cantinas and “enoteca” wine bars across the Cinque Terre. Join a guided wine-tasting tour to learn more about the centuries-old art of winemaking in the Cinque Terre.
One of the best ways to admire Manarola is from the water. Rent a kayak and paddle around the bay or charter a traditional “gommone” wooden boat. The best tours include lunch and a glass of prosecco.
Getting around Manarola
Manarola is compact and easy to get around on foot. You can walk to the neighbouring village of Riomaggiore in 30 minutes, while local ferries connect Manarola with other villages in the Cinque Terre. Manarola is a 20-minute drive from La Spezia and 10 minutes by train. Genova City Airport is a one-hour drive away.