Headed to Cinque Terre and excited to visit the charming village of Manarola, Italy? Keep on reading for when to go, where to stay, and of course all the best things to do in Manarola!
After spending 3 days in Cinque Terre this past summer, I fell in love with the entire region. But one village that really took my breath away? Manarola. And lemme tell you – I fell fast.
Must be something about that sweet, sweet Italian air – we found Manarola to be oh so romantic and downright dreamy. Not only is it the second-smallest of the five Cinque Terre villages (after Corniglia), but it’s completely surrounded by rugged vineyards, making it feel very protected and private.
Manarola has to be my favorite village in all of Cinque Terre. In my opinion, it’s the most picturesque and charming of all the villages; with its magical atmosphere, we could have spent hours sipping aperol and limoncello spritz’ watching the world go by. I still dream about those multicolored houses hidden high in the hills overlooking the sea. I swear, the whole town looks like a painting.
We chose a hotel in Manarola (ours here!), so understandably spent the most time here out of the five villages. And to say we absolutely LOVED every single second is a complete understatement. With all of Manarola’s scenic beauty, we had a hard time peeling ourselves away (but make sure you do; the other villages are worthy of adventuring out of your blissful bubble).
Before getting into all the fun things to do in Manarola, here’s some important info for your visit first!
Things to Know Before Your Visit to Manarola
Where is Manarola?
Manarola is one of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre, in Northwestern Italy in the Italian Riviera right on the Mediterranean coast. It’s located in the Liguria Region (along with Genoa – the region’s capital, La Spezia, and Sanremo), and not terribly far from major cities like Pisa, Milan, and Florence.
When looking at the 5 Cinque Terre towns on a map, Manarola sits between Riomaggiore (to the south) and Corniglia (to the north). It’s the second most southern village out of the five, and easily accessible from any.
How to Get to Manarola
Flying to Italy: International visitors, it goes without saying, but you’ll need to get yourself to Italy first! Since there’s no airport in Cinque Terre, you’ll need to fly into one nearby. Thankfully Cinque Terre is located near a few major Italian cities, so there’s a few great airport options:
- Pisa (Galileo Galilei International Airport, PSA): ~50 miles, 1 ½ hours away, by far the closest airport to Cinque Terre. You need to first take the Pisa Mover to the main train station (only takes about 5 minutes), then take the train to La Spezia (about 1 ½ hours).
- Genoa (Cristoforo Colombo International Airport, GOA): ~55 miles, 2 hours away via train
- Florence (Florence Airport, FLR): ~85 miles, ~ 3 ½ hours away via train
- Milan (Milan Malpensa Airport, MXP): ~160 miles, ~4 hours away via fast-train. By far the furthest away on this list, but MXP has so many international flights so definitely check out the airport in Milan.
How to decide which airport to fly into? Look at flight prices and flight schedules and think about where else in Italy you wanna visit. Some airports offer more international arrivals than others, so it’s really worth looking into all the possible airports.
Once you land in a major city, you’ll need to take the train to Cinque Terre. Unfortunately, there are no reliable bus options, so the train is your best bet.
By Train: Already in Italy?! Trenitalia (the primary train operator in Italy) has direct connections to La Spezia from Rome, Florence, Milan, and Pisa (the closest airport). Once you get to La Spezia, you can simply hop on the Cinque Terre Express train straight to Manarola! I promise, it’s way easier than it sounds, and the Manarola train station is only a 5-minute walk from the village center.
The Cinque Terre Express train runs from the other villages in Cinque Terre to Manarola as well; the 5 villages are all super connected and easy to navigate between.
Psst – if you’re planning to visit another village before/after exploring Manarola, consider purchasing a Cinque Terre Treno card. This gives you unlimited train travel within the entire network (between all the five towns and La Spezia and Levanto) for the number of days you buy it for.
Driving to Manarola: Like all the villages in Cinque Terre, you won’t find any cars in Manarola. The town is actually closed to car traffic, meaning you’re not allowed to enter the town with a private vehicle.
If you’re on a longer Italian road trip and planning to drive to Manarola, don’t fret. You’ll just need to park the car above the town and walk in.
You can park your car nearby at Park Manarola Loc. Posella and then walk down into the village (15 minutes down a steep road). Parking fees are 2.5€ for an hour, or €20 per day, plus discounts for longer stays (€50 for 3 nights, €65 for 4 nights, and €80 for 5 nights). Be prepared to wait for a spot for a long time (especially in the high tourist season) as the parking lot is pretty tiny.
