Manarola Cinque Terre: Aerial View of Colorful Village

A village in color

Manarola, a small village in Cinque Terre, Italy is known for its colorful houses and picturesque scenery. Perched into the steep hillside, the colorful houses of Manarola cascade down to a small harbor, filled with boats. The village is nestled on the Italian Riviera, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre, along with Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore.

A painted panorama

Manarola is a village built into a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with houses stacked like books on a shelf. The village is smaller than this and theother villages in Cinque Terre but no less beautiful. The gently sloping blue waters of the Mediterranean meet the dark terra cotta roofs of the houses cascading from the hillside, making a colorful landscape. Manarola does not have a beach, but there are lots of sandy spots along the shore for sunbathers. The village is in the province of La Spezia. The village was originally a fishing village. The harbour still contains small fishing boats and cargo vessels. It also has a stone beach. The village is particularly charming and popular with tourists and locals alike. It has narrow alleyways and small squares. The west side of the village has terraced vineyards which produce wine. The village also has a notable church: San Lorenzo. Built in the 14th century, houses a Madonna and child sculpture.

A contrast in colors

The sky

The sky at Manarola changes with the weather, a backdrop of blues and white, but it is the buildings and their colors that make Manarola remarkable. Houses are painted in the same color as the sky, making the village a mirror. Manarola’s colors make it a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise and sunset.

The houses

The houses of Manarola are built in the vernacular style, typically two or three stories high, and set close together. The houses are plastered white with red or green shutters. The houses are built close to each other, only a few inches apart. This is to help keep the houses warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer, an example of the vernacular style of housing. There are also two houses perched on the hill, set apart from the rest. These are at a height of 350 meters. The building is a contemporary, modern-looking building.

The harbor

The harbor of Manarola rejuvenates the eyes as the colors of the buildings contrast sharply with the blue of the sea. The harbor of Manarola has been a fishing harbor for generations, and fishing boats still frequent the port. There are only a few boats at the harbor, making a lovely contrast. There are no boats on the harbor, except for the cargo vessels and fishing boats in the harbor.

A different way to see Italy

Vineyards

National Geographic has called Cinque Terre one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. Regardless of the time of day, views are guaranteed to be breathtaking. Travelers can also visit vineyards in the area. Manarola's vineyards are on a hill overlooking the town and the sea, which provides a wonderful view. The vineyard is open to the public, and offers a tour of the vineyard, and is followed by tasting of local wines. The vineyard is open from April to November.

Ancient culture

Until the mid-1800s, the only way to travel between the villages in the Cinque Terre was by foot or boat. The Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The five fishing villages are situated on the steep coast of the Italian Riviera. The Cinque Terre is also home to terracotta, which is made of baked clay. Terracotta has been made and used to make pottery, bricks and tiles in Cinque Terre for a long time, they continue to make it the same way.

Experience Manarola

Visitors can get the most of their visit to Manarola by walking around the village. Wandering the streets offers endless photo opportunities. Exploring the trails through Manarola's vineyards makes for a lovely experience, and the vistas on the sea trails towards the village of Corniglia add an extra dimension to the visit.

The house of the sun

Visiting the houses gives a sense of the colorful vibe of the village. Atop a house on a hillside is an original Cinque Terre spot for weddings. The Licantros family owns the house. The house, as well as the rest of the village, offers captivating views.

Travel Tips

Get the panoramic view: The most iconic way to enjoy Manarola is to grab a drink or a snack at the Nascetta Bar. It offers a phenomenal view of the Cinque Terre villages. Walking the Via dell'Amore: The path itself is closed due to landslides from storms, However, the village of Riomaggiore is accessible by train.