Part of our series of curated guides to all five of the Cinque Terre villages, this guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit to Manarola.
Read on to find out the very best things to do in Manarola, plus where to stay, eat and sunbathe!
There’s a reason that the five colourful villages of the Cinque Terre have become a mecca for visitors from all corners of the world. Their calm aquamarine waters, pastel hued buildings tumbling from impossible heights, and rugged vineyard cliffs that create a truly unique set of wines, all weave together to create a timeless evocation of those Italian summers.
In this guide we’ve covered the very best things to do in Manarola, which is home to a marvellous marina, several hikes, and a majestic viewpoint. We’ve also shared our choices for where to eat and drink, a selection of accommodation recommendations, and a handful of personally curated tips so that you can make the very most of your time in the Cinque Terre’s best swimming spot - whether you choose to stay for a week or only visit for the day.
This is our guide to Manarola.
The Manarola Essentials
// Wonderful swimming spot
// Train station is a 5-minute walk from village centre
// Home to a famous viewpoint
An Essential Guide to Manarola
Things to do in Manarola
Hang Out in The Marina
Although your head will tell you that it’s necessary to spend some time exploring the streets and eats of Manarola (which you absolutely should!), on first sight of its majestic marina your heart may implore you to abandon all previous plans and simply spend the whole day sitting at the dock of the bay.
As photogenic as one may expect, this active harbour area filled with colourful rowing boats becomes the main sunbathing and swimming spot of the village from morning until dusk. Encapsulating why stone jetties and rocks are actually much more enjoyable than getting sand in your crack (it took a few trips to Italy for us to appreciate this fact), it’s the perfect place to spend a lazy day tanning, reading, people watching, sea swimming, or jumping off the rocks.
We laid down in between the slats leading into the naturally bordered swimming area, but you can also walk on around the rocks to lie on the other side facing the open sea. You can also go to the left hand side area, accessed via stairs going down from the cafe overlooking the marina.
The swimming here is divine, but pay heed to the no swimming Zones B, C, and D which are reserved for boat access and activity.
The whole Manarola marina area is free to enter and pitch up at, you’ll just need to bring your own towels, sarongs, drinks and snacks. To reach it, go left out of the train station tunnel walkway once you’re arrived in the centre of Manarola, up the stairs and across the little square, then go down again and continue straight to the end of Via Renato Birolli - find it here on Google Maps.
There are also more secluded coastal areas a little walk along the coast in Manarola to lay your sarong down on the rocks, but this is certainly the most popular and most accessible.
Read Later | Where To Find The Best Cinque Terre Beaches
Head Up High for Sunset
When the sun is going down in Manarola, there’s only one place to be - at its famous hilltop viewpoint.
Perhaps the best vista of the Cinque Terre, and one which encapsulates the region in a single image, it’s not to be missed.
To reach the viewpoint, simply follow the narrow fenced stone walkway (Google Maps) from the harbour around the rocks for a few minutes, and then go up the stairs on your right to arrive at the best spot (Google Maps).
Do note however that this is by no means a hidden gem, and it will become incredibly crowded as the day goes on and sunset nears. During our visit in summer 2020, there were far fewer tourists in the Cinque Terre but you still had to be patient to access an approporiate angle from which to take your photo.
Of course you don’t have to save the Manarola viewpoint for golden hour, but the changing hue of the buildings in the setting sun is really quite magical around that time.
The same spot is also home to Nessum Dorma, a restaurant that allows you to enjoy the gorgeous views with a glass of Cinque Terre wine or an Aperol Spritz in hand. Understandably, this is a super popular place, with at least a 30 - 40 minute wait when we were there - which is exactly why we didn’t go.
If you do, and reckon it’s totally worth it, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!
At the viewpoint, there are also a few guys selling souvenirs and a small garden area with benches and a few pieces of artwork.
Responsible tourism tip | It is expressly forbidden to fly drones up here without a permit, so please don’t be a dickhead and try to flout this (feel absolutely entitled to bring this point up to anyone you see flying one up here!).