In my opinion, if you’ve got a car, you may wanna head to a larger village nearby, park, and then take the train to Manarola. Larger parking lots (meaning you’ll have an easier time finding an actual parking space) can be found in La Spezia, Levanto, and Monterosso al Mare. Probably your best option if you drove to Manarola and Cinque Terre in general.
How to Get Around Manarola
On foot!
Once you’ve taken the train into Manarola, you can then get around entirely on foot! Manarola is quite small, but do note it’s kinda hilly → you’ll definitely get your exercise if you leave the waterfront area and head up into town.
We walked A TON in Manarola (and everywhere else in Cinque Terre), and highly recommend wearing comfy shoes. Leave your strappy sandals and cute espadrilles at home if you know you’ll be getting in your steps. I saw a few girls struggling in heels on the uneven cobblestone – don’t be one of them.
Other FAQs About Manarola
- Is there a beach in Manarola? Nope, you won’t find a proper beach here in Manarola – the only real stretch of sand in Cinque Terre is over in Monterosso al Mare (another of the 5 villages). However, plenty of people sunbathe, cliff dive, and swim from the cliffs and rocks surrounding the marina in Manarola. Just don’t expect any sand!
- Is Manarola touristy? Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s lost its small-town charm and local feel. With a population of only 350 people, mostly everyone you see will be visiting tourists. All of Cinque Terre draws in the crowds – it’s absolutely stunning. But I’d have to say Manarola felt a bit less touristy than Vernazza and Riomaggiore, especially after all the day trippers left.
- Is Manarola the prettiest village in Cinque Terre? Everyone has different opinions, but I think so! Cotton candy colored houses high in the hills overlooking the sea make this spot oh so dreamy!
- How old is Manarola? It’s actually the oldest of the Cinque Terre towns, with roots stretching back to the twelfth century. You’ll definitely see that old-world charm in the apartments and local establishments. It’s like looking at a glimpse of Old Italy.
- What is Manarola known for? Besides its swoon worthy pastel views, Manarola is known for Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine made from the grapevines growing right around town! It’s been popular ever since the Roman period, so it must be good. Always delicious at the end of a meal. Don’t miss it.
- Is Manarola safe? We felt perfectly safe wandering around Manarola both day and night. I even spent a day here solo when my husband was off retrieving his lost luggage from the Venice Airport, and found everyone in town to be extra friendly and helpful.
- Is any English spoken in Manarola? Since Manarola is primarily a tourist town, most hotel and restaurant staff speak at least a bit of English. We got around just fine with extremely limited Italian. I always recommend learning a few key phrases in the local language though – locals definitely appreciate it!
When to Visit Manarola
High tourist season spans from May to late September, which coincides with the high heat and humidity. If you’re flexible, a visit to Manarola in either late April/early May or late September/early October will typically see fewer crowds and great weather! For reference, we visited in late June and the heat was already pretty oppressive. But that’s what dips in the sea and gelato are for!
Personally, I’d skip winter, as it’ll be very quiet (eerily so), some restaurants will be closed for the season, the weather won’t be perfect (definitely expect some rain and gray skies), and the train and ferry schedules will be reduced.
Should You Stay in Manarola?
Out of the five villages in Cinque Terre, we loved Manarola the most! So, that’s a resounding yes from me!
We found it to be the most charming and romantic of the five villages, a little more homey and a little less touristy than the others. It’s perfect for couples who want some romance, and photographers as well since the views are absolutely outstanding. And once the day trippers left, it was hardly crowded anymore!
During our few days in Cinque Terre, we based ourselves in Manarola, and I’m so glad we did! The quiet and relaxing evenings were lovely after busy days in the sun. It’s one of the most popular areas to stay, so book far in advance.
Plus, there’s less going on here at night, meaning you can have all the chill evenings you’d like! Sipping on some chilled wine admiring the view then having a gelato in town sounds like my kinda fun. We were in bed by 10pm every night and loved every second of it.
I recommend choosing accommodation in the upper part of town. Yes, you’ll need to walk back up the hill at the end of each and every day, but the stunning views of the village and water are more than worth the struggle! Plus, you’ll work off all those gelatos and seafood pastas no problem!
Here’s a few popular spots to stay in Manarola:
- Da Baranin (where we stayed and loved, with a great breakfast on the patio every morning and gorgeous views of the terraced hills!)
