Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/manarola-cinque-terre/

The Essential Manarola Cinque Terre Travel Guide

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Manarola, one of the enchanting villages of the Cinque Terre, on three separate occasions. With its pastel-hued buildings tumbling down steep cliffs to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea below, Manarola looks like it has sprung straight from the pages of a fairytale. But this idyllic fishing village is very much real – and an absolute must-visit destination on any trip to Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast.

From sipping local wine while gazing at the sunset from a scenic viewpoint, to diving into the refreshing waters at the picturesque marina, to learning the secrets of traditional pesto-making – Manarola offers endless opportunities to relax and immerse yourself in the magic of the Cinque Terre. In this travel guide, I’ll share insider tips from my multiple visits to help you make the most of your time in marvelous Manarola. Get ready to fall under the spell of this timeless Italian gem!

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An Essential Manarola Cinque Terre Travel Guide

No Time to Read? Here’s a Quick Highlight:

  • Manarola is a charming fishing village and one of the famous Cinque Terre towns
  • Explore the colorful houses, scenic marina, vineyards and hiking trails
  • Enjoy fresh seafood and the renowned local wine, Sciacchetrà
  • Take a boat tour, join a pesto-making class, or visit a local winery
  • Stay at quaint guesthouses for an authentic experience
  • Easily reach Manarola by train from La Spezia (11 min) or Levanto (23 min)
  • Visit as a day trip to Cinque Terre or spend 2-3 days to fully experience the village’s charms
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Highlights of Manarola: Best Things To Do In Manarola Cinque Terre Italy

Spend a day swimming at Manarola Beach italy

Manarola’s small but picture-perfect marina is the heart of village life. Brightly colored fishing boats bob in the gentle waves, while locals and visitors alike sunbathe and swim off the rocks. Grab a towel, claim a spot, and enjoy a lazy day watching the world go by in this impossibly scenic spot.

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Helpful Tip: Go for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the marina – just be sure to stick to the designated swimming areas and steer clear of the boat zones.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/manarola-cinque-terre/

Hike Manarola and the surrounding vineyards and hills

The steep hills surrounding Manarola are crisscrossed with scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient vineyards and olive groves.

Some top hikes to consider:

  • The short but sweet Manarola Vineyard Walk
  • The 2.5 hour trek to the nearby village of Corniglia via Volastra
  • The famous Blue Path connecting Manarola to Riomaggiore (currently closed due to landslides, but check for updates)
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Take in the views from Manarola’s famous viewpoint

For the ultimate Manarola photo op, head to the village’s renowned hilltop viewpoint around golden hour. Seeing the sunset paint the jumble of pastel houses in a warm glow is an unforgettable sight. Get there early to nab a prime viewing spot!

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/manarola-cinque-terre/

Sample the local specialties

With its seaside locale, Manarola is famous for its incredibly fresh seafood. Don’t miss trying regional dishes like:

  • Seafood stew
  • Black squid ink pasta with shrimp
  • Stuffed mussels
  • Tegame alla Vernazza (seafood casserole)

Pair your meal with Sciacchetrà, the renowned sweet dessert wine that has been produced in the Cinque Terre for centuries. A few top spots to eat and drink:

Ready to Book a Pesto Making Class in Manarola?

Book this Pesto Making Class — a convenient and comfortable experience with a near-perfect 5 Star ⭐  rating.

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Best Restaurants in Manarola

RestaurantSpecialty
Trattoria dal BillySeafood, terrace views
Marina PiccolaSeafood stew, waterfront tables
Il PorticcioloQuick bites, takeaway
Nessun DormaWine bar, antipasti, epic views

Helpful Tip: Download the Nessun Dorma app to get in the digital queue for a table at the popular bar overlooking the viewpoint. Sip a glass of local wine while soaking up the views!

See Manarola from the sea on a boat tour

For a unique perspective on the colorful cliffside houses of Manarola, hop aboard a boat tour! Options range from shared ferry services connecting the Cinque Terre villages to private sunset cruises with prosecco.

A few boat tour options:

  • Consorzio Marittimo Turistico 5 Terre ferry between the villages
  • Private gozzo boat tour at sunset
  • Kayak excursion along the coast

Ready to Book a boat tour in Manarola?

Book this amazing boat tour — a convenient and comfortable experience with a near-perfect 5 Star ⭐  rating.

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Learn the secrets of pesto-making

Liguria is the birthplace of pesto, and Manarola is the perfect place to learn the secrets behind this beloved basil sauce. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on pesto-making class using traditional techniques and local ingredients. You’ll get to take home your own jar of freshly made pesto!

Recommended pesto experience:

  • Pesto cooking class at a local Agriturismo

Ready to Book a Pesto Making Class in Manarola?

Book this Pesto Making Class — a convenient and comfortable experience with a near-perfect 5 Star ⭐  rating.

Go wine tasting at a local winery

The Cinque Terre is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of heroic viticulture, with terraced vineyards clinging to steep seaside cliffs. Visit a Manarola winery to sample local whites like the dry Cinque Terre DOC and the sweet Sciacchetrà dessert wine while learning about the region’s unique winemaking history.

Recommended winery visit:

Where to Stay in Manarola Hotel

There are a number of charming guesthouses and small hotels to choose from in Manarola:

HotelPrice
Ca’ D’Andrean€€
La Torretta Lodge€€€
Luxury Apartments Manarola€€€€

For a really local experience, consider booking an apartment or room on Airbnb. Just be sure to reserve well in advance, especially in the peak summer months.

How to get to Manarola & Getting Around Manarola

By Train

Manarola is easily reached by train, with frequent connections from:

  • La Spezia (11 min)
  • Levanto (23 min)
  • Genoa (1.5-2 hrs)
  • Pisa (1 hr)

The train station is a 5-minute walk from the center of the village. To travel between the Cinque Terre villages, purchase the Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited rides on the regional train line.

By Car

Cars are not permitted in the village center, but there is a paid parking lot (€23/day) at the top of the town if you are driving. However, given the excellent train connections, I recommend ditching the car and taking the train to really soak up the magic of the Cinque Terre.

By Boat

 From April to November, a ferry service connects Manarola to the other Cinque Terre villages (except Corniglia), as well as Portovenere, Levanto and La Spezia. Boat tickets can be purchased as single fares or as a day pass.

Getting Around

 Manarola itself is very compact and easily walkable. The main road, Via Renato Birolli, leads from the train station tunnel to the marina. To reach the higher parts of town and the scenic viewpoint, be prepared for some uphill walking, but distances are short.

How Long to Stay in Manarola

Many visitors choose to see Manarola on a day trip, often combined with one or two of the other Cinque Terre villages. The train makes it easy to hop between towns – you can see the highlights of Manarola in a half day.

However, to really soak up the laidback charm and experience Manarola like a local, I recommend staying at least one night, if not two or three. With a couple of days, you can explore the town at a leisurely pace, enjoy sunset from the scenic viewpoint, hike the surrounding trails, take a boat tour or cooking class, and dine at the local restaurants without feeling rushed.

Final Tips for Visiting Manarola Italy

  • Beat the crowds by getting an early start to your day
  • Bring sturdy shoes if you plan on hiking the trails
  • Always make restaurant reservations in advance
  • Visit in shoulder season (May/Sep/Oct) for mild weather and fewer tourists
  • Invest in a Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited train rides between the villages

I hope this guide has inspired you to discover the incomparable charms of Manarola. Between the colorful cascade of houses, the jaw-dropping coastal views, the incredibly fresh seafood, unique experiences like pesto-making and winery visits, and the laidback way of life – Manarola is sure to work its magic on you, just as it has on me again and again.

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