Additionally, given the viewpoint’s popularity, there are hundreds - if not thousands - of photographers hoping to capture the very same vista. As tempting as it may be to ‘lay claim’ to a certain spot, please bear in mind that there are limited places to stand with an unobstructed view.
This experience actually ranks highly in our list of best things to do in Cinque Terre!
Take a Wander Through the Old Town
Replete with romantic little nooks and alleyways, a wander around the village is a pleasure in and of itself.
As with all Italian towns and villages, the best way is to follow your instinct and get a little lost, but in little Manarola you’re never actually going to be too far from where you actually need to be. With rugged vineyards sheltering it on both sides, the cluster of colourful buildings and the sea a near permanent companion, it won’t take hours to explore but does involve walking upward on an incline for the majority of time, so don’t rush.
A few places to seek out in particular are Chiesa di San Lorenzo, the small medieval stone church and its opposing yellow clock tower overlook the village from a small piazza, and a stroll along Via A. Rollandi, both in ‘Upper Manarola’.
The beating heart of Manarola are the two central streets of Via Renato Birolli and Via Antonio Discovolo, which run from the cliffs to the sea, and are home to the majority of restaurants, shops, and cafes. We’ve shared more specific information on these in the ‘Where to Eat’ section below.
Explore the Vineyards - and taste the wine!
Used to seeing highly cultivated vineyards elsewhere in the world, to us, the vineyards of Cinque Terre have a much more organic feel. Indeed, winemaking here is defined as a somewhat heroic viticulture because of how difficult it is work with the improbably steep and rocky terrain, meaning that everything from general maintenance to harvesting needs to be done by hand.
It’s no mean feat, and something we’d encourage you to witness yourself.
If you plan on completing the Blue Trail between Monterosso and Corniglia, you’ll come across plenty of vineyards. However, if you’re looking for a short hike that begins in Manarola, we have two suggestions:
| The Vineyard Walk to Corniglia
Whilst you are presently unable to hike to Corniglia along the Blue Trail, for those that prefer to stretch their legs during their vacations, there is an alternative - and free - option via the pretty little village of Volastra.
Over a distance of around 5.5 km, the hike passes through countless vineyards and affords exceptional views of the surrounding area. Expect it to take someone of relative fitness around 2.5 hours.
The start point can be found by the restaurant Cappun Magru, just past Chiesa San Lorenzo (find it here on Google Maps), where it is signposted with the standard red & white Italian trail sign - you’re looking a sign with Trail 506 / Trail 6p written on it.
You will then hike along Trail 506 until you reach Volastra, then Trails 586 and 587 down to Corniglia.
The entire route can be viewed on here on All Trails, or you can find the 506 section here.
Do note that due to the steep inclines and declines (especially the section between Manarola and Volastra), it will not be suitable for someone with bad knees. If you are concerned, we would recommend either completing the hike in reverse order or alternatively taking a bus up to Volastra and then completing only the section down to Corniglia.
| The Manarola Vineyard Walk
Should you not have enough time to complete above hike but would love to experience the local terrain, we’d recommend this short 20 minute walk that crosses through the vineyards that circle Manarola.
The start point is just past San Lorenzo church (yep, the same as the longer hike to Corniglia), but instead of continuing along Trail 6p and turning right, keep walking straight with the centre of Manarola village on your left.
You’re aiming for Manarola Cemetery (Google Maps), so if in doubt, put that as a location on your phone.
| The Wines
There are two main local varieties: the Cinque Terre DOC (a dry white made with the native Bosco grape, together with Albarola and Vermentino) and the Sciacchetrà DOC (a sweet dessert wine), and we encourage you to try both during your time in the region.
There are numerous enotecas - or wine bars - across the five villages, but if you’re basing yourself in Manarola or fancy partaking in an afternoon’s tasting, we’d recommend checking out:
// Nessun Dorma Cantina | Continuing their passion for Cinque Terre wine, the owners of the famous bar overlooking Manarola have converted an 800 year old wine cellar into a space to buy and try traditional wines. They also do wine tasting classes - you can find out more here.