- Il Sogno di Manarola by The First (a brand new luxury option with views overlooking Manarola – where I originally wanted to stay but it was already sold out!)
- Marina Piccola (modern hotel full of contemporary design features in the heart of Manarola)
- La Torretta (luxury accommodation with a hot tub and free aperitivo every night)
Things to do in Manarola
One of the things I loved most about Manarola was that there wasn’t a TON of things to do here. Sure, there’s enough things to do in Manarola to keep you busy for a day or so, but part of the magic of Manarola is just relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. Definitely leave time in your Cinque Terre itinerary to take in the views, wander aimlessly around town, and have a few leisurely meals (spritz included).
Admire the views at Manarola’s Scenic Viewpoint
The second you lay your eyes on Manarola’s famous views, you’ll never wanna leave.
There’s a reason most people consider Manarola to be the most beautiful out of all the five towns in Cinque Terre. Ever see a photo of those pastel-colored houses perched on a high rock 70 meters above the water? That’s taken from here in Manarola.
Ohhh… I could have stared at the views for hours. I swear, every photo looks like a postcard, taken straight out of a dreamy fairytale land. Honestly, it’s super hard to take a bad photo here.
Since we decided to base ourselves in Manarola, I found myself over at this viewpoint way too many times, haha. It’s super easy to find too, unlike some of the other viewpoints in other towns (talking about you, Vernazza, with your obnoxious amount of steps). Simply pop in “Manarola Overlook Viewpoint” into Google Maps and you’re good to go – it’s only a few minutes from the center of town.
Towards the viewpoint, you’ll walk along a rocky path with some benches and locals selling some artwork. I had a hard time not stopping to take a photo every few feet, just ask my husband, haha! If you’re staying in Manarola like we were, come at different times of day – the houses look drastically different depending on the lighting. I found them especially breathtaking right after sunset with all the pinks in the sky.
There’s also a great view from the Cemetery of Manarola, which is actually recommended to visit by the tourism board! Be sure to be extra respectful and don’t step on any graves or take any pictures of them.
Take a Scenic Boat Ride
Seeing the five villages from the water gives you such a different perspective of the towns. And it was one of my favorite activities during our 3 days in Cinque Terre. Ohhhh, those landscapes were absolutely incredible from the Mediterranean Sea – there’s a reason Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I had the time of my life drifting along, swimming in the most azure-colored waters, and admiring the colorful towns from afar. This is something I’d 100% do on my next trip to Cinque Terre, easily.
Prefer a sunset boat tour from Manarola? This one got great reviews! Such a great thing to do in Manarola on a honeymoon or if you want a romantic night with your love! Psst – if you’d rather book your pesto class and boat tour in one easy click, check this out! Such a great way to spend a day in Manarola.
Sunbathe and Swim at the Harbor
Although there’s no real beach in Manarola, don’t think you can’t go swimming over here! Manarola’s actually got some of the best deep-water swimming around. Head over to the harbor area just below the town – you’ll find everyone laying their towels on the rocks sunbathing and swimming until dusk.
At first hanging out on the rocks doesn’t sound very comfy, but once you realize you won’t get sand in every crevice of your body, it instantly becomes much more enjoyable. We could have easily spent an entire day people-watching, reading, and tanning on the rocks (but we had other villages to explore and too many aperol spritz to drink).
Hanging out on the rocks is completely free, you just need to bring your own towels, drinks, and snacks (there’s understandably no amenities here on the rocks).
Go Cliff Jumping (or just watch)
Right in the middle of the harbor (where everyone hangs out and swims), there’s a huge hunk of rock jetting out. You can’t miss it – Manarola was made for cliff-jumping.
I’m a big baby when it comes to jumping into water from high places, so I of course didn’t jump off any cliffs myself. But it was fun to watch those brave souls dive into the deep blue water and cheer them on!
If you wanna cliff jump yourself, watch where the local kids go and follow them! Always be extra careful (the rocks can be slippery) and only cliff jump when there’s daylight. Don’t be a statistic – stay safe.
Indulge in a Great Meal
This is Italy – there’s tons of great food here! Manarola is well-known for Nessun Dorma, a famous restaurant with the best views, where you can take a pesto-making class and have a long leisurely lunch of Italian bruschetta platters and refreshing white wine.
Trattoria dal Billy, another super popular restaurant, offers fresh seafood overlooking the sea, the vineyards, and the town below. More info below on some other restaurants, but make these two a top priority when planning your time in Manarola.
