🌅 MANAROLA

A village suspended between cliffs, vineyards and the sea

Manarola is one of the most charming and romantic villages of the Cinque Terre. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Ligurian Sea, it is famous for its typical colourful houses, built close together and connected by narrow alleyways, slate staircases and small passages leading down towards the sea.

The heart of the village stretches along Via Discovolo and continues down to the small harbour, where fishing boats are traditionally kept even along the village streets. Manarola does not have a traditional beach, but its little harbour, surrounded by rocks and deep blue waters, is one of the most picturesque spots in the Cinque Terre.

📍 What to see in Manarola

⛪ Church of San Lorenzo

In the upper part of the village stands the Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338 in the Genoese Gothic style. Its local sandstone façade is decorated with an elegant Carrara marble rose window dating back to 1375. Nearby you can also find the bell tower and the Oratory of the Disciplinati.

🌊 Via Belvedere and Punta Bonfiglio

One of the best places to admire Manarola is Via Belvedere, which leads to a small panoramic square overlooking the sea.

A walk to Punta Bonfiglio is also highly recommended. From here, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the village, its colourful houses and the coastline. It is the perfect place to stop for a few moments and enjoy the scenery. 📸

❤️ The Via dell’Amore

Between Manarola and Riomaggiore lies the famous Via dell’Amore, one of the best-known paths in the Cinque Terre. Approximately 900 metres long, this path carved into the cliffs above the sea offers beautiful views of the coastline.

🥾 Manarola, Volastra and Corniglia

For those who enjoy hiking, it is possible to reach Volastra and Corniglia from Manarola along a spectacular panoramic trail that crosses terraced vineyards supported by ancient dry-stone walls.

In some areas, the terraces reach approximately 400 metres above sea level, offering magnificent views over the Ligurian Sea.

🍇 The vineyard landscape

The landscape surrounding Manarola tells the story of centuries of human work and tradition. The steep hillsides have been transformed into terraces planted with vines, creating the unique scenery that makes the Cinque Terre instantly recognisable.

One of the area's most iconic products is Sciacchetrà, the famous traditional sweet wine of the Cinque Terre.

✨ A special attraction: the illuminated Nativity scene

During the Christmas season, the hillside above Manarola lights up with the famous illuminated Nativity scene, created through the work of Mario Andreoli and featuring thousands of lights and figures, many of them made from recycled materials.

When illuminated, the entire hillside is transformed into a spectacular display of light that can be admired from the village. ✨

🚆 How to reach Manarola from La Spezia

The easiest and most convenient way is by train.

From La Spezia Centrale railway station, you can take the Cinque Terre Express towards the Cinque Terre and get off directly at Manarola station.

During the tourist season, Manarola can also be reached by sea, with ferry services connecting La Spezia, Portovenere and several villages of the Cinque Terre.

Travelling by car is less convenient: parking spaces near the entrance to the village are limited, and Manarola is best explored on foot.

💙 Why visit Manarola

Manarola is a wonderful blend of colourful houses, narrow alleyways, vineyards, cliffs and sea.

Take your time walking to the panoramic viewpoints, head down towards the little harbour and, if possible, stay until sunset. When the warm golden light illuminates the colourful façades and reflects across the sea, Manarola reveals one of its most beautiful sides.

🌅 A place to discover at a leisurely pace and an unmissable stop during your stay at Stella Marina.