// A Piè de Campu | This was actually recommended by a reader for their excellent focaccia, but they also serve up excellent wines on a terrace in the upper part of town, or should you prefer, can offer wine tasting in the room downstairs. Reservations recommended.
// Cantine Burasca | A great little wine bar in the upper part of town with a lovely outdoor garden setting, you can either pick a wine fro the menu or try a little wine tasting.
VISIT THE OTHER VILLAGES IN THE CINQUE TERRE
Manarola is a fantastic base from which to explore the four other Cinque Terre villages, with all five linked by a regular - and quick - train service.
You can find specific guides to the other four villages below:
HIKE THE BLUE TRAIL
A dusty sliver which entwines and entangles between ripening terraced vineyards scattered on steep hillsides, the Cinque Terre's most famous coastal trail deserves a day of your time.
Used for centuries, the Sentiero Azzuro (Blue Trail) links together all five coastal villages, beginning in Monterosso. Unfortunately erosions and landslides - a real problem here - have cut it short the last few years, and the trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola, and Manarola to Corniglia is now closed for safety reasons.
The good news though, if you choose to base yourself in Manarola, is that you can simply hop on the train to Monterosso or Corniglia in order to start the Blue Trail there.
We’ve written a complete guide to The Blue Trail and hiking in the Cinque Terre, so be sure to head over there for complete information on planning your hike.
You can also find more walks and hike starting from Manarola here.
Have a Day on the water
Whether you choose to take a tour, grab a kayak for a few hours or rent a boat for an entire day, there really is no downside to taking your Cinque Terre activities on to the water - especially if the crowds are becoming a little too much.
And whilst Manarola may not advertise these services to the same extent of other villages (most notably Riomaggiore), it definitely is possible to hire one of the gommone or wooden boats in the harbour - with or without a skipper.
We don’t have specific prices for boat rental, instead we’d recommend speaking with your accommodation as they will likely have a recommendation and be able to arrange the rental for you.
Alternatively, we’d recommend considering a day travelling with the local ferry, on a DIY boat tour of the Cinque Terre, which connects La Spezia to Levanto via Portovenere, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso.
To limit your ticket to only the four Cinque Terre towns (Corniglia has no boat access, therefore is not included), it costs €27 per person for unlimited usage that day.
Tickets cannot be bought in advance, and instead need to be purchased from the ticket office up to 30 minutes before departure; the Manarola ticket office can be found here. There are regular departures from Manarola, with one departure heading north and one going south nearly every hour from around 10 am and 6 pm in the evening. You can find a full timetable here, but do note that this ferry service does not run during the winter.
Read Later | 23 Things To Know Before You Visit Cinque Terre
Restaurants and Bars
You’ll find the majority on Via Renato Birolli, the street leading to the marina, with various options for fancier sit-down meals or quick takeaway pizzas and foccacias. There are however a few options up the hill, which are definitely worth the walk.
Trattoria de Billy | This place is incredibly highly rated, and we hoped to have lunch there. Alas, it was fully booked. It is however, based on what we saw and the rave reviews, absolutely worth the walk up the hill, rather than simply settling for a restaurant closer to the sea and train tunnel. Specialising in its seafood dishes, the prices are very reasonable and you can enjoy a wonderful view with your meal. Don’t repeat our mistake though : booking is absolutely essential for lunch or dinner, especially if you have your heart set on one of the outdoors tables with a view.
La Cantina dello Zio Bramante | A good option on Via Renato Birolli for live music and atmosphere in the evenings, with its opening hours until around 11 pm amongst the latest in Manarola. We just had a quick bruschetta lunch here though, which was delicious and affordable (€4)
Il Discovolo | Across the road from La Cantina, it’s another great option for a quick lunch or for something tasty to bring with you to the marina. Loads of veggie and vegan options too.
Gelateria 5 Terre | Not just another gelato shop, these guys also sell excellent vegan options - the perfect treat after a few hours in the sun.
