Manarola is a small town in Italy’s Cinque Terre region – and it’s easy to see why it is gaining a reputation as one of the prettiest places in the world
Brits are heading to Italy’s numerous charming coastal towns to bask in the summer heatwave, but one village in Lugiria appears almost too idyllic to be real. Manarola, a quaint village in the Cinque Terre region, is famed for its strikingly vibrant cliffside homes that overlook the harbour’s azure waters.
Perched approximately 70 metres above sea level, the town has become a hotspot for sun worshippers – as well as aficionados of its exceptional olive oil and white wine. The town also boasts an array of excellent seafood restaurants situated in the square adjacent to the harbour, with fishing and rowing boats gently bobbing along its shores throughout the summer.
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The harbour has emerged as a prime location for sunbathers. Although it lacks a traditional beach, it compensates with some of the finest deep-water swimming available anywhere, reports the Express.
For those wishing to explore more of the area, a picturesque hike to Volastra and Corniglia is an option. Less mobile visitors can bypass the steep 1,200 step ascent at the beginning of the trail by catching a bus which typically runs on an hourly schedule.
Visitors to Volostra can also discover the stunning Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Health, which is home to a revered image of the Madonna.
The trail meanders past spectacular terraces and the area’s renowned vineyards, while offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and other scenic villages in Cinque Terre. Best of all, it’s free and no hiking pass is required.
History enthusiasts can explore the stunning Gothic Ligurian architecture of The Church of San Lorenzo, which was constructed in the town back in 1338.
In 1997, the regions that makeup the Cinque Terre were honoured by UNESCO, being added to the World Heritage List as a “cultural landscape” for their outstanding scenic beauty.
Accommodation options are plentiful, with various Airbnbs on offer throughout the year, alongside top-notch hotels, and for those travelling in larger parties, renting an entire apartment might be the way to go.
For those jetting off to the Cinque Terre, the most accessible airports are Milan Malpensa Airport and Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei. Budget-friendly flights to these airports are readily available from numerous UK airports and airlines.
Upon landing at Pisa Airport, it’s a swift five-minute journey on the People Mover to Pisa Centrale station, followed by a direct Intercity or regional train ride to La Spezia. From there, visitors can hop onto a local Cinque Terre Express train that goes straight to Manarola.
Alternatively, intercity trains run directly to Levanto and Monterosso from Milan Malpensa Airport. Travellers can then switch to a Cinque Terre Express train to reach the town.