The picturesque village of Manarola is the darling of Instagram, and for good reason. The heart of the village is its charming harbor, where colorful fishing boats bob in the water. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Grab a gelato and watch the world go by, or, if you’re brave, take a dive off the cliffs into the crystal-clear waters below.

What to see and do

When the sun is setting in Manarola, the only place to be is the famous hilltop viewpoint, also called Punta Bonfiglio, offering unrivaled view of the village and the marina. To reach the viewpoint, take the path to the right of the harbor along the rocky coastline. In peak season, it can feel like the entire region is descending upon this tiny village to admire the views.

Here you’ll also find Nessun Dorma, a bar famed on social media for its spectacular views. This spot offers small bites like bruschetta and meat and cheese platters, perfect for aperitivo. While you can’t make reservations, you can join a virtual queue through their dedicated app whilst exploring the old town.

Hiking enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that the hike to Corniglia along the Blue trail is currently closed. However, there is a longer alternative route via the charming village of Volastra. This 5.5 km hike passes through numerous vineyards and offers exceptional views of the surrounding area.

You will find the starting point by the restaurant Cappun Magru, just past the church of San Lorenzo. Expect steep inclines between Manarola and Volastra (alternatively, you can take a bus up to Volastra and then hike down to Corniglia). The famous Via dell'Amore, linking Manarola and Riomaggiore also reopened to the public in August 2024.

If you visit Manarola around Christmas, you’ll be treated to the spectacle of the world’s largest nativity scene, with the entire hillside illuminated by enchanting lights, definitely a must-see.

The popularity and small size of Manarola often result in bustling crowds, making it the busiest of the five villages. Expect packed pathways and busy restaurants. Visiting early in the morning or in the off-season can help you avoid the worst of the crowds.

Restaurants and bars in Manarola

For breakfast:

• Bar Enrica: A favorite spot for breakfast in Manarola, offering a variety of pastries, fresh coffee, and light breakfast options

For quick bites & takeout food:

• Gelateria 5 Terre: Famous for its artisanal gelato, this gelateria offers a wide range of flavors that are perfect for a sweet treat while walking through the village

For lunch & dinner:

• Trattoria dal Billy: Renowned for its seafood dishes and stunning views. It provides a cozy atmosphere and serves traditional Italian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. Perfect for a romantic dinner. Book in advance
• La Regina di Manarola: An Insta-famous restaurant and pizzeria serving contemporary dishes in a charming setting with a very nice view. Expect higher prices and book well in advance

• Cappun Magru: A cozy spot serving local seafood dishes. Try the dish that lends its name to the restaurant, an elaborate old-school Ligurian seafood and vegetable salad
• Focacceria A piè de Campu: Specializes in various types of focaccia, a Ligurian specialty, making it a great choice for a casual and tasty meal in a beautiful garden setting

For drinks:

• Nessun Dorma: A bar famed across social media for its spectacular views over Manarola, especially at sunset. It offers small bites, like bruschetta and meat and cheese platters, perfect for aperitivo. You'll have to enter a digital queue via their app and wait to get a table
• Cantina Marinella: An intimate wine bar offering an extensive wine selection, making it a perfect place to relax with a drink in the evening. They also offer a wine experience which includes a walk through their vineyard followed by a wine tasting
• Cantina Capellini: This spot, located in the middle of the vineyards near Volastra, offers wine tastings accompanied by local delicacies in a beautiful setting overlooking the sea