Travel Guide of Manarola in Italy by Influencers and Travelers
Manarola is a small town, a frazione of the comune of Riomaggiore, in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy. It is the second-smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists, with a population of 353.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Manarola
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1 - Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a coastal area within Liguria, in the northwest of Italy. It lies in the west of La Spezia Province, and comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
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2 - Vernazza
Vernazza is a town and comune located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northwestern Italy. It is one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre region.
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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Cinque Terre Day Trips from Florence
8 km away
This day trip from Florence takes you to the colorful Cinque Terre – the much acclaimed string of seaside villages spanning the Italian Riviera. You'll explore steep terraces and vineyards, witness rugged fishermen reeling in their daily catches, and savor the region’s most famous flavor – pesto. Your guide will entertain you en route with tales of the area's history, culture and traditions, and show you where to photograph the most amazing views Italy has to offer. A must-do day trip from Florence!
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4 - Monterosso al Mare
8 km away
Monterosso al Mare is a town and comune in the province of La Spezia, part of the region of Liguria. It is one of the five villages in Cinque Terre.
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5 - Corniglia
Corniglia is a frazione within the comune of Vernazza in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy with a population of about 150. Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea.
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6 - Sea Kayaking in Cinque Terre
8 km away
Join this kayak tour and explore Cinque Terre with a local guide: paddle from Monterosso to Vernazza and get incredible views of the coast! Renowned for their colourful landscapes, Monterosso and Vernazza are two of the five villages in Cinque Terre....
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7 - Portovenere
10 km away
Porto Venere is a town and comune located on the Ligurian coast of Italy in the province of La Spezia. It comprises the three villages of Fezzano, Le Grazie and Porto Venere, and the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.
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8 - Cinque Terre National Park
Cinque Terre National Park is a protected area inducted as Italy's first national park in 1999. Located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy, it is the smallest national park in Italy at 4,300 acres, but also the densest with 5,000 permanent inhabitants among the five towns.
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9 - Boat Tours in Cinque Terre
8 km away
Embark on this boat tour from Manarola and discover Cinque Terre from a unique perspective. Try snorkelling with a guide and explore the underwater world! Known for its picturesque landscapes, Cinque Terre is part of a protected marine area. Its mari...
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10 - Riomaggiore
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11 - Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere
12 km away
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12 - Scuba Diving in Cinque Terre
13 km away
Discover the treasures lying at the depth of the sea in Cinque Terre by scuba diving with SSI instructors and marine biologists! Have you ever wondered what's lying at the depths of the ocean? Why don't you finally discover it? It's easy, safe and fu...
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13 - Tellaro
16 km away
Tellaro is a small fishing village, perched on a cliff on the east coast of the Gulf of La Spezia in Liguria, northern Italy. It is a frazione of the comune of Lerici. It has been rated as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy Tellaro has been the destination for many Italian and foreign artists. Mario Soldati made it his home in the last years of his life.
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14 - Forte dei Marmi
39 km away
Forte dei Marmi is a sea town and comune in the province of Lucca, in northern Tuscany. It is the birthplace of Paola Ruffo di Calabria, Queen of the Belgians from 1993 to 2013. Tourism is the principal activity of Forte dei Marmi's citizens.
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15 - Snorkeling in Cinque Terre
13 km away
Explore Cinque Terre's coastline on a wonderful boat excursion, discovering the Portovenere National Park and Lerici. It's the perfect occasion to spend a fun day with family and friends while exploring the crystal clear waters of Cinque Terre.&...
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16 - Marina di Pietrasanta
43 km away
Marina di Pisa is a seaside resort of Tuscany, in central Italy. It is a frazione of the provincial capital of Pisa, which lies about 10 km to the east.
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Pictures and Stories of Manarola from Influencers
20 pictures of Manarola from Jack Ward, Linh Nguyen, Raul Taciu and other travelers
- View of Riomaggiore, December 2008. Panorama of 9 shots. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Henri Picot | ©Unsplash
- Coloured buildings in Vernazza ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Sergiu Vălenaș | ©Unsplash
- The houses of Manarola ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Fabio Santaniello Bruun | ©Unsplash
- Cinque Terre in summer ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Ricardo Gomez Angel | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Manarola ?
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🏘️ Town ⛰️ CliffHow to visit Manarola ?
