Manarola, one of the five picturesque towns that make up the Cinque Terre, is a destination that captures the essence of Italy’s coastal charm. Nestled along the Ligurian coastline, Manarola is a pearl of the Italian Riviera. It’s brightly colored houses, perched on top of a steep cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is a sight you won’t soon forget.
Manarola is the second smallest of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, but it is packed with charm and character. This tiny village is famous for its brightly colored houses, narrow streets and a picturesque harbor. The town’s colorful buildings and charming alleyways are ideal for wandering and taking in the sights and sounds of the village.
We thoroughly enjoyed aimlessly roaming around.
We made a short video on our walk down to the harbor. As you’re going to see, walking back up was a lot harder!
Lots to Explore
The village’s small harbor is also a great place to start exploring Manarola. You can watch the fishermen bring in their catch, and if you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the local fisherman repairing their nets. The harbor also serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the village, with many restaurants and cafes located along its edge.
Manarola is also famous for a walking trail, the Via dell’Amore (the Path of Love). This 1 km walkway runs along the coastline and connects Manarola to the neighboring village of Riomaggiore. It’s a really easy hike and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Another must-see attraction in Manarola is the San Lorenzo Church, which is located at the top of the village. The beautifully simple church is a lovely example of the traditional Ligurian Gothic style and offers panoramic views of the sea and the village.
The Buzz
Manarola is also known for its food, with many restaurants serving up fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. The village’s wine is also famous, with the local Sciacchetrà wine being a must-try for visitors. We didn’t try it in Manarola proper but we did sample some while we were in Liguria. It was a little expensive but very, very nice.
All in all, Manarola is a charming and idyllic destination that captures the beauty and charm of the Cinque Terre. I have to say, though, that we were here in February and it was really peaceful. In the summer, especially when the cruise ships start off-loading the hordes, I suspect the vibe changes considerably? Either way, Manarola definitely deserves some of your time. She is beautiful.
If you’re a little short on time? We tied our trip here together with an afternoon in Pisa. It worked great for us and we didn’t feel cheated at all.
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