Manarola
Manarola, also known as Manaea in the local dialect, is a charming small town located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy. It is a part of the municipality of Riomaggiore and is one of the renowned Cinque Terre towns that attract tourists. With a population of 353, it is the second-smallest among the Cinque Terre towns.
Believed to be the oldest town in the Cinque Terre, Manarola boasts the historic San Lorenzo church, whose cornerstone dates back to 1338. The local dialect spoken here is called Manarolese, which has slight variations from the dialects spoken in the surrounding areas.
The name “Manarola” is thought to have evolved from the Latin term “Magna rota.” In the Manarolese dialect, it transformed into “Magna roea,” meaning “large wheel,” referring to the mill wheel in the town.
Manarola is conveniently connected by a railway station on the Genoa–Pisa railway. Traditionally, the primary industries in Manarola have been fishing and wine-making (citation needed). The region is particularly renowned for its local wine called Sciacchetrà, which has been praised for its high quality since ancient Roman times.
In recent years, Manarola and its neighboring towns have gained popularity as tourist destinations, especially during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the famous Via dell’Amore (Love’s Trail), a scenic walking trail between Manarola and Riomaggiore, as well as hiking trails in the hills and vineyards surrounding the town.
The picturesque houses of Manarola are known for their vibrant and colorful facades. The town has also been immortalized in paintings by Antonio Discovolo (1874–1956). During the Christmas season, a captivating luminous nativity scene, crafted by Mario Andreoli, a retired railwayman, illuminates the hill overlooking the village. This unique display, composed of thousands of lights on special templates, has been celebrated since 1961 and is considered the largest nativity scene in the world. Andreoli ingeniously created the crib figures using recycled materials. The lighting of the luminous nativity scene takes place annually on December 8th.
How to get there
You can travel to Manarola by plane, train or car. By plane: Milan Malpensa Airport and Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei are the most convenient entry points for onward travel to the Cinque Terre or to any other tourist destination in northern Italy. From Pisa Airport you can in just 5 minutes reach Pisa Centrale station with the People Mover. From Pisa Centrale you can take a direct Intercity or a regional train to La Spezia and change to a local Cinque Terre Express train to Manarola. From Milano Centrale station there are Intercity trains directly to Levanto and Monterosso. You will have to change to a local Cinque Terre Express train to reach Manarola.
By train: The five Cinque Terre villages are on the Genoa – La Spezia – Pisa line and the trains are running frequently from Milan, Genoa and Pisa. Monterosso is the only one of the Cinque Terre villages that is served by long distance Intercity trains. If you arrive from the north, Milan or Genoa, you can take an IC train directly to Levanto or Monterosso. From there you have local trains, Cinque Terre Express, that provide links to Manarola. If you arrive from the south, take an Intercity train directly to La Spezia and change for a local train to Manarola.
By car: It is possible to reach Cinque Terre by car, if you do not mind narrow and winding roads. From Genoa or Livorno take the highway A12, from Parma the motorway A15 motorway. Exit at La Spezia. Follow the signs towards Portovenere and Cinque Terre and than towards Manarola. It can be difficult to find a parking place in Manarola, therefore we suggest you to book a hotel with private parking.
Things to do
Scenic hike Manarola – 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.
Via dell’Amore
The famous path Via dell’Amore is closed due to a landslide and will reopen in July 2024.
San Lorenzo Feast, on August 10.
According to the legend, during this night, you have to watch the summer sky and if you see a falling star, you have to make a wish. The falling stars are believed to be the teardrops of San Lorenzo.
Presepe di Manarola: The magical lighted nativity scene in Manarola will light up again this year, as every year, on December 8. This beauty can be admired until mid-January daily from 5:30pm to 10pm. The hills of Manarola are illuminated with more than 200 figures and 12.000 lamps for the nativity scene.
Cappun Magru
Is a unique Ligurian specialty that is slowly disappearing from menus in Cinque Terre. This elaborate seafood and veggie salad, also known as Cappon Magro, is the only one of its kind in the area. The owners, Christina and her husband, strive to preserve tradition in their restaurant. The dish itself is a feast for the senses, with ingredients like shrimp, mussels, oysters, and a complex green sauce. Cappun Magru is not just delicious, but also a rich poor people’s food with a fascinating history. The restaurant also offers well-crafted sandwiches and a selection of underrated craft beers. It’s a perfect spot after a long hike, and the ideal time to visit is for a light early dinner to catch the sunset in Monorola. With outdoor seating and a dog-friendly policy, Cappun Magru offers a unique dining experience.
Nessun Dorma
Enjoy an aperitivo at Nessun Dorma, a wine bar with breathtaking views serving bruschettas, meat and cheese platters and local wines. Download the Nessun Dorma app and you can digitally queue for your table whilst exploring the town or hanging out by the water.
Trattoria Dal Billy
Is a hidden gem located in Manarola, known for its fresh fish and seafood. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity. Many restaurants in the area are owned by fishermen and only open during the season. Finding the restaurant can be a bit challenging, but heading towards the church and following the signs will lead you to a back alley. The restaurant is unassuming from the outside but offers stunning views of the water and terraces from its cliffside location. The rustic interior is adorned with fish decorations and pictures of fishermen.
