Last update: December 27, 2024.

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What to See and Do in Manarola

Manarola Travel Guide: Best Photo Spots and Relaxation in Cinque Terre.

Manarola is the second village of Cinque Terre from the La Spezia side, and most consider Manarola the most beautiful village.

The most beautiful view of the village, Manarola, Cinque Terre
The most beautiful view of the village

The best place to capture memories through photos is right here in Manarola. There's a path right by the sea that allows you to walk away from the village and take photos with it as your backdrop, just like most tourists do. For more details, check out the “Best Spots for Photos and Videos” page. Additionally, from Manarola, you can take the easiest hiking trails in the entire park to the nearby villages of Riomaggiore and Corniglia. Make sure to verify if they are open on the “Trails: Map and Status” page.

At the bottom of the page, you'll find a map with the key locations marked, which will be very useful!

Are you a photography enthusiast? Then we recommend visiting Manarola closer to the evening when the sun bathes the houses along the waterfront in beautiful golden light, making them especially photogenic.

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After exiting the train, you'll head through the tunnel that leads to Manarola. Once through the tunnel, you'll find yourself on the main street of the village. To the right, you'll find the path to the central square, the Church of St. Peter, and the scenic Beccara Trail, which takes you to Riomaggiore via the hilltop. If you're interested in a shorter route to Riomaggiore, the Lover's Trail starts right at the train station.

Manarola train station, Cinque Terre
Manarola train station
The best view of Manarola (3 minutes walk to the little square on the hill, always open), Cinque Terre
The best view of Manarola (3 minutes walk to the little square on the hill, always open)

After exiting the tunnel, turn left to head towards the sea, which is the most picturesque spot in Manarola. Take a leisurely stroll along the village's waterfront, relax on one of the benches nestled among the rocks, and enjoy the finest panoramic view in the entire Cinque Terre.

Main street of Manarola, Cinque Terre
Main street of Manarola
Nativity scene in Manarola (open from December 8 to the end of January), Cinque Terre
Nativity scene in Manarola (open from December 8 to the end of January)

During the winter, a beautiful and enormous nativity scene is set up here. If you plan to visit Cinque Terre from December to February, be sure to read more about it on this page: “The Nativity Scene in Manarola (Presepe) - www.bestofcinqueterre.com”,

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Booking a hotel in romantic Manarola is a great choice, although prices here are slightly higher than in other villages. You can check prices, read reviews from tourists, and book a hotel on this website.

Main street of Manarola, Cinque Terre
Main street of Manarola
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Nessun Dorma is a bar with the best view in Cinque Terre, and the prices here are not inflated. In addition to various drinks, they also serve original Italian bruschettas or we recommend trying the Nessun Dorma tagliere (see in the video, it costs 40 euros), or any other tagliere with cheese or meat.

In winter, the bar is usually closed, but it may open in good weather. It's best to come here after lunch, closer to dinner (ideal lighting of Manarola by the sun).

To enter the bar, you need to download the Nessun Dorma app and get in the online queue. In an hour, the queue moves forward by about 50 people, so check it from other villages in advance; during the peak season, the queue can reach 4 hours!

Nessun Dorma Bar with best view of Manarola, Cinque Terre
Nessun Dorma Bar with best view of Manarola
Italian aperitivo with local food at the Nessun Dorma Bar, Manarola, Cinque Terre
Italian aperitivo with local food at the Nessun Dorma Bar
Aperitif before sunset, Manarola, Cinque Terre
Aperitif before sunset
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You can explore the entire village in an hour, but it's the perfect place to relax, so stay here to watch the sunset or simply enjoy the romantic and panoramic view of Manarola.

View of Manarola before sunset, Cinque Terre
View of Manarola before sunset
Sunset, Manarola, Cinque Terre
Sunset
Aperitif with a view of Manarola, Cinque Terre
Aperitif with a view of Manarola

Looking for accommodation in Manarola? Use the convenient search on Booking.com! Find the perfect place to stay using filters, photos, and reviews. Book now and enjoy a wonderful stay in Manarola!

If you want to learn more about Manarola, also check out this website: Manarola - www.bestofcinqueterre.com

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The places we recommend you visit in Manarola are displayed on this map.

Text printed from www.cinqueterre.holiday website