Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Manarola
POP 850
Bequeathed with more grapevines than any other Cinque Terre village, Manarola is fam-
ous for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine. It's also awash with priceless medieval relics, support-
ing claims that it is the oldest of the five. Due to its proximity to Riomaggiore (852m
away), the village is heavily trafficked, especially by Italian school parties. The spirited
locals speak an esoteric local dialect known as Manarolese.
Sights
Piazzale Papa Innocenzo IV
At the northern end of Via Discovolo, you'll come upon this small piazza dominated by a
bell tower that was once used as a defensive lookout. Opposite, the
Chiesa di San Lorenzo
dates from 1338 and houses a 15th-century polyptych.
If you're geared up for a steep walk, from nearby Via Rollandi you can follow a path
that leads through vineyards to the top of the mountain.
PIAZZA
Punta Buonfiglio
Manarola's prized viewpoint is on a rocky promontory on the path out of town (Sentiero
Azzurro) towards Corniglia where walkers stop for classic photos of the village. A rest
area has been constructed here. Nearby are the ruins of an old chapel once used as a shel-
ter by local farmers.
LOOKOUT
Sleeping & Eating
Ostello 5 Terre
( 0187 92 00 39;
www.hostel5terre.com
; Via Riccobaldi 21, Manarola; dm €20-23, d €55-65, q €88-100;
)
This hostel rents out mountain bikes, kayaks, Nordic-walking poles and snor-
kelling gear. Its single-sex, six-bed dorms come with their own bathrooms, and there's
English-language satellite TV, PlayStation and a book exchange. Lockout times are 10am
to 4pm (or 5pm June to August).
HOSTEL
€
La Torretta Charme & Relax
B&B
€€€
