Cinque Terre Walking Tour in Manarola Italy
- Laura
- Jul 8, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 27, 2025
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The Cinque Terre towns are a series of five villages on the Italian Riviera that are connected by train and footpaths. This article highlights the village of Manarola Italy. Our Cinque Terre walking tour of the village includes the best viewpoints and things to do in Manarola.
Nestled in the rugged hills of the Cinque Terre National Park, Manarola’s multi-colored houses cascade down a canyon to the Ligurian Sea. Terraced gardens surround the village. At the water’s edge, traditional Gozzi fishing boats bob in the surf. Enjoy the breathtaking simplicity of this ancient fishing village on our Manarola Italy walking route.
WHERE IS MANAROLA ITALY
Manarola is located in the Cinque Terre National Park in northwest Italy on the Ligurian Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea). The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and considered to be the beginning of the Italian Riviera.
Manarola sits between the Cinque Terre towns of Riomaggiore and Corniglia. The closest transportation hubs (with train and ferry services) are La Spezia to the north, and Levanto to the south. Click here for information on train fares and ferry fares in the Cinque Terre towns.
ROUTE DETAILS CINQUE TERRE WALKING TOUR: MANAROLA
Distance: Around 1.5 miles (2.4km)
Duration: 2-4 hours (taking time to shop, swim, eat, and take photos)
Directions: GPS likely will not work in the tiny village. Maps are difficult to follow with few street signs. Hence, we have used visual landmarks on this walking tour.
Dress: Sturdy, comfortable shoes. Good sun protection.
Time of Day: Any time of day. Particularly beautiful in early morning and at sunset.
CINQUE TERRE TOURS
There are many things to do in Cinque Terre including hiking, wine tastings, cooking classes, cruises, water sports, and more. Consider bundling one of these Cinque Terre tours with your Manarola walking tour:
MANAROLA ITALY HOTELS
It takes a bit of time and effort to get to the Cinque Terre towns, so stay as long as you are able. Picturesque and low key, Manarola is a great choice for an overnight. In addition to phenomenal sunsets, the village has several good restaurants, and a swimmable (but rocky) harbor.
Lodgings fill up quickly, especially during the summer months, so book early. Pack light, or book a hotel with porter services as it is an uphill climb from the ferry and train station to most accommodations. Consider one of these well-reviewed Manarola hotels.
CINQUE TERRE WEATHER
Expect hot and humid summers (80’s F) and mild winters (50’s F). It rains the most in October, March, and April.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CINQUE TERRE – MANAROLA
During low season (November – February) many businesses and hiking trails close. Peak crowds are in July and August. The best months to visit Manarola are May, June, and September when weather is pleasant, hiking trails are open, and crowds are not at peak level.
MANAROLA ITALY KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Language: Italian, but English is widely spoken in the town center.
Currency: Euro
Manarola Welcome Center: Manarola Railway Station; Open 8am to 8pm daily.
How to Get to Manarola: Drive or take the train to La Spezia or Levanto train stations. Then, take the Cinque Terre local train or ferry to Manarola. We do not recommend driving.
How to Get Around Manarola: The village is pedestrianized and walking is the most common form of travel. There are few street signs, but the town is so tiny it is difficult to get lost.
Manarola Accessibility and Terrain: There are many hills, stairs, and uneven surfaces. Accessibility for the mobility impaired outside of the central squares would be challenging.
Restrooms: There are public restrooms at the Train Station (fee). There are restrooms at many eateries throughout town (with a purchase).
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MANAROLA
Our Cinque Terre walking tour is a loop that takes in the best things to do in Manarola.
The walk begins at the Manarola train station. From the train station, the route descends past shops and markets to the cliffs of the harbor. From the water, it winds upward to Nessun Dorma and the town cemetery. From there, the trek takes in the San Lorenzo Church and views from upper town, before looping around.
MANAROLA CINQUE TERRE MAP – VILLAGE WALK
ROUTE: CINQUE TERRE WALKING TOUR IN MANAROLA ITALY
Landmark 1: Manarola Train Station
Begin your Manarola walking tour at the train station. (You can also jump on the loop by the ferry port.) Stop at the Manarola Welcome Center. Pick up a map, and use the public restrooms.
