Manarola Among Vineyards, Churches and Paths by the Sea

Manarola combines vineyards, dry-stone walls and sophisticated water channels with historic churches and paths by the sea. The sedimentary rocks of the Montenero Unit – clay-rich rocks with interbedded marl, limestone and sandstone – support the villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore. This geological landscape, architectural history and variety of paths shape the character of the village.

Churches and Local History

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo was begun in 1338 by the populations of Manarola and Volastra. It contains a 15th-century tempera painting depicting the Virgin Mary and Saints Matthew, John the Baptist, Lawrence and Catherine. Other characteristic features of the Chiesa di San Lorenzo include a portal depicting the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, a decorated rose window and a square bell tower dating from the 14th century.

The Oratorio dei Disciplinati della Santissima Annunziata in Manarola dates from the 15th century. The Campanile Bianco is a bell tower with a square ground plan dating from the 14th century; it was formerly a watch and defensive tower in Manarola. The old mill, or olive mill, in the lower part of Manarola was restored by the Cinque Terre National Park. The tradition of the Presepe Luminoso di Manarola is continued by the Associazione Presepe di Manarola - Mario Andreoli.

Hiking Among Vineyards and Dry-Stone Walls

The “Manarola di acqua, pietre e vigne” route is a circular hike starting and ending in Manarola. It is 8.32 km long and is considered a hike for experienced hikers. It passes through a landscape where vineyards, dry-stone walls and sophisticated water channels are still clearly visible. Here, you can concretely experience the connection between hiking and a historically shaped cultural landscape.

Trail 531, the Via Beccara, connects Riomaggiore and Manarola; the walking time is one hour. The “Manarolino” trail leads from Via Discovolo to Punta Bonfiglio and Marina di Manarola. Hiking trail 502 begins at Piè di Fiesse near the first hairpin bend on the paved SP 51 road between Manarola and Groppo.

The Via dell’Amore, also known in Ligurian as Via de l’Amùu, is 800 metres long and carved into the cliff above the sea. It connects Riomaggiore and Manarola, two of the largest villages in the Cinque Terre in Liguria.

The Sea and Seasonal Connections

In the park’s 2025 summer programme, a swimming route marked by buoys near Manarola connected Punta Bonfiglio with the beginning of Corniglia beach and was approximately 400 metres long. The swimming route near Manarola is considered suitable for swimming and snorkelling in the marine protected area.

Regional trains stop in Manarola. During the spring and summer season, internal ferry services serve Manarola throughout the day. The Belvedere of Manarola is located above the old castle gate. Prior reservation is required for the activities of A Piè de Campu. When choosing your accommodation, these specific local references can provide practical guidance alongside your interest in churches, hiking trails or the sea.

Further destinations for planning your trip to Italy: Arcola, Varese Ligure, Fiumaretta di Ameglia, Mattarana, Pignone, Santo Stefano Di Magra, San Pietro Vara and San Terenzo.

For the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.