Manarola

Latest update: 29 February 2024
​By Dion Protani
The scenic village of Manarola is located in the province of La Spezia in Liguria. With a population of around 400, it is one of the five villages that make up the renowned Cinque Terre region.

​Manarola is celebrated for its captivating landscape, characterized by vibrant pastel-colored houses perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. It is famous for its picturesque harbor, where fishing boats dot the waters, and for its charming streets lined with traditional trattorias and shops selling local specialties such as pesto sauce and locally-produced wine.
Related links
Manarola: beauty in the Cinque Terre
Manarola, one of the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, captivates visitors with its colorful houses perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Its scenic harbor, dotted with fishing boats, provides a stunning backdrop for sunset strolls.

​Visitors can explore the charming streets, adorned with vibrant flowers, and sample local delicacies at cozy trattorias. The village is an excellent starting point for hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and terraced vineyards. Manarola's idyllic setting, rich history, and culinary delights make it a highlight of any trip to Liguria.
Manarola - frazione di Riomaggiore
Comune: Riomaggiore

Province: La Spezia

Region: Liguria

Highlights: fishing port, restaurants

Close by: Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Marina Piccola
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)

​Year: 1997
What are the most popular tours and activities in Manarola?
  • Village Exploration: Wander through the narrow streets and colorful houses of Manarola, one of the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, soaking in its charming atmosphere and breathtaking coastal views.
  • Hiking the Cinque Terre Trails: Embark on a hiking adventure along the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) or other scenic trails that connect Manarola to neighboring villages like Riomaggiore and Corniglia, offering stunning vistas of the Ligurian Sea and terraced vineyards.
  • Sunset Watching: Experience the magical beauty of the sunset over the Ligurian coast from the scenic vantage points in Manarola. Visitors can capture stunning sunset views from the harbor area or the cliffs above the village, creating unforgettable memories against the backdrop of the sea and colorful sky.
  • Boat Tours: Explore the rugged coastline and hidden coves of Manarola and the Cinque Terre by joining a boat tour, which provides unique perspectives of the village perched on cliffs, as well as opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and admiring the coastal landscape from the sea.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture the beauty of Manarola and its stunning coastal scenery with a photography tour led by a professional photographer, who can provide tips and guidance on capturing the perfect shot of the village's colorful houses, picturesque harbor, and dramatic cliffs.
  • Wine Tasting: Indulge in a wine tasting experience in Manarola, sampling locally-produced wines such as the renowned Sciacchetrà dessert wine, while learning about the region's winemaking traditions and the unique terroir that gives these wines their distinctive flavours.
Where should I eat in Manarola?
  • Trattoria Dal Billy: Situated on a cliffside with stunning views of the sea, Trattoria Dal Billy is known for its seafood dishes and traditional Ligurian cuisine. The restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and a menu featuring fresh catches of the day, homemade pastas, and regional specialties.
  • Nessun Dorma: Located on a scenic terrace overlooking the village and the coastline, Nessun Dorma is a popular wine bar and cafe known for its spectacular views and relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a variety of panini, bruschetta, and antipasti, along with a selection of local wines and craft beers.
  • Aristide: This family-run restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and serves authentic Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of seafood, pasta, and meat dishes, as well as homemade desserts and gelato.
  • Trattoria la Scogliera: Nestled in a charming alleyway near the harbor, Trattoria la Scogliera is a hidden gem known for its fresh seafood and friendly service. Guests can dine al fresco on the outdoor terrace and enjoy traditional Ligurian specialties such as trofie al pesto, grilled fish, and seafood risotto.
  • Il Porticciolo: With its waterfront location and picturesque views of the colorful houses and harbor, Il Porticciolo offers a romantic setting for dining. The restaurant specializes in seafood and pasta dishes, including the local specialty, anchovies marinated in lemon juice and olive oil.

Manarola​  Gallery

What are the best places to stay in Manarola?
  • La Torretta: Located in the heart of Manarola, La Torretta offers cozy and comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the sea and the colorful village. The rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities. Guests can relax on the terrace and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
  • Arpaiu: This charming guesthouse is situated in a historic building overlooking the sea in Manarola. The rooms are bright and spacious, with traditional decor and all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can unwind on the terrace and take in the panoramic views of the village and the coastline.
  • Cinque Terre Riviera: Cinque Terre Riviera offers a selection of apartments and vacation rentals in Manarola, perfect for travelers looking for a home away from home. The accommodations are tastefully furnished and equipped with everything guests need for a relaxing stay. Some units offer balconies or terraces with sea views.
  • Da Paulin: Da Paulin is a family-run hotel located in a quiet area of Manarola, just a short walk from the town center and the harbor. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with modern amenities and traditional decor. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning and relax on the terrace overlooking the vineyards and the sea.
  • Ca' de Baran: Nestled among the vineyards above Manarola, Ca' de Baran offers peaceful accommodations with panoramic views of the village and the sea. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, with private balconies or terraces. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning and relax in the garden or on the terrace.
What's the closest airport to Manarola?
Pisa International Airport (PSA):

  • Located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Manarola.
  • Pisa Airport is the nearest international airport.
  • From Pisa Airport, you can reach Manarola by train or a combination of train and bus.

Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA):

  • Located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Manarola.
  • Genoa Airport is another option for travelers to reach the region.
  • From Genoa Airport, you can also take a train to Manarola.
What's the closest train station to Manarola?
Manarola Train Station:
​
  • Manarola is part of the Cinque Terre National Park, and it has its own train station.
  • The station is served by regional trains running along the Genoa-La Spezia-Rome railway line.
  • From the Manarola Train Station, it's just a short walk to the village center and the scenic viewpoints.
How do you get from the airport to Manarola?
From Pisa International Airport (PSA):

  • Train: Take the PisaMover shuttle from the airport to Pisa Centrale Railway Station. From there, catch a train to La Spezia Centrale Railway Station. Finally, board a regional train towards Genoa or Levanto and alight at Manarola Train Station. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours in total.
  • Rental Car: Renting a car at Pisa Airport gives you flexibility, but note that driving and parking within the Cinque Terre villages can be challenging due to limited space and traffic restrictions.

From Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA):

  • Train: Take a Volabus shuttle or taxi from the airport to Genoa Brignole Railway Station. From there, catch a train to La Spezia Centrale Railway Station. Then, take a regional train towards Pisa or La Spezia and alight at Manarola Train Station. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours in total.
  • Rental Car: Renting a car at Genoa Airport is an option, but similar to Pisa, driving within the Cinque Terre can be challenging.
What private transfer options are there for Manarola?
A private transfer from Genoa Airport to Manarola takes around one hour 50 minutes. ​

If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
​
  • Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
  • Arrival date
  • Arrival time
  • Number of passengers
  • Destination (either town or specific hotel) 
​
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
SITE SEARCH
If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. ​
Tuscany Review is part of the Italy Review network of websites. Each site is written exclusively in English and provides travel tips and inspiration to visitors.
For advice on other locations in Italy please visit our websites below:
​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone. ​