At the train station locate the pedestrian tunnel, and take it. At the far end of tunnel, arrive in Manarola village. In front of you, see the Da Aristide Seafood Ristorante. To your left will be the Calandra Art Gallery. Stop in, if the gallery is open, to view the original artwork (opens 10am).
Landmark 2: Piazza Capellini
Past the art gallery, take the stairs that lead to the Piazza Capellini. From this piazza, get your first glimpse of Manarola’s main street all the way to the sea. Pause on the piazza; take in the brightly colored Ligurian houses and the wash blowing in the breeze.
TIP: You can avoid the stairs by taking Via Renato Birolli around the perimeter of the piazza.
When you are ready, descend the piazza and walk toward the harbor on Via Renato Birolli. Along the route, you will pass wine markets, bakeries, gelaterias, and shops. This is Manarola’s aging, gritty, and magnificent main drag. Window shop; stop when you want.
DAY TOURS TO THE CINQUE TERRE REGION
Landmark 3: Piazza Marconi
As you near the end of Via Renato Birolli, you will begin to pass fishing boats - parked like cars in the street. Pass the Ristorante Marina Piccolo, and then the Bar Enrica. In a moment, the road opens up into Piazza Marconi.
The small Piazza Marconi is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the sea. A series of stone paths lead to docks and swimming nooks in the harbor. If you are lucky, you may see a local fisherman raising (or lowering) a boat 70 meters from the water to the piazza.
Look to the left for a small booth selling ferry tickets. Walk by the booth and take the stairs down to the ferry landing. The walk to the ferry dock will take you across a stone path where fishermen and tour operators moor their boats, and through towering rock cliffs. Enjoy the fantastic sea level views.
Retrace your steps to the harbor, and take one of the many paths down to the sea. The rocky harbor has two jetties and series of protective boulders. On sunny days, sunbathers lay out on the rocks. Swimmers jump from the cliffs into the sea to swim and snorkel in the deep water. Grab a bite to eat, and relax.
Landmark 4: Ristorante Alla Marina
When you are ready, look for Ristorante Alla Marina on the north side of the harbor. Take the paved path in front of the restaurant. The breathtaking coastal path parallels the rocky cliffs of Manarola and the Ligurian Sea.
Stop frequently as you climb to appreciate the views of beautiful Manarola. From this vantage, see how the village was built on a steep outcropping of black rock. The stacks of vividly painted houses clambering up the hill is haphazardly elegant. Grab some selfies and landscapes for the scrapbook.
As the path winds upwards along the sea you will come to a town park and playground on Punta Bonfiglio. Next, look for the entrance to the popular Nessun Dorma. The restaurant, which specialized in plates of meats and cheeses, has an outdoor terrace with amazing views of Manarola village. The Italian eatery is known for its romantic sunsets.
Landmark 5: Manarola Cemetery
Continue on your upward journey following signs to the Manarola Cemetery (Cimitero di Manarola). The cemetery is not open to the public. However, the area, surrounded by tiny villas perched on the cliffs, is pretty to walk through.
Landmark 6: Piazza Capellini
Continue on the path past the cemetery until you reach Via Corniglia. Follow Via Corniglia back to Via Renato Birolli (main street), and trek toward Piazza Capellini.
Landmark 7: Church of San Lorenzo
From the piazza, climb up the hill away from the water on Via Antonio Discovolo. Continue walking until you reach the Church of San Lorenzo.
The 13th century San Lorenzo Church sits on a plaza with a companion bell tower (that once served as a watch tower). If the church is open, view its Gothic interior. There is a lovely rose stained glass window and Baroque-style architecture. Entry is free.
Landmark 8: Trattoria dal Billy
From the church, follow Via Rollandi into the upper part of Manarola village toward Trattoria dal Billy. In this neighborhood, the pace and energy of the harbor dissipates. As you stroll, study the Ligurian-style villas. Up close, see the patina of the brightly colored exteriors, the verdant gardens, and exquisite patios.
Landmark 9: Manarola Train Station Tunnel
When you reach the Trattoria dal Billy restaurant (an excellent choice for seafood), continue on Via Rollandi (about 130 meters). Then, take a sharp right and some stairs toward Via Belvedere. Next, navigate more stairs and veer onto Via Antonio Discovolo. Turn right, and walk until you reach the Manarol Train Station tunnel.
We have closed the loop and our walk has ended. Arrivederci! Laura and Randy
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