Where to Stay in Manarola
As we mentioned in our post ‘23 things to know before you visit the Cinque Terre’, this is not a cheap part of Italy to visit. In fact, we paid more for our two Airbnbs here than anywhere else in the country (more than London even!). Manarola is however a great shout as a base for exploring the rest of the area, with a significant number of guesthouses.
In the high season, you should expect to pay upwards of €150 a night for a semi-decent Airbnb, with good hotels and guest houses sometimes charging double that; before you begin booking accommodation, it’s really important that you quickly reassess what good value means.
Additionally, please be aware that because of the overwhelming popularity of the Cinque Terre as a holiday destination for both for Italians and foreign travellers, it’s imperative that you book your accommodation here as early as possible, especially if you have particular requirements or a stricter budget.
We’ve put together a comprehensive post on ‘Where to Stay in the Cinque Terre’ (an extensive but curated guide to the best Airbnbs, hotels and guest houses within the five villages) but have included a selection of what’s on offer in Manarola below - note that some will have wheeling your suitcases up the hill for a few minutes!
Airbnbs
Colua | At €70 a night in high season, this is the best value Airbnb in Manarola. It’s a really good size - perfect for a couple - has lots of excellent reviews and even a balcony. Check availability here.
Ca’ De Francu Luxury | As the name would suggest, this is a stunning one-bedroom split level apartment. Contemporary in its design, it is finished to a high standard and has not only a balcony but a large rooftop terrace with outstanding views. Check availability here.
Apt Terrazza Sofia | You can’t beat good design, vintage pieces, lots of light and and a stunning balcony view - and that’s what you get in this two-bedroom Airbnb. It may well be our favourite in Manarola! Check availability here.
Solea | Recently renovated to a super high standard, this modern apartment is perfect for a couple - it’s crowning glory however is the really large terrace complete with views, table and hammock. Find out more here.
Casa Castello | If you prefer a more hotel, minimalistic vibe to your Airbnbs, this one may be perfect. Like many in Manarola, it has been recently renovated, has everything you’d need to enjoy your stay and a small balcony upon which you can enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets! It’s also well priced at €150 a night. Check here to find out more.
Hotels
Marina Piccola | A fabulously modern hotel, full of contemporary design features in the heart of Manarola. Price also includes breakfast. Find out more here.
Guesthouses and B&Bs
Cà de Angelo | A fantastic budget-friendly option, with doubles for €100 a night in high season. This guesthouse offers clean, bright and good sized rooms in an excellent location. Find out more here.
Il Sogno di Manarola by The First | This guesthouse is absolutely stunning. Definitely falling within the luxury bracket (they even have a honeymoon suite), the rooms are beautifully designed and well thought out with stunning views - especially those from the balconies and terraces. Double rooms starting from €225 a night. Find out more here.
Amanarola | A small guest house that offers really wonderful accommodation with a modern feel. Both rooms (they only have two) benefit from outdoor space and great views, the hosts are - by all accounts - excellent and the location fantastic. Doubles starting from €150 a night. Find out more here.
L’Emporio Rooms | Stylish rooms with a minimalistic nautical vibe, they have harbour views, lots and lots of space and all modern amenities. Doubles from €125 in high season. Find out more here.
For more, see our Cinque Terre Accommodation post.
How to get to Manarola and Transport Connections
The second most southerly Cinque Terre Village - after Riomaggiore - Manarola can be easily reached from larger cities along the Ligurian Coast, or indeed elsewhere across Italy.
TRAIN
We’ve written specific articles on train connections to / from Cinque Terre from other popular Italian destinations, including Genoa, Pisa, Florence, and Milan. Travel time for all is between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, tickets cost €7-15, and journeys will often involve a connection in La Spezia, Sestri Levante, or Levanto.
From La Spezia to Manarola, it’s just 11 minutes; simply take the local train in the direction of Sestri Levante and get off after two stops.
From Levanto (23 mins), hop on the regional train in the direction of La Spezia Centrale and get off at the Manarola stop.
