Top things to do in Manarola, Cinque Terre:
- Head to the Sunset Viewing Point
- Join a Pesto Making Class
- Swim in the Harbour
- Eat at Manarola’s Best Cafés and Restaurants
- Take a Boat Tour
- Visit Chiesa di San Lorenzo
- Join a Terraced Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting
Manarola is one of the five picturesque villages that make up the Cinque Terre region on the Italian Riviera. The village is known for its colourful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. It’s especially beautiful during sunset when the colours of the sky and the buildings blend into the most stunning spectacle. Manarola is a must-visit village during your 3 day Cinque Terre itinerary. Keep reading for the best things to do in Manarola…
1. Head to the Sunset Viewing Point
Manarola sunsets are famous across the Cinque Terre region, and for good reason.
Manarola Sunset from the Free Viewpoint Area
The Manarola Overlook Viewpoint is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Manarola. As the sun sets, it illuminates the village, turning the pastel-coloured houses into shades of pink, orange, and gold.
Sitting on one of the stone benches with a bottle of prosecco is a classic Cinque Terre experience (you can buy a cold bottle of wine from one of the small convenience stores in the village).
Manarola Sunset from Nessun Dorma
Nessun Dorma is a pretty famous restaurant in the Cinque Terre, known for offering the best sunset views in the whole region.
The outdoor terrace perched on the hillside specialises in bruschetta along with meat and cheese platters. Tourists also flock here to sip on the famous Italian cocktail, an Aperol Spritz, overlooking the harbour at sunset.
I’ll be real for a minute, Nessun Dorma is crazy popular. Luckily, they have an app where you can join a virtual queue so you don’t have to wait for hours in the heat outside the entrance. The queue time can be around 2 hours in the summer months, so I would recommend joining the virtual queue about 2.5 hours before sunset so that you get your timings just right.
2. Join a Pesto Making Class
Did you know that pesto originally comes from the Liguria region? The famous ‘Pesto Genovese’ was actually created in nearby Genoa!
This fantastic pesto-making class in Manarola allows you to create your own pesto from scratch using a pestle and mortar.
During the class, you’ll learn about the history of pesto and combine the freshest ingredients to craft your own version.
You’ll then enjoy your homemade pesto with freshly baked focaccia and a glass of chilled white wine – a perfect combination!
3. Swim in the Harbour
Swimming in Manarola Harbour is pretty unique because the natural rock formations provide a sheltered bathing area away from currents and boats.
At the harbour, you’ll find steps leading down to a platform from which you can enter the water. There’s also a handrail for getting out again!
Some people also enjoy jumping into the ocean from the rocks, but please do so with caution!
4. Eat at Manarola’s Best Cafés and Restaurants
I would say that Manarola is one of the best villages in the Cinque Terre when it comes to foodie spots. Don’t miss these excellent cafés and restaurants for authentic Italian food…
Best Breakfast in Manarola
For the best coffee and breakfast in Manarola, head to Cappun Magru.
Cappun Magru sources their coffee beans from a local coffee roaster, so you’ll find the best cup in the Cinque Terre here.
This place is famous for its focaccia sandwiches that will keep you full for hours.
Alternatively, the Italians do have a bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to breakfast, so embrace it and choose a sweet pastry or cake to go with your coffee!
Best Lunch Spot in Manarola
For a traditional lunch in the Cinque Terre I can highly recommend Trattoria dal Billy.
The traditional hillside restaurant has a terrace offering breathtaking sea views and specialises in lobster, stuffed mussels, and pasta dishes.
If you would prefer a quick takeout lunch, go for Fooderia instead. Their octopus sandwich on charcoal bread is to die for.
Best Manarola Restaurant for Evening Meal
If you’re spending the evening in Manarola, then you need to check out Focacceria A piè de Campu.
At this gorgeous restaurant you’ll dine outdoors amongst the lemon trees (be sure to make a reservation because this place gets super popular).
You’ll eat giant focaccias with your choice of toppings, served on big wooden boards meant for sharing.
For dessert, don’t miss the homemade tiramisu.
The wine is excellent here and the prices are very reasonable.
A pié de campu is also a vineyard, offering a vineyard tour and wine tasting too!
5. Take a Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour from Manarola is one of the best ways to see the Cinque Terre.
Starting in Manarola with a welcome drink in hand, you’ll embark on a scenic cruise along the entire Cinque Terre coastline, reaching Punta Montenero at the southeastern edge of the Cinque Terre National Park.
Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea before your cruise continues towards Punta Mesco, the park’s northwestern tip. Here, you’ll marvel at the vibrant landscape, and if luck is on your side, you might spot dolphins playing at the surface.
Along the way, there will be ample time to capture photos of the charming Cinque Terre villages. There will also be stops for swimming and snorkelling, and an onboard aperitif featuring local wine, soft drinks, and snacks.
6. Visit Chiesa di San Lorenzo
The Chiesa di San Lorenzo is a historic church located in Manarola. Built in 1338, the beautiful gothic building features a large rose window made of Carrara marble.
You can enter the church and light a candle if you wish – it provides a moment of serenity away from the bustling atmosphere of the town.
The bell tower, which stands separate from the main structure, originally served as a lookout tower to spot enemy ships.
Opposite the church is a lookout, offering great views of the colourful town.
7. Join a Terraced Vineyard Tour With Wine Tasting
The unique landscape of the Cinque Terre cliffs means that winegrowing has to be done a little differently. In Manarola, you’ll find terraced vineyards featuring rows of grapevines cascading down steep hillsides, with stone walls supporting the terraces.
If you’d like to visit a terraced vineyard for yourself AND taste the incredible wines they produce, then you need to book this Manarola Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour.
Led by a local wine expert, you’ll explore a vineyard set in a natural amphitheatre with an iconic dry stone wall. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views over Manarola village and the ocean beyond, whilst learning about how soil and pruning produces the perfect wine.
Later, you’ll enjoy a tasting session paired with homemade focaccia.
If you want to do a wine tasting in Manarola without a vineyard tour, you should definitely check out Cantina Marinella instead. This is the best wine bar in Manarola for sure and the reviews are incredible.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Manarola, Cinque Terre. Don’t miss the best things to do in nearby Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza.