Manarola

Manarola, perched on a rocky elevation of 70 meters above sea level, stands out as one of the most enchanting and romantic villages in the Cinque Terre.

The quaint harbor features a boat ramp, a small piazza, and charming multicolored houses that overlook the sea. Visitors can savor lunch at one of the seafood restaurants located in the intimate square adjacent to the harbor.
This area is adorned with vibrant rowing boats and serves as the primary sunbathing and swimming destination for the village from morning until evening. It is indeed an ideal location for a leisurely day spent sunbathing and observing individuals diving from the cliffs. While there is no traditional beach, the waters here offer some of the finest deep-water swimming available.

Along the main thoroughfare, boats are drawn ashore whenever the sea becomes turbulent. The village is characterized by its undulating terrain, with steep, narrow alleys known as carrugi that lead down to the sea.

Hiking the path from Manarola to Corniglia

We can recommend the scenic hike Manarola - Volastra - Corniglia. The first part of the hiking trail has a very steep climb (1200 steps) which you can skip taking the bus (€2) from Manarola to Volastra. Normally there is a bus every hour.

The path goes along narrow, spectacular terraces with vineyards supported by dry stone walls. It gives you wonderful views of the Mediterranean and the Cinque Terre villages.

This path is free and you do not need any hiking pass.

What to see in Manarola

 • Experience an aperitivo at Nessun Dorma, a wine bar renowned for its stunning vistas, offering bruschettas, assorted meat and cheese platters, and local wines. By downloading the Nessun Dorma app, you can join the digital queue for a table while you explore the town or relax by the waterfront.
• The renowned Via dell'Amore path, which runs along the coastline between Riomaggiore and Manarola, was reopened to the public in 2024. This picturesque trail is entirely flat and had been closed from 2012 to 2024 due to a landslide. Visitors can access the path from Riomaggiore, proceeding towards Manarola in a one-way direction.
• The Church of San Lorenzo, constructed in 1338, exemplifies Gothic Ligurian architecture. • The Santuario di Nostra Madonna Signora della Salute located in Volastra.

Parking in Manarola

Manarola, like all the villages in Cinque Terre, is inaccessible to vehicular traffic, meaning that private cars are not permitted to enter the town.

There are two parking options available in Manarola: Posella and Acquarino, both of which are situated a 10 to 15-minute walk from the village.
The parking fees are as follows: 2.50 euros per hour, 20 euros for 24 hours, 35 euros for 2 days, 50 euros for 3 days, 65 euros for 4 days, 80 euros for 5 days, 100 euros for 6 days, and 120 euros for 7 days. Additionally, as one approaches Manarola, there are opportunities to find free parking spaces along the roadside.