Cinque Terre Towns: Manarola Italy
- Laura
- Sep 9
- 8 min read
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Manarola Italy is one of the five Cinque Terre towns; and the one that feels the most like a traditional fishing village. Read our Manarola Italy guide to learn where to stay, when to go, and what to do in this Mediterranean village by the sea.
In its crumbling stucco and gritty alleys, Manarola is at heart a fishing town. Early morning, watch its fleet of colorful Gozzi boats be lowered into the sea. Walking along Via Renato Birolli, discover tiny markets, one-room restaurants, and loads of laundry drying in the sun. As you trek by the villas stacked uphill, feel the magic of something authentic and unchanged.
Manarola will lure you in with its humble roots, amazing views, daring rock jumpers, and gorgeous sunsets. That being said, the mid-day crowds can be intense. Use our Manarola Italy guide to help you make the most of your time in this pastel-colored village by the sea.
WHERE IS MANAROLA ITALY
The Cinque Terre National Park includes five well-known Italian villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. The villages are connected by rail service and hiking trails.
Located in northwest Italy, the Cinque Terre towns hug the coast of the Ligurian Sea. The UNESCO protected region marks the beginning of the Italian Riviera. The village of Manarola Italy is located between the coastal town of Riomaggiore and clifftop Corniglia.
MANAROLA ITALY GUIDE– CINQUE TERRE
The Cinque Terre towns, or “Five Lands,” trace their origins back to the 11th century. The area’s original inhabitants fished in the sea, and farmed the land by building “cian” (terraces) into the steep hillsides. Over a millennium, these cian extended to link the Roman settlements with a network of footpaths.
Manarola Italy is thought to have been founded around 1261, when inhabitants from the village of Volastra migrated downhill to found Manarola. The name “Manarola” can likely be traced to the Roman words “magna roea” which means “big mill wheel.” In town, you can still visit the ruins of an ancient mill.
Today, Manarola is connected to the other Cinque Terre towns by rail service, hiking trails, and roads. Fishing and farming (grapes, olives, and lemons) are still important parts of its economy. However, tourism, by far, is the greatest economic driver.
WHERE TO STAY IN CINQUE TERRE - MANAROLA ITALY HOTELS
If possible, we recommend staying overnight in Manarola. While the Cinque Terre towns are remote, each day trains and ferries flood the towns with tourists. Staying overnight allows you to experience Manarola before and after the crush of the crowd.
Manarola Italy is known for its exceptional sea- and landscapes. Accommodations fill up quickly, especially during the months of July and August (book early). The village has lots of places to rent, but does not have a lot of nightlife or resort-type lodgings. Rather, most properties are pensiones (boarding houses and small hotels).
Manarola was built in the crease of a narrow canyon, with rows of houses cascading downward to the Mediterranean Sea. Unless you book a hotel with porter services, you will be toting your luggage uphill. Pack light and, if mobility is an issue, look for lodgings near the train station.
There will be more stairs if arriving by ferry, than by train - but lots of uphill either way.
Here is a sampling of the Manarola Italy hotels:
HOW TO GET TO CINQUE TERRE & MANAROLA
It takes a bit effort to get to the Cinque Terre towns. The closest transportation hubs to the villages are the towns of La Spezia to the south, or Levanto to the north. Travel to the region:
By Plane: Fly into Milano, Genova, or Pisa. Then, take the train to La Spezia. Click here to explore flights to destinations in northern Italy.
By Train: Book your ticket to La Spezia or Levanto from anywhere in Italy. Then, hop on the local Cinque Terre train to Manarola. At the Manarola train station there is a Welcome Center where you can pick up maps and purchase Cinque Terre Cards. Click this link to explore train tickets to the Cinque Terre towns.
By Ferry: From March until November, ferries run up and down the coast from La Spezia to Levanto. Ferries make stops in Riommagiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso (hilltop Corniglia does not have a harbor). Ferries are weather dependent, and it is an uphill climb from the Manarola ferry port to accommodations in town. Click this link to explore ferry tickets to the Cinque Terre towns.
By Car: From La Spezia or Levanto follow the road signs to Le Cinque Terre - Manarola. The roads are windy and narrow. Park in one of the lots outside of Manarola (only local traffic is allowed in the villages). The Posella and Acquarino lots are about a 15 minute trek to town.
Tip: We do not recommend driving to Manarola. Instead, park your rental car at the train station in La Spezia or Levento and take the local train to Manarola. Click here to explore car rentals in Italy.
GETTING AROUND MANAROLA & THE CINQUE TERRE TOWNS
While in Manarola the easiest (and often only) way to get around is by foot. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Be prepared for stairs, and up and downhill climbs.
When traveling between the Cinque Terre towns, utilize the local trains, ferries, and footpaths.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
Traveling to the Cinque Terre National Park requires time and effort to navigate the train and ferry systems. Many visitors choose to let someone else coordinate the transfers by booking a guided tour. Tours leave out of Milan, Florence, La Spezia, the cruise port of Liverno, and other locations.
