Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Like Riomaggiore, Manarola is attached to its station by a 200-yard-long tunnel (lined with
interesting photos). During WWII air raids, these tunnels provided refuge and a safe place
forrattledvillagerstosleep.Thetownitselffillsaravine,bookendedbyitswildlittleharbor
to the west and a diminutive church square inland to the east. A delightful and gentle stroll
fromthechurchdowntotheharborsideparkprovidestheregion'seasiestvineyardwalk(de-
scribed in my “Self-Guided Walk,” below).
The
TI
at the train station is open daily 7:00-20:00.
A
shuttle bus
runs between the low end of Manarola's main street (at the tobacco shop
andnewsstand)andtheparkinglot(€1.50one-way,€2.50round-trip,freewithCinqueTerre
Park Card, 2/hour, just flag it down). Shuttle buses also run about hourly from Manarola to
Volastra, near the Cinque Terre Cooperative Winery.
To get to the
dock
and the boats that connect Manarola with the other Cinque Terre
towns, find the steps to the left of the harbor view—they lead down to the ticket kiosk.
Continue around the left side of the cliff (as you're facing the water) to catch the boats.
Welcome to Manarola
From the harbor, this 30-minute circular walk shows you the town and surrounding vine-
yards, and ends at a fantastic viewpoint, perfect for a picnic.
•
Start down at the waterfront.
The Harbor:
Manarola is tiny and picturesque, a tumble of buildings bunny-hopping
down its ravine to the fun-loving waterfront. Notice how the I-beam crane launches the
boats. Facing the water, look to the right, at the hillside Punta Bonfiglio cemetery and park
(where this walk ends).
Thetown'sswimmingholeisjustbelow.Manarolahasnosand,butoffersthebestdeep-
water swimming in the area. The first “beach” has a shower, ladder, and wonderful rocks.
Thesecondhastougheraccessandnoshower,butfeelsmoreremoteandpristine(followthe
paved path toward Corniglia, just around the point). For many, the tricky access makes this
beach dangerous.
