Pretty Manarola is the second-smallest of the five towns of the Cinque Terre (after Corniglia), and the second town (after Riomaggiore) that you'll encounter if you're coming up the coast from the south. The colorful houses of Manarola seem to tumble down to its small harbor on the bright blue Ligurian Sea, making it one of the most photographed of the Cinque Terre's picturesque villages.
Likely founded by the Romans, Manarola was built along a freshwater creek—its name is thought to refer to an ancient, large waterwheel (magna rota in Latin), a reproduction of which stands in the town. The current town dates to the 1300s, making it arguably the oldest of the Cinque Terre towns. Once part of the powerful Republic of Genoa, Manarola was once home to a castle and watchtower built to protect against marauding pirates. Historically and today, Manarola is known for Sciacchetrà, a sweet, highly-coveted dessert drink.
Off-season visitors to Manarola will find a sleepy village dependent on fishing and drinks. In the spring and summer, they'll find the tiny town (population: 350) packed with tourists here to hike the trails of the Cinque Terre and photograph its famous towns and landscapes. While most people come to the region to hike, you can also just take time to soak up the stunning scenery and beautiful village life. Here are a few things you shouldn't miss while visiting Manarola:
1. Tour the town:
At the top of the town, you'll find the main square, Piazza Papa Innocenzo IV, From here, head downhill, towards the sea to discover the old waterwheel, the small harbor, and the narrow, flower-filled and cobblestoned streets and alleys of the town. At the dock, you can swim, snorkel, rent a gommone (a zodiac boat) or catch the seasonal ferry to the other Cinque Terre towns. Don't miss the Manarola scenic viewpoint, just a few minutes north of the harbor, for that classic photo of the town and seafront.
2. Enjoy a seaside meal or drink:
Life moves at a slower pace in the Cinque Terre, so be sure to slow down long enough to appreciate it. A leisurely meal, either at lunch or dinner, on a restaurant's outdoor terrace with a view of the sea, will be one you'll savor for a lifetime.
3. Walk part of the Via Dell'Amore (The Way of Love):
Via dell'Amore is a footpath that begins (or ends) in Manarola and leads to Riomaggiore. Cutting along the cliffs above the magnificent coastline, the path it's the shortest of all the Cinque Terre paths (an easy 15- to 30-minute journey) and is decorated with "love locks"—padlocks left by hopeful couples as a gesture of eternal love. (Note that since a 2012 rockslide, most of the Via dell'Amore has been closed for repairs, which are scheduled to be done by spring 2021. For now, just a short section of the trail is open at Manarola.)
