Manarola: Churches, Hiking Trails and the Sea

Manarola combines churches and historic buildings with specific hiking options and a seasonal swimming offer. For planning your stay, the routes offer different details: a circular hike lists its length and difficulty rating, while another trail gives its walking time. Regional trains stop in Manarola; local boat services serve the village during the day in spring and summer.

Transport and planning your time

Regional trains stop in Manarola. Local boat services also serve the village during the day in spring and summer. Check the schedules in effect for your travel dates: timetables and train frequencies may change, and boat services are seasonal. This lets you consider trains and boats as different options for your plans, without assuming fixed connections or times.

Hiking trails with different details

The circular hike “Manarola di acqua, pietre e vigne” (Manarola of Water, Stones and Vineyards) begins and ends in Manarola. It is 8.32 kilometres long and rated as a hike for experienced hikers. Vineyards, dry-stone walls and elaborate water channels remain clearly visible in the landscape along the route. The distance, difficulty rating and landscape features each offer a different insight into this hike.

Trail 531, the Via Beccara, connects Riomaggiore and Manarola; the stated walking time is one hour. This trail therefore focuses on a time estimate, while the circular hike lists its length and difficulty rating. Another option is Trail 502: its starting point is at Piè di Fiesse, near the first hairpin bend on the paved SP 51 road between Manarola and Groppo. Before setting out, it is worth checking the latest trail notices, as conditions and closures may change.

Churches, art and architectural history

Construction of the Chiesa di San Lorenzo began in 1338, with the populations of Manarola and Volastra involved in the work. The church’s distinctive features include a portal depicting the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence and a decorated rose window. The church also houses a 15th-century tempera painting. It depicts the Virgin Mary and Saints Matthew, John the Baptist, Lawrence and Catherine.

The Oratorio dei Disciplinati della Santissima Annunziata in Manarola dates from the 15th century. The Campanile Bianco is a 14th-century bell tower with a square floor plan; it formerly served as a watchtower and defensive tower. In the lower part of Manarola stands the old mill, or olive mill, restored by the Cinque Terre National Park. These buildings expand the picture of the area’s church history to include an oratory, a former fortification and a restored feature in the lower village.

The tradition of the Presepe Luminoso di Manarola also has a named organisation carrying it on: the Associazione Presepe di Manarola - Mario Andreoli.

Sea, landscape and activities

As part of the park’s summer programme for 2025, a swimming route marked by buoys near Manarola linked Punta Bonfiglio with the beginning of Corniglia beach. It was about 400 metres long and was described as suitable for swimming and snorkelling in the marine protected area. These details refer to the 2025 summer programme; check the current season’s notices before swimming.

A geological description links Manarola and Riomaggiore: both villages are built on sedimentary rocks of the Montenero Unit. The formation consists of clay-rich rocks interlayered with marl, limestone and sandstone. Manarola’s Belvedere is located above the old castle gate.

Advance reservations are required for activities at A Piè de Campu. These include tastings, vineyard and cellar tours, and pesto-making classes. Check availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Valeriano Lunense, Fiascherino, Corniglia, Carrodano, Borghetto Di Vara, Cavanella Vara, Lavaggiorosso, Riccò Del Golfo Di Spezia.

For the main travel overview: La Spezia.