Colorful houses cling to coastal cliffs in this Italian Cinque Terre village. Vineyards and lemon groves surround the small harbor, where locals swim in clear waters.
Manarola, one of the Cinque Terre villages in Italy, is home to the 14th-century Church of San Lorenzo, terraced vineyards producing Sciacchetrà wine, and a rocky harbor ideal for swimming and kayaking. Visitors can navigate Via Discovolo, dine at waterfront restaurants like Trattoria dal Billy, and explore hiking trails that connect Manarola to neighboring villages.
Exploring Manarola's Colorful Streets
Manarola's narrow lanes wind uphill from the harbor, lined with pastel-colored houses in shades of pink, yellow, and orange. As you walk the steep streets, you'll pass under stone archways and ascend stairs carved into the hillside. The main street, Via Discovolo, is built over a covered stream that runs through the center of town. Take time to explore the side alleys and find viewpoints overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
Swimming and Sunbathing at the Harbor
While Manarola doesn't have a sandy beach, the small harbor is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in summer. Concrete platforms and large rocks provide areas to lay out towels and enjoy the sun. Visitors can also try cliff jumping from the rocks into the water below. Additionally, the boat ramp at the harbor allows you to rent kayaks and paddle along the coastline.
Tasting Manarola's Famous Wines
The terraced vineyards around Manarola produce the local Sciacchetrà wine, a sweet dessert wine made for centuries. Sample Sciacchetrà and other local wines at enotecas (wine bars) in town. Cantina dello Zio Bramante on Via Discovolo offers wine tastings paired with local cheeses and cured meats. For a detailed experience, join a guided tour of a nearby vineyard to learn about the winemaking process.
Hiking the Scenic Trails
Manarola connects to the other Cinque Terre villages through hiking trails with views of the coastline. The Via dell'Amore trail to Riomaggiore is currently closed for repairs, but you can hike north to Corniglia through terraced vineyards and olive groves. The trail rises steeply out of town before leveling out along the cliffs. The hike takes approximately 2 hours each way. Wear proper hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially in summer.
Visiting the Church of San Lorenzo
Located at the top of Manarola, the 14th-century Church of San Lorenzo offers both historical insights and views of the village. The church's stone facade includes a large rose window. Inside, you'll find colorful frescoes and a wooden crucifix from the 1300s. The bell tower, originally a watchtower for pirate protection, provides panoramic views of Manarola and the Ligurian Sea when you climb to the top.
Where to Eat in Manarola
Seafood is central to Manarola's cuisine, with restaurants serving fresh catches from the Ligurian Sea. Try the seafood pasta at Trattoria dal Billy, a local favorite with a terrace overlooking the water. For a quick lunch, pick up focaccia or farinata (chickpea pancake) from one of the small bakeries in town. Finish your meal with gelato from 5 Terre Gelateria while strolling along the harbor at sunset.
Getting to Manarola
The easiest way to reach Manarola is by train. Regular services connect all five Cinque Terre villages, with trains running about every 30 minutes. From La Spezia, the trip takes around 15 minutes. If you're driving, park outside the town in one of the paid lots and walk in, as the historic center is closed to non-resident vehicles. In summer, ferries also connect Manarola to other coastal towns.
