Walking through Manarola, you will immediately notice what makes it so special. The village is built around a stream (now covered), from which all the narrow streets branch out towards the typical Ligurian houses, tall and colourful, which attract thousands of visitors every year.
And what better way to visit a place like Manarola than on foot? Here you will find plenty of interesting information to help you make the most of your holiday in this wonderful village.
The village of Manarola has a very ancient history. According to some historians, it originated following the migration of two distinct populations towards the sea: one from Val di Vara and the other from the Roman settlement of Volastra. The name Manarola itself is thought to derive from the Latin Manium arula, meaning "small temple dedicated to the Manes".
What to see in Manarola
Walking through Manarola, you can admire countless buildings and streets that make this place unique.
Why not spend a carefree day discovering the beauty of this fascinating village, known throughout the world for its elegance?
If you want to spend a day in Portovenere, we have prepared a list of the things to see and visit at your leisure:
- Church of San Lorenzo
- Village Castle
- Punta Bonfiglio
And now let's set off together to discover the most distinctive places in Manarola!
Church of San Lorenzo
At the foot of the inhabited hillside lies the village's main square. Here you can admire the beautiful Church of San Lorenzo. Built presumably in 1338, it features numerous characteristics of the Genoese Gothic style. Among the most distinctive are the portal with its Gothic arch and the bas-relief depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence. The interior consists of three richly decorated Baroque naves. You can also admire numerous works of art, including the triptych depicting Saint Lawrence between Saints Anthony the Abbot and Bernardino of Siena, and the polyptych depicting the Madonna and Child between Saints Lawrence and Catherine of Alexandria and two other Saints.
Village Castle
Walking through Manarola and its centre, you will easily come across the Castle of the village. Originally built as a defensive stronghold against attacks by Turkish or Saracen enemies, it is now a private residence.
Punta Bonfiglio
If you feel like doing some hiking around Manarola, it is very easy to reach Punta Bonfiglio. From here you can enjoy spectacular views over the gulf and the historic façade of the cemetery.
What to do in Manarola - the Slow Active Tours proposal
Once you have discovered the hidden wonders among Manarola's narrow streets, it is time to immerse yourself in the sounds and scents of this ancient village.
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Walking through the Village
One of the activities we certainly recommend in Manarola is to get lost in the village and walk along its narrow streets, discovering all the small workshops and little squares tucked between the tall, colourful buildings.
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Visit the Belvedere
A panoramic viewpoint overlooking the small village of Manarola. From here you can enjoy wonderful views of a spectacular natural setting. Via Belvedere begins at Piazza Eugenio Montale and ends with a real surprise: a view over the entire Bay of Manarola, where the blue horizon seems to merge with the Ligurian Sea.
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Visit the Manarola Nativity Scene
Did you know that Manarola is home to one of the largest nativity scenes in the world? During the Christmas season, since 1961, the hillside next to the village has been transformed into a striking nativity scene made of lights using recycled materials.
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Walk through the vineyards of Manarola
Don't miss the extraordinary feeling of walking among the incredible vineyards growing on the terraces of Manarola's cliffs. It is precisely from these vines that local farmers have been producing the famous Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine typical of the region, for centuries.
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Walking Holiday in Liguria
Slow Active Tours offers an incredible walking holiday to discover the fascinating stretch of land between the Ligurian Sea and the mountains of north-western Italy. The itinerary connecting Sestri Levante with some of the most beautiful destinations in Liguria passes through Manarola.
Are you reading the article and can't wait to visit Manarola and Liguria?
Discover our travel proposals and set off on your next adventure!
Walking Holiday in Liguria
Individual walking holiday
Exploring Liguria
Cinque Terre and Portofino trekking
Festivals and Popular Events in Manarola
If you want to immerse yourself completely in the atmosphere of this wonderful and unique village, the best thing to do is take part in the festivals and events held here every year.
On the occasion of the Feast of San Lorenzo, every 10 August the statue of the Saint is carried on a boat to the marina and then to the main church, creating a particularly evocative procession of faithful.
Traditional Dishes of Manarola
Walking through Manarola, you will come across numerous vegetable gardens, which is why the area's traditional dishes are mainly vegetable-based. Among these are stuffed and fried zucchini flowers, “erbe” pies and farinata, a traditional chickpea flatbread.
Eating and Drinking in Manarola
Here are some local suggestions:
Trattoria Dal Billy at Via Aldo Rollandi, 122. A renowned restaurant in the village, offering high-quality dishes and excellent service in a carefully maintained setting. Very fresh fish, excellent starters and first courses, which are also particularly generous in size. Reservations are recommended.
Cappun Magru at Via Riccobaldi, 1. Delicious both for lunch and breakfast. Fresh fish skilfully prepared and excellent desserts. Nessun Dorma Cinque Terre in Località Punta Bonfiglio. The unparalleled view over the Marina of Manarola is the main strength of this wonderful restaurant, but the excellent dishes and delicious platters served by friendly waiters should not be overlooked either.
So, what are you waiting for? Backpack on and let's go!