You can find Manarola train station here on Google Maps, inside of which there is an information office and a couple of ticket machines. The train station is about a five minute walk through a narrow tunnel walkway to the centre of the village - don't underestimate it if running for the last train! If you are staying in Manarola, it’s going to be fine for rolling your suitcases along.
Between all five Cinque Terre villages, in both directions, there are very frequent departures bringing you to the others in a matter of minutes. A single journey costs €4 (a flat rate to/from any of the five villages). If you’re planning on using the train to get between the Cinque Terre villages - which we wholeheartedly recommend - consider investing in the Cinque Terre Treno Card, which includes unlimited travel on the Cinque Terre Express train line as well as access to the Blue Trail and buses.
You can find all the details Cinque Terre card and the transport system in this post.
CAR
As with all of the five Cinque Terre villages, Manarola is closed to non-resident cars. It’s for this reason that we’d caution against using your own vehicle (rental or otherwise) to visit. Plus, the roads here are no joke and potentially very difficult to drive if you’re not used to them.
However, should you choose to drive, do note that there is a visitor’s parking area at the top of the village (Google Maps) from which you can easily walk into the centre. Just be warned that there are very limited parking spots available, so a space is by no means guaranteed in high season - even if you arrive early.
Should you be visiting the coast as part of a bigger road trip and have no alternative but to arrive by rental car, then consider parking in the larger car park in Levanto, La Spezia, or Monterosso al Mare and catching the train into Manarola.
PLANE
The nearest airports to Manarola are in Genoa, Pisa and Florence. See these guides for further information:
// How to get from Genoa Airport to the Cinque Terre
// How to get from Pisa Airport to the Cinque Terre
Essential Travel Tips
ATMs | Your best bet is the Credit Agricole ATM located on the Manarola side of the train station tunnel walkway. Go right out of the tunnel, and it’s on the right hand side, obscured on the side of some stairs (Google Maps). Do note that there are a handful of Euronet ATMs dotted about which we strongly advise you to avoid - or else face exorbitant fees.
Check out this post - How To Avoid ATM Fees When You Travel - for more tips.
Supermarkets | The mini market on Via Antonio Discovolo or the Coop 5 Terre a little further up the same street. Note that prices in the stores here are understandably marked up a fair bit, so if you’ll be spending at least a couple of days here but stopping at Levanto or La Spezia on your way, it may be worth buying a few items in one of the bigger - and more reasonably priced - shops there.
If you’re at the harbour and in need of a few cold ones, then your closest option is the newsagent’s stall in the little square between Via Renato Birolli and Via Antonio Discovolo.
Shops and supermarkets tend to close between 1 pm -4/5 pm.
Baggage Shuttle | Whilst there are baggage shuttles in most of the Cinque Terre villages, we are unaware of one in Manarola. Should you know otherwise, we’d be delighted if you could leave us a note in the comments so we could inform other readers.
Restaurant Reservations | Manarola is a small place with few restaurants which means that during peak season a reservation becomes essential for most lunch and dinner spots. This is particularly true for any place that offers a beautiful view or terrace. If you’re not fussy about where you’ll eat or how long you wait, you’ll always get a table somewhere however if you have your mind on somewhere in particular, your best bet is to pop down in the day and make a booking.
Outdoor Equipment | If you need anything for hiking or walking, or some unique t-shirt souvenirs, then make your way to Cinque Terre Trekking (Google Maps).
Drones | You require a permit to fly them anywhere in Cinque Terre, including from the viewpoint, so don’t be a drone dickhead.
Water Fountain | Don’t be part of the single-use plastic problem: use a refillable metal/glass water bottle and fill up at the water fountains in town
Check out this post - How To Use Less Plastic When You Travel - for more tips.
YOUR NEXT STOP
13 Wonderful Things to Do in the Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre Village Guides | Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore
23 Things to Know Before Visiting Cinque Terre
Where to Stay in the Cinque Terre
10 Things to Know Before You Visit Italy
