Hotels near Manarola

Manarola is the second smallest of the five villages and arguably the best for evening light, when the cliffside houses turn deep orange. The village has no proper beach, but locals and travellers alike swim from the flat rocks next to the harbour, where a ladder drops straight into 4 metres of water. Above the swimming spot, a short paved path called Via Birolli leads to viewpoints over the vineyards. Manarola is also the historical home of Sciacchetrà, the sweet passito wine made from dried grapes grown on the terraces above the village. Stop at the small Cooperativa Agricoltura di Cinque Terre for a tasting, or eat cone-served fried seafood from Il Pescato Cucinato on Via Renato Birolli.

Pro Tip: For the postcard view of Manarola, walk 8 minutes uphill on the trail toward Corniglia and turn back around at the cemetery. This is the exact spot every photographer uses.