Scenic Things to Do in Manarola: Your Guide to the Best Viewpoints

Welcome to Manarola, one of the most picturesque villages in Italy’s iconic Cinque Terre. Perched on a cliff above the Ligurian Sea, this romantic village is all about postcard views, pastel-colored houses, and that easygoing charm that wins over every traveler. You’re in the mood for a vineyard walk, an unforgettable wine tasting, or simply looking for the best things to do in Manarola, this guide will help you make the most of your time in one of the most photographed places on the Ligurian Coast. From cliffside restaurants like Nessun Dorma, to scenic hiking trails and local wines grown on dramatic terraces, Manarola is a dream for explorers, food lovers, and anyone craving slow, scenic travel. It’s also a great stop for anyone diving into Liguria wine tours, with Cinque Terre DOC and Sciacchetrà wines that capture the flavor of the land.

What are the best things to do in Manarola?

Wander the charming alleys of the center

Start your time in Manarola by getting lost, in the best way. This is the oldest of the five Cinque Terre villages, and its narrow lanes are full of charm. Walk along Via Renato Birolli and Via Antonio Discovolo, the main pedestrian streets that wind through the heart of the village. You’ll pass pastel-painted houses, tiny craft shops, and local favorites like Gelateria 5Terre, perfect for a scoop before sunset.

Watch the sunset at Nessun Dorma’s cliffside terrace

No stop in Manarola is complete without a sunset aperitivo at Nessun Dorma, the iconic bar perched across from the marina, with unbeatable views of the village and cliffs. It’s easily one of the most famous spots in Cinque Terre, and for good reason. Grab a table, order a glass of Cinque Terre DOC wine and their signature bruschetta platter, and take in the scene that’s been featured on postcards, travel blogs, and Instagram feeds worldwide. Want to level it up? They also host a popular pesto-making class that’s as fun as it is delicious, all with that jaw-dropping backdrop.

Visit Chiesa di San Lorenzo and its bell tower

For a dose of history and quiet beauty, head uphill to the Chiesa di San Lorenzo. Built in the 14th century, this church is one of Manarola’s oldest landmarks, featuring Ligurian Gothic architecture, a striking rose window, and a bell tower that once served as a watchtower. It’s a peaceful spot to step away from the crowds and take in a bit of local heritage.

Soak in a swimming spot by the Marina

Manarola doesn’t have a sandy beach, but that doesn’t stop anyone from diving in. The marina area is one of the best swimming spots in Cinque Terre, where locals and travelers lounge on sun-warmed rocks and jump straight into the deep, clear water. It’s especially magical at golden hour, when the cliffs light up and the reflections dance across the sea. Bring a towel, wear sturdy sandals, and treat it like nature’s infinity pool, no beach needed.

What are the best things to do around Manarola?

Explore the scenic trail from Manarola to Corniglia

Up for a scenic challenge? The hike from Manarola to Corniglia is part of the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to soak in the views, and you will want to stop. As the path climbs through vineyards and rugged cliffs, you’ll get postcard-perfect views of the coastline and villages below. Pack a small picnic or snack and pause along the way; the landscape is unreal. When you reach Corniglia, the only Cinque Terre village not right on the water, you can climb the Lardarina staircase (377 steps) or hop on the shuttle from the train station to explore its peaceful alleys and scenic terrace.

Visit the bustling hub of La Spezia

Just 25 minutes by train from Manarola, La Spezia is more than just a transit hub, it’s a lively coastal city worth exploring. Many travelers use it as a base while visiting the Cinque Terre, but it also makes a great day trip from Manarola if you’re craving a bit more city energy. Stroll through Piazza Sant’Agostino for seafood and wine, browse the local markets, or take in the views from the Castle of San Giorgio. The Naval Museum is also a great stop if you’re in need for a history moment.

Dive into our guide to the best things to do in La Spezia to round out your Ligurian adventure.

Explore Vernazza

With its vibrant harbor, winding alleys, and stunning coastal views, Vernazza is one of the most memorable stops in the Cinque Terre. Walk up to Castello Doria for a panoramic look over the sea, relax at a waterfront café with fresh seafood, or take a dip at the village’s small pebble beach. The vibe here is relaxed but full of character, perfect for slowing down and soaking up the beauty of the Ligurian coast.

Uncover the top things to do in Vernazza to complete your Italian adventure!

Walk to Riomaggiore via the Via dell’Amore

The Via dell’Amore is one of the most iconic walks in Cinque Terre, and easily one of the most romantic in the Mediterranean. This seaside trail connects Manarola and Riomaggiore, taking about 20 to 30 minutes to walk when fully open (check for current conditions before you go). Along the way, you’ll get sweeping cliffside views, colorful facades, and that classic Cinque Terre feeling that helped earn the region its UNESCO World Heritage status. Once you reach Riomaggiore, explore the marina, grab a plate of fresh pesto pasta, or cool off at the tucked-away swimming spot near the harbor. Then make your way back and top it all off with a drink at Nessun Dorma, Manarola’s legendary terrace bar with views straight across the cliffs.

Take a boat tour from Monterosso al Mare

Roughly 20 minutes from Manarola via the Cinque Terre Express train, Monterosso al Mare hosts the largest beach and harbor area among the five Cinque Terre towns. It’s the perfect place to catch a scenic boat tour, allowing you to view each cliffside village from the water, a completely different perspective! Many tours serve wine and seafood onboard, making this a top-tier pleasure cruise. After the tour, stroll along Monterosso’s sandy shore, visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and browse the beachside boutiques before heading back.

How to make the most of a perfect day trip

Planning a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre? Start your journey early with a train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to La Spezia, which takes about 2.5 hours. From there, hop on the Cinque Terre Express, which connects all five villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, with trains running every 10–15 minutes. Spend the day exploring colorful harbors, scenic hiking trails, and cliffside views. You prefer walking, swimming, or simply soaking up the atmosphere? This route makes it easy to enjoy the best of Cinque Terre in a single day and still be back in Florence by evening.

If you need more tips for your next day trip, discover our latest guide on florence to cinque terre itinerary!

Good to know before visiting Manarola