To reach Manarola, you can fly into Pisa or Genoa airports and then take a train to La Spezia Centrale. From La Spezia Centrale, a regional train will take you to Manarola in approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can also drive to La Spezia and park your car there, as Manarola itself is a car-free village.
It is highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak season (May-September). The Cinque Terre Card is also a smart purchase, as it grants you unlimited train travel between the five villages, access to the hiking trails, and entry to the Cinque Terre National Park.
The costs of visiting Manarola can vary depending on your preferences. Accommodation prices range from budget-friendly guesthouses to more high-end hotels. Dining out can be relatively affordable, with many restaurants offering a variety of options. The Cinque Terre Card is priced at €16 for a one-day pass, which covers most of your transportation and park access fees.
The best things to do in Manarola include hiking the famous Cinque Terre trails, particularly the Via dell'Amore, which connects Manarola to Riomaggiore. Take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea at the small harbor, or embark on a boat tour to explore the stunning coastline. For a more relaxed experience, stroll through the village streets and enjoy the local shops and art galleries.
For dining options, treat yourself to delicious seafood at Trattoria dal Billy, or enjoy a romantic dinner with a view at Nessun Dorma. For a more casual meal, grab a slice of pizza at Pizzeria La Cambusa or try the tasty focaccia at Panificio Castellini.
When it comes to accommodation, consider staying at La Torretta, a charming boutique hotel with stunning views of the sea. For a more budget-friendly option, choose Affittacamere San Giorgio, which offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Alternatively, Arpaiu offers beautiful sea-view rooms and a tranquil atmosphere.
Off the beaten path: For a truly unique and memorable experience in Manarola, consider joining a local wine tasting tour. The village is surrounded by lush vineyards, and a guided tour will take you through the terraced hills, allowing you to sample the local wines and learn about the traditional winemaking process. This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the breathtaking views that Manarola has to offer.
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Manarola is the ideal place for a couple's weekend or honeymoon.
There is a great choice of romantic hotels and beautiful apartments with a sea view where you can admire the beautiful sunsets
The village of Manarola was built in the heart of the cove of Volastra.
Manarola in the Cinque Terre is surely one of the most photographed villages in Italy
The pastel-colored houses typical of Liguria are clinging to the rock and plunging into the crystal clear waters of this part of the coast.
It is the 2nd village of the Cinque Terre if you arrive from the south and the 4th from Monterosso from the north to the south.
Unlike Corniglia, Manarola has direct access to the sea with a small sheltered harbor and a boat launch.
The village has developed along the course of the Groppo, a river that runs under the village
From this main axis, a series of narrow cobblestone streets run up the hill to connect the various houses of the village.
In some places, the view opens up to a garden, a fountain, or a breathtaking view of the sea.
Each corner of the street can reveal its share of surprises. The village's landings are linked by steep irregular steps.
A parallel axis was created before the Groppo was covered, the Via di Mezzo
If you observe Manarola from the heights of the village you will surely notice pyramidal shapes on several roofs.
It is a trigonometric signal to guide the sailors.
It is from Manarola that the famous Via dell'Amore begins, which unfortunately is still under construction.
A little bit of History
Manarola is one of the oldest if not the oldest village of the Cinque Terre.
Although it was probably founded in Roman times, the visible remains of human presence date back to the 12th century.
It was probably a camp built by the inhabitants of Volastra who came down to the sea to exploit the riches of the sea.
Like the other villages of the Cinque Terre, Manarola experienced a prosperous period under the protection of the Republic of Genoa.
The economy of the village was mainly based on fishing and vine growing
These two activities are still very present today with the production of the famous wine of the Cinque Terre, the Sciacchetrà.
Since the '90s, tourism has been the driving force of the region's economy and has repopulated the villages.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Manarola
By train: This is the most convenient way to travel through the five villages of the Cinque Terre.
You can buy tickets online on the Trenitalia website.
The Cinque Terre Express passes through each guard every 10 minutes
By car: Access by car to Manarola is not easy.
The entire center of the village is closed to cars
From La Spezia, take the SP 370. At the intersection with the direction of Manarola, park your car and take the National Park ATC shuttle bus.
Shuttle bus schedule
By boat:
From La Spezia, Porto Venere or Lerici it is possible to reach Manarola by boat.
The shipping company Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti connects Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore by sea.
It is not possible to book in advance. Go directly to the pier in the morning to buy your ticket.
The church of San Lorenzo in Manarola is a typical example of Gothic architecture in Liguria.
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Where to Stay in Manarola
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