Italy for me From Italy with love
Manarola is the oldest of the five small towns that make up the Cinque Terre National Park, which also includes the towns of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso. Tourists are captivated by Manarola’s vibrant, colorful buildings, while ancient architectural landmarks—over 500 years old—can still be found tucked among the town’s modern structures.
Like many coastal towns in Italy, Manarola is renowned for both winemaking and fishing. Local restaurants serve exquisitely prepared seafood dishes, often accompanied by a glass of wine made in the nearby village of Groppo—all enjoyed with breathtaking views of the sea.
Page Contents
Attractions
The Christmas Nativity Scene
Despite its small size, Manarola holds a special place on Italy’s tourism map.
Visitors who travel here in winter, especially around Christmas, are in for a treat. Each year on December 8, the town unveils the world’s largest Nativity Scene—a dazzling tribute to the birth of Jesus. In Italian, it’s called a Presepe. The display remains in place through the end of January, after which it’s dismantled until the following holiday season.
Church of San Lorenzo
The Church of San Lorenzo (Chiesa di San Lorenzo), built in Manarola in 1338, is a near-perfect example of Baroque and Gothic styles. Saint Lawrence is the patron saint of Manarola, and locals honor him with a celebration every year on August 10.
Via dell’Amore (The Path of Love)
Via dell’Amore, or the Path of Love, is the poetic name given to the scenic footpath that links Manarola and Riomaggiore. The origin of the name is surrounded by several legends, the most well-known resembling the tale of Romeo and Juliet.
According to the story, the villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore were once bitter rivals. But a young man and woman from opposite towns fell in love at first sight.
Forced to meet in secret, they would rendezvous on the narrow cliffside trail—until one tragic night, both slipped and fell to their deaths.
The next morning, the grieving villagers discovered the bodies of the lovers. Overcome with shame, they reconciled their feud, and the path was forever after known as the Via dell’Amore.
How to Get There
Traveling to Manarola is easiest and most affordable by train.
- If you’re coming from the south, such as Rome, take a high-speed train to La Spezia, then begin your journey through the Cinque Terre from there.
For tips on where to stay, see: Where to stay in La Spezia. - From the north, the closest major city is Genoa. From there, it takes around 2 hours to reach Manarola with one transfer—usually in Sestri Levante, La Spezia Centrale, or Riomaggiore. Ticket prices range from €7 to €13 depending on the train. A few direct regional trains run daily.
Tip: Booking tickets online several months in advance can help you save significantly. Follow this guide for purchasing train tickets in Italy.
If you’re driving, head from La Spezia to the regional SP370 road. One major perk of renting a car is the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints and admire the breathtaking views along the mountain roads. You can compare car rental prices in Italy from multiple providers using auto.italy4.me.
Hotels
Arpaiu Guesthouse
Arpaiu Guesthouse is a wonderful place to stay in the heart of Manarola. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with sea views, private bathrooms with toiletries, large-screen TVs, unlimited free Wi-Fi, coffee machines, and electric kettles. A double room during high season typically costs between $125 and $145 USD (€115–135) per night.
Giovanni Rooms
Giovanni Rooms is perfect for travelers who appreciate comfort, style, and artistic touches. The chic rooms are decorated with works by contemporary artists and come with private bathrooms and complimentary toiletries. Some apartments include a small kitchenette, and many rooms offer breathtaking sea views.
Additional services include laundry, fax, car rental, luggage storage, and safe deposit boxes for an extra charge. The average cost of a double room is around $165 USD (€150) per night.
Vandiris Hotel
Vandiris Hotel is located right near the seafront in Manarola. The rooms offer all the essentials in a minimalist style that enhances the cozy atmosphere. Some apartments have open terraces with sea views. A double room at Vandiris averages $140 USD (€130) per night.