The Most Photogenic Village in Cinque Terre
As soon as we arrived in Manarola, we knew we were in a special place. The colorful houses, stacked like a patchwork quilt on the steep cliffs, seemed to tumble towards the turquoise sea below. It was easy to see why Manarola is often called the most photogenic village in Cinque Terre—every corner, every turn offered another postcard-perfect view. Unlike Corniglia, which is perched high above the water, Manarola is deeply connected to the sea, with a small harbor carved into the rugged coastline, where boats bobbed gently in the waves.
Manarola has been a fishing village for centuries, but it is also known for its winemaking. The terraced hills surrounding the village are lined with vineyards that have produced Sciacchetrà, a famous sweet wine, since Roman times. We stopped at a tiny wine bar, sipping a glass of the golden-hued Sciacchetrà while watching the sun begin its slow descent over the horizon. The warmth of the wine, combined with the salty sea air, made the moment unforgettable.
One of the highlights of our visit was the famous Via dell’Amore (Path of Love), a scenic walkway that connects Manarola to Riomaggiore. The short accessible stretch that we travelled gave us stunning panoramic views of the sea. After that we took another breathtaking trail leading to Nessun Dorma, a cliffside café where we enjoyed bruschetta and local wine while overlooking Manarola’s iconic harbor.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Manarola is small enough to explore in a few hours, but the magic of this village deserves more time. Whether it’s hiking the trails, indulging in fresh seafood, or simply soaking in the views, we could have easily spent a full day here. As the sun set, the pastel buildings glowed with golden light, and we understood why Manarola is one of the most beloved villages in Cinque Terre—it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.