Nestled between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennines, Manarola is undoubtedly one of the most precious jewels of the Cinque Terre, the stretch of coastline on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The reason for this recognition is obviously the undeniable magnificence of the coast; but, likely, the credit also goes to Manarola, a village characterized by tall, colorful houses lined along narrow, winding streets, offering views of unusually beautiful scenery.
Due to its unique urban layout, cars are not allowed in Manarola, which you’ll appreciate as you bask in the silence, interrupted only by the crashing of the waves against the high cliffs overlooking the sea.
What to see in Manarola
Built in the late 12th century by the inland populations to defend themselves from Saracen raids, Manarola boasts the birthplace of illustrious citizens, such as Innocent IV, the pope who excommunicated Frederick II and launched the Seventh Crusade to the Holy Land. From those early years of the village, a bastion of the ancient castle remains, now entirely incorporated into a private residence, and the church of San Lorenzo, whose separate bell tower offers breathtaking views of the sea.
This small Ligurian Gothic-style church dates back to 1338 and welcomes visitors with an austere façade, enriched by a graceful Carrara marble rose window, beneath which lies a portal with a pointed arch. Take a break and visit the interior: you’ll be able to admire two exquisitely crafted triptychs attributed to the Master of the Cinque Terre, an artist who lived between 1480 and 1510, whose name has been lost to memory.
A village for every season
But the evocative beauty of Manarola doesn’t end with this valuable historical and artistic testimony, because by walking along Via Discovolo, the road that winds through the village, you can reach the sea.
Here, beyond the small harbor and Piazzetta Montale, you’ll discover that nature can also create astonishing works of art: the natural pools, which contain crystal-clear water protected from winds and currents, are a truly enchanting place, becoming a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers in the summer.
If you decide to visit Manarola in autumn, know that the terraced vineyards surrounding the village, the production area of the famous Sciacchetrà DOC wine, are crisscrossed by walking trails where you can lose yourself in the colors and scents of the Mediterranean scrub.
Manarola, between modernity and tradition
Despite its forward-looking outlook, Manarola hasn’t forgotten its past, and for this reason, the town’s administration has worked hard to restore the renowned Via dell’Amore (Love Path), closed since 2012 following a landslide. This path nestles on the cliffside, overlooking the sea, offering views of the area’s typical terraced vineyards and lush Mediterranean scrub, dotted with agaves and prickly pears.
It is only 900 meters long, the length needed to connect Manarola to Riomaggiore, but it conveys the same peace that must have been felt at the beginning of the century, when it was built to facilitate connections between neighboring communities.
In reality, the Via dell’Amore, reopened in July 2024, is part of a much more complex network of paths, which run for approximately 120 km between the coastal villages of the Cinque Terre and the hinterland and which, until the last century, represented the only means of communication for the local populations.
Among the must-see places in Manarola are the Nativity Scene, obviously only open during the Christmas holidays, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute, hidden behind a stream in the hamlet of Volastra. Built about 1,000 years ago in Romanesque style, it now features clear Gothic elements, the result of some restoration work. However, this hasn’t erased the aura of mystery surrounding it, bolstered by a disturbing legend.
In short, Manarola is certainly a small village worth visiting in less than a day, but it will certainly repay your trust, offering you unforgettable scents, colors, and emotions.
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