Manarola

The picturesque village of Manarola is a place that looks like something out of a postcard. Located in Liguria's charming Cinque Terre, this charming village is famous for its colorful buildings that climb the cliffs overlooking the sea.

The beauty of the landscape will leave you breathless: typical pastel-colored houses line the coastline creating a charming and romantic atmosphere. Getting lost in the narrow, winding alleys of Manarola is like taking a plunge into the past, discovering the authentic spirit of Ligurian seafaring traditions.

From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the rocky coastline and the deep blue sea. There will be no shortage of breathtaking views that will make you want to pull out your camera at every turn!

The beating heart of the village is its small harbor, where locals still fish following ancient traditions. Marine life shines through with its colorful barges gently rocking in the water and fishermen intent on their daily activities. Manarola also offers numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.

History of the village of Manarola

The village of Manarola, located in the beautiful region of Liguria, is one of the five pearls that make up the famous Cinque Terre. Its history is rooted in the past and tells of ancient seafaring traditions and a rich cultural heritage.

It is said that the name "Manarola" comes from the Latin word "manium arula," meaning "small shrine." This suggests the existence of a pagan temple dedicated to marine deities in Roman times.

The first human settlements date back to the 13th century, when the area was under the rule of the Republic of Genoa. It was precisely because of its strategic position on the sea that Manarola became an important commercial center over the following centuries.

During the Middle Ages, the village suffered numerous attacks by Saracen pirates and was also the subject of struggles between powerful Genoese families. Despite this, its inhabitants never lost their fighting and resilient spirit.

Today, walking through the characteristic streets of the old town, one can still feel the atmosphere of the ancient seaside village. The colorful houses overlooking the sea give Manarola that timeless charm that makes it one of the most evocative places not only in Liguria but in the whole of Italy.

The history of the village is intertwined with that of the other four villages of the Cinque Terre, forming an indissoluble unity

From the hills to the sea: The natural beauty of Manarola

From lush green hills to the crystal clear sea, Manarola enchants with its natural beauty. This small village in the Cinque Terre is nestled in a breathtaking landscape that offers unique and unforgettable views.

The surrounding hills are covered with lush vineyards, where grapes are grown for the famous Sciacchetrà wine. As we walk through the paths that crisscross the area's banded terraces, we can admire the care and dedication of local winemakers in preserving this ancient tradition.

But it is when we approach the sea that Manarola reveals all its splendor. The crystal clear waters of the Ligurian Sea gently lap the rocky cliffs, creating a spectacle of magical colors and reflections.

The historic center of Manarola is characterized by the typical colorful terraced houses, which seem to emerge directly from the cliff. Walking through narrow alleys and picturesque stairways, one is transported by the authentic atmosphere of this fascinating place.

The natural beauty of Manarola does not end there: in fact, some of the most striking beaches in Liguria are located nearby. Prominent among them is the Spiaggia del Guvano, a hidden bay reachable only through an old abandoned railway tunnel.

In every corner of Manarola there is something special to discover and admire.

What to see in Manarola

Manarola, one of the five picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, offers a myriad of attractions for visitors. With its winding streets and colorful houses leaning against the hillside overlooking the crystal clear sea of Liguria, this village is a true paradise for photography lovers.

One of Manarola's main attractions is undoubtedly the famous Via dell'Amore. This romantic coastal path connects Manarola to Riomaggiore and is the ideal place for a romantic walk with breathtaking views of the sea. Don't forget to leave your love padlock as a symbol of your eternal love!

In addition to the Via dell'Amore, there is so much more to see in Manarola, from the small harbor that offers one of the many viewpoints over the village. From here, you can view the town and its deep waters, making the local sea a favorite destination for the most daring swimmers and intrepid divers.

The Church of San Lorenzo in Genoese Gothic style and dating back to 1338 and dedicated to the city's patron saint.

For nature lovers, you cannot miss a visit to the Cinque Terre National Park. Here you will find numerous hiking trails that take you through spectacular landscapes and cultivated terraces overlooking the sea.

If you are a fishing enthusiast or even just curious to learn more about this local tradition, you can visit the Fishing Museum in the port area of Manarola. Here you will learn all about the history and culture of fishing in the Cinque Terre.

If you visit the village between December and January, the world's largest nativity scene becomes a must-see. In 1976, Mario Andreoli began covering the entire slope of Manarola with his lights, creating, after 30 years of work, a crib worthy of the Guinness Book of World Records. The nativity scene, made with about 8 km of electric cables, 17,000 light bulbs and more than 300 life-size figures made from recycled materials and powered by clean energy, is lit every year at dusk from December 8 until the end of January, and can be admired from anywhere in the village.

Activities to do in Manarola

One of the most fascinating things about Manarola is the variety of activities you can do in this charming village. Whether you are a nature lover, or a sports enthusiast, or simply looking to relax, Manarola will be able to offer a variety of opportunities to spend your time in a pleasant and stimulating way.

For outdoor adventure lovers, Manarola offers many possibilities: hiking along the scenic Cinque Terre trails, taking boat trips to explore the Ligurian coast or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to immerse yourself in local culture and discover the traditions of the place, a visit to the Cetacean Museum is recommended, where you can learn firsthand about the area's marine wealth.

Manarola is also famous for being a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The bright colors of the houses overlooking the sea create breathtaking scenery and every corner is perfect for taking unforgettable photos.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy typical Ligurian cuisine in the many restaurants and trattorias in the village. The fresh fish dishes are absolutely not to be missed!

Events and festivals in the village of Manarola

Manarola, a picturesque village in the Cinque Terre region of Liguria, is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant events and festivals scene. Every year, the village hosts a variety of events that attract visitors from all over the world.

One of the most anticipated events is definitely the White Madonna Festival, held every August 17. During this religious festival, the historic center comes alive with traditional processions, musical performances and exciting fireworks.

If you are a food and wine enthusiast, don't miss the annual "Sagra del Pesce" event. This culinary festival is usually held in March and is dedicated to fresh fish caught in the surrounding waters. You can taste local delicacies such as fried fish and seafood soups while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

For art and music lovers, Manarola also offers numerous outdoor concerts during the summer months. The small square in the historic center becomes a true open-air concert hall where local and internationally renowned artists perform under the stars.

These are just a few of the many special occasions that make Manarola a magical place to visit.

BY CAR

• Traveling on the A12 highway, if you are coming from Genoa or Livorno, take the exit towards La Spezia and continue on the SS 370 reaching Manarola.
• Driving along the A15 motorway if you are coming from Parma take the exit for La Spezia and continue on the SS 370 reaching Manarola.

BY PLANE

• Pisa airport
• Genoa airport

In the Christmas period, on the hill overlooking the village, the world's largest light nativity scene is set up, whose characters, crafted by master Mario Andreoli, consist of thousands and thousands of lights mounted on special shapes that give the representation a unique charm in the world and are made of recycled materials (old shutters, plastic, wooden, iron rods).
In addition to the famous nativity scene, during the Easter period, Mario Andreoli created a luminous Via Crucis on the same hill. For the feast of St. Lorenzo, patron of Manarola, in the evening the procession takes place through the streets of the village, with a representation of the saint illuminated with the famous grate.