Here is a sampling of tours to the Cinque Terre National Park:
THINGS TO DO IN CINQUE TERRE ON YOUR MANAROLA STAY
In this section we have compiled a list of things to do in Manarola and the surrounding Cinque Terre towns;
Hike the Blue Trail between Manarola and Corniglia.
Hiking between the Cinque Terre towns is on many folk’s bucket-list. The portion of the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) between Manarola and Corniglia is 1.7 miles and takes about an hour to complete. Get maps at the train station welcome center.
Here are a few Cinque Terre tours focused on hiking:
See Manarola from the Ligurian Sea
Take a ferry, catamaran or gommone (zodiac) ride to see Manarola and the Cinque Terre National Park from the sea. On a small boat, discover the many caves and pirate coves along the turquoise waters of the coast. Look for boating excursions that include swimming or snorkeling.
Here are a few Cinque Terre tours that focus on the sea:
Tour a Vineyard and Sample Local Wine
Wine making is intertwined with the culture of the Cinque Terre towns. Learn about how villagers have grown grapes on the narrow “cian” terraces of the Cinque Terre for 1000 years. Take a vineyard tour or do a wine tasting (“degustazione di vini”) at a local Manarola store.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that are wine related:
Have a Beach Day
Manarola's “beach" is a series of paved paths and boulders where sunbathers lay out their towels. In this part of the harbor, dare-devils jump from Manarola’s cliffs, and the less-daring descend iron ladders into the sea. A few hours of sun and swimming in the rocky harbor is a great way to soak up the local culture.
Indulge in a Photoshoot
On the north-side of Manarola Harbor there is a walkway that runs along a cliff (leading up to the town cemetery). At multiple points along this pedestrian lane there are gorgeous views of Manarola village. Time your session for the late afternoon when the sun drops low in the sky.
This Cinque Terre tour focuses on photography:
Enjoy the Sunset
At sunset, the sun washes over Manarola in a stunning fashion. Shards of yellow, gold, and red light first hit the harbor, then the piazza, and finally the ochre-colored buildings of town. It’s the perfect time to grab a drink, and do nothing but watch the sea sparkle.
Here are a few Cinque Terre tours that take in the sunset:
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
In Manarola, and all of the Cinque Terre towns, menus are packed with dishes highlighting fish, local wines, olive oil, and lemons. Many wineries and restaurants are family-affairs that have been passed down through the generations. A number of these businesses offer tastings, food tours, and cooking classes.
Here is a sampling of Cinque Terre tours that highlight local foods:
Trek the Via dell’Amore Footpath
The Via dell’Amore Footpath runs between the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola. The paved 1 km cliffside trail runs along the edge of the Ligurian Sea. Plan ahead to complete this stunning walk. Opening hours and the need for a timed entry ticket varies throughout the year (see the National Park website for more information).
Visit the Church of San Lorenzo
Dating back to 1338, the Gothic Church of San Lorenzo sits in the upper part of Manarola on a square that is also home to a 13th century bell tower. View the rose window and Baroque-style interior of this working church. Entry is free.
Explore Volastra
Hike 3 km uphill (or take a 10 minute bus ride) to travel to the nearby village of Volasta from Manarola. Volastra is one of the oldest settlements in the Cinque Terre National Park. Walk the village to discover its vineyards, stone terraces, and the Nostra Signora della Salute sanctuary.
Try this Cinque Terre tour to Volestra:
MANAROLA ITALY RESTAURANTS
These are the restaurants in Manarola we think you should not miss:
Nessun Dorma: Seaside terrace restaurant with spectacular views. Serves meat and cheese platters.
Trattoria Dal Billy: Seafood restaurant on a hillside with lovely terrace and sea views.
Cappun Magru: Eatery featuring seafood, artisanal sandwiches, patries, and local wines.
Il Porticciolo Ristorante Pizzaria: Classic Italian and seafood dishes. Indoor and patio seating.
MANAROLA CINQUE TERRE MAP
CINQUE TERRE WEATHER
Manarola and the other Cinque Terre towns experience mild Mediterranean winters (50s' F) and hot summers (80s' F). The rainiest months are October, March, and April. Low season extends from November to February when many businesses and hiking trails close.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CINQUE TERRE – MANAROLA
The months of May, June, and September are the best months to visit Manarola, and the other Cinque Terre towns. During these months, the weather is pleasant, most businesses and hiking trails are open, and crowds are not at peak level.
TIP: To avoid peak crowds: Stay away during the months of July and August, weekends, holidays, and festivals. Check the Cinque Terre events calendar before deciding on your travel dates.
TIP: If traveling during the Christmas holidays, Manarola is known for its exceptional Nativity lights display.
Hope your Manarola stay is picture-perfect, Laura and Randy
For more information on an Italy itinerary to the Cinque Terre towns read our travel blog posts on:
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