Partake in a Pesto Making Class
Ever wanted to learn how to make homemade pesto? Cinque Terre is the place to do it – especially at Nessun Dorma in Manarola!
I love taking cooking classes when I travel (I’ve made macarons in Paris, pasteis de nata in Lisbon, pizza in Rome, etc), so as soon as I found out I could make pesto in Manarola I made sure to sign up right away! Plus, Nessun Dorma’s got the best views in all of Manarola… sooo….
I honestly had no idea what to expect, but the pesto making class was tons of fun and the staff was hilarious. The amount of strength you need to smash the fresh basil leaves is wild – my hand and arm were definitely tired and sore afterwards!
And Nessun Dorma’s story is oh so inspiring; they actually ended up winning the land years back after no one else wanted it. Can you imagine?!
After we (finally) finished blending all the ingredients for the pesto (cheese, olive oil, a few pine nuts, and fresh basil), it was time to eat! We all got gorgeous spreads of Italian bruschetta, olives, salami, and cheeses, and of course some delicious wine. Such a good value and such spectacular views.
Psst – I took my time after the class and sat with my wine admiring the views. No need to rush, just remember there’s plenty of people waiting so don’t be a jerk and hog the table forever. Sign up for the pesto experience here on their website. I highly recommend adding this to your Cinque Terre itinerary – such a unique experience and so fun! The pesto classes start before the restaurant opens so you automatically get the best seat in the house AND don’t need to wait for a table at all!
Watch the Sunset from the Marina
I’m a sucker for sunsets, and I have to say the sun setting beneath the horizon in Manarola is one I’ll never forget (right up there with the sunsets in Oia, Santorini and Maui, Hawaii).
We loved grabbing a gelato from town and walking over to the marina for sunset. The perfect way to end those long Italian summer days!
Wander the Old Town
Manarola is tiny – so tiny that you could walk the entire town (including every single street) in less than an hour. The two main streets, Via Renato Birolli and Via Antonio Discovolo run from the top of the cliffs straight down to the sea. Here you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Spend some time getting lost just wandering around. Cinque Terre isn’t the place to rush – there’s no need for it. Make sure you climb up into the hills where Trattoria dal Billy is – I loved this part of town (despite all the steps) and we actually watched the sunset from up here one night. So quiet and peaceful!
Trekking to/from Manarola
One of the best things to do in Manarola, and even all of Cinque Terre, is to get your hike on. Not only are there plenty of paths to choose from, but they’re all downright gorgeous – this is Italy we’re talking about!
From Manarola, there’s two main paths you can take:
- Via Dell’Amore (Starting in Manarola and heading south to Riomaggiore)
- Starting in Manarola and heading north to Corniglia
Manarola to Riomaggiore
Unfortunately, everyone’s favorite (and arguably the most scenic and easiest of all the trails), Via Dell’Amore (Lovers Lane) has been closed due to a landslide since 2012. It’s due to reopen in the summer of 2024, although this keeps getting pushed back. It was closed when we visited.
Once it’s back open, this trail from Manarola to Riomaggiore will be busy, busy, busy!The short trek takes about 15-30 minutes along the cliffs above the coastline, and there’s love locks decorating the path. I cannot wait to do this on my next visit to Cinque Terre – and yes, I will make it back here!
Manarola to Corniglia
The other trail from Manarola heads north to Corniglia, taking way longer at about 2 hours or so plus photo stops. At 3.6 miles one way, it’s generally considered a moderately challenging route. The walk is super picturesque though, passing through olive groves, vineyards, and the tiny town of Volastra. Tip: there’s a bus from Manarola to Volastra if you’d like to shave off part of the walk.
In addition to this longer walk, there’s also a much shorter path from Manarola to Corniglia. Unfortunately, this one is currently closed due to a landscape as well (set to reopen in 2024).
Regardless of the trail you choose, make sure to bring lots of water and slather on that sunscreen – there’s not a lot of shade on the paths. Also, make sure to either wear tennis shoes or hiking boots – sandals will NOT cut it here and open-toed shoes have even been banned! Meaning the nice guards will politely kick you off the trails until you change your shoes, haha.
Cinque Terre Trekking Card: Wanna do some trekking? You’ll need a pass in order to hike the trails (although the trails are free from mid-November until the end of March). If you know you’ll be using the trains a lot as well, opt for the pass that combines both trekking and the train! If you forget to buy the pass before your hike, don’t worry – you can buy one at the start of a trail in each village.
Be aware of trail closures: Before you set out on your hike, triple check that it’s open. Not all routes are open due to heavy landslides, and some routes take years and years to clear.
As of now, the trails between Riomaggiore and Manarola (Lover’s Lane) and Manarola to Corniglia are closed (due to a landslide). They’re planned to reopen in 2024, although that could change depending on weather and construction. Find more info here, and just remember, trail availability can change overnight.
Nativity Scene in December/January
Visiting Manarola in December?! Get ready for some Christmas spirit – the Presepe in Manarola is the biggest Christmas Nativity in the world! While most tourists don’t visit at this time of year, if you find yourself nearby, don’t miss it! There’s even fireworks high above the vineyards. Plus, the nativity scenes are made completely out of recycled materials – pretty cool!
Where to Eat in Manarola
Nessun Dorma: If there’s one thing you do in Manarola, make it a meal at Nessun Dorma. First of all, the restaurant is legendary, and easily has the most iconic view in all of Manarola. There’s no pizza and no pasta at Nessun Dorma, but they do have the most mouthwatering platters full of bruschettas and meat and cheese platters – all beautiful fresh Italian ingredients! And ohhh that wine! Try both the aperol and limoncello spritzes – super refreshing.
Understandably, this spot is super popular, but you can’t make a reservation. Instead, you’ll digitally queue for your table on the restaurant’s very own app while exploring the town or hanging by the water. My recommendation – download the Nessun Dorma app before you leave for your trip (you don’t know what your wifi will be like).
Don’t go too far – sometimes the electronic line moves faster than you think! I’ve heard of people waiting for hours though, when there’s something like 95 parties ahead of them.
Trattoria dal Billy: Another one of the most popular restaurants in all of the 5 towns and one of my favorites was Trattoria dal Billy. Here they offer fresh seafood and pasta overlooking the sea, with views of the vineyards and even the town below. Order the regional speciality – trofie al pesto! It’s a short and twisty pasta, and I admittedly had never heard of it before visiting! And mmm, that fresh pesto; absolutely delicious!
Make a reservation in the high season – it gets wildly busy. Definitely ask for an outdoor table or at least a table next to the window! Psst: you’ll need to climb up a rather steep hill and up some steps, so be prepared!
Take-Away Pasta: Ready for some of the most delicious pasta you’ve had in your life? Come here.
On the way to our hotel our first night, we were beyond starving, and came across this tiny trattoria on the street. It’s super unassuming from the outside, super casual on the inside (literally just a takeaway counter) and we had no idea what to expect.
There’s no table service and not even a toilet, and your pasta comes in chinese take-out containers. The place is fuss-free, simply called “Take-Away Pasta”. But OMG – the fresh pasta was heaven on Earth. Every pasta is homemade by hand, and the sauces were absolutely delicious. Well worth the short climb up the hill. Don’t miss this tiny spot in Manarola.
I think the sage and butter gnocchi was my husband’s favorite thing he ate in Italy that trip (I’m not disagreeing, every bite was delectable). We still talk about those fluffy pillows weekly, even months later! Order some trofie al pesto, gnocchi (a must!), and tiramisu, pick up a bottle of red wine, and head down to the water to watch the sunset over Manarola.
Gelateria Sorbetteria 5 Terre: Located right in town, this is the perfect spot to grab some much deserved gelato. We grabbed a cone right before sunset one night and headed down to the marina – such a perfect start to our trip! There’s even lactose free, vegan, and gluten free options if you have any dietary requirements.
The gelateria is known for their edible chocolate lined waffle cups (sounds amazing, right?!) – we skipped out because it looked pretty messy, especially in the high heat!
Il Porticciolo: We didn’t make it here, but this modern space came up a few times after asking for recommendations! The menu consists of a bunch of classic Italian seafood dishes (spicy white fish spaghetti anyone?), pasta (don’t sleep on the pesto!), baked fish, and a whole bunch of pizzas. Make a reservation in advance if you’d like to sit outdoors – highly recommended!
La Scogliera: We popped in one night on a whim after a long day exploring the other Cinque Terre villages, and wow, were we impressed. The restaurant doesn’t have the greatest reviews on Google (a mere 3.5/5), but we absolutely loved our meal! The space is maritime-themed (makes sense considering you’re smack dab on the coast in Italy), and our bruschetta and seafood was really tasty!
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