Staying overnight in Manarola is worth it if you want to see the village without the crowds: in the evening, once the last trains have taken the day-trippers away, the little harbour and the walk towards Punta Bonfiglio go quiet again. Beds are scarce, though, mostly in guest rooms and small places inside the old houses, and in high season they go fast.
For a first visit, the easiest choice is the lower village, between the station and the harbour. If you are travelling by car or want peace and quiet, also look at Volastra and Groppo, up in the hills above the village.
- Best for: couples, photographers, anyone who wants the village at sunrise and sunset
- Type of accommodation: mostly guest rooms (affittacamere) and B&Bs, few hotels
- Most convenient area: the main street between the station and the harbour
- Beach: none, you swim off the rocks
- Car: a single pay car park at the entrance to the village
- When to book: months ahead for May–September and for the nativity scene season
Manarola’s areas
Manarola is small: from the station to the sea is a few minutes on foot, but the village climbs steeply up the valley and every metre counts. Before you book, check where the property is in relation to the main street.
Lower village, towards the harbour
This is the stretch between the pedestrian tunnel from the station and the harbour, along the main street. You have the sea on your doorstep, restaurants and bars a few steps away and the panoramic walk a few minutes off. It is the right choice if you arrive by train with a suitcase and for short stays. The downside: on summer evenings it stays lively until late, and rooms overlooking the harbour are the most in demand.
Upper village, towards San Lorenzo church
Heading up towards the 14th-century church of San Lorenzo and the vineyards, the village gets quieter and the terraces look down over the rooftops. This is the area for people who want calm and don’t mind climbing: every outing starts with steps and every return is uphill. The lanes up to the viewpoints above the village start here.
Volastra and Groppo, in the hills
Above Manarola, among the terraced vineyards, lie the hamlets of Groppo and Volastra. You sleep in silence, with the sea far below, and it is usually easier to arrive by car. To get down to Manarola there is the National Park bus, about ten minutes and included in the Cinque Terre Card, or the footpath, a steep climb on steps through the vines. Check the bus timetable: the last runs are early in the evening.
What kind of accommodation to expect
There are no large hotels in Manarola. Most places are rooms and small apartments inside the village’s tall tower houses, plus a few hotels and B&Bs. What to expect:
- Guest rooms (affittacamere): the most common option. Rooms with a private bathroom, often without a staffed reception: agree your arrival time and ask where to collect the keys. Breakfast is not always included.
- Apartments: good for families and longer stays, with a kitchenette. They are often on several levels with narrow internal stairs.
- Hotels and B&Bs: few and small. Among the properties we list you will find, for example, La Torretta Lodge (4-star hotel), Hotel Marina Piccola (3-star hotel) and L’Emporio Rooms (3-star guest rooms).
Lifts are almost non-existent, rooms are often small and a sea view makes a big difference to the price: those are the rules of the game in the old houses of the Cinque Terre.
Recommended places to stay in Manarola
Hotel ★★★★
La Torretta Lodge
Manarola
Excellent
La Torretta Lodge offers a luxurious stay with a view. This boutique hotel is a delightful blend of history and modern comfort, with elegantly appointed rooms. Indulge in free appetizers,…
Check availabilityHotel ★★★
Hotel Marina Piccola
Manarola
With a beautiful beachfront location, Hotel Marina Piccola is ideal for those seeking comfort and grandeur. Featuring maritime-themed rooms and a terrace overlooking the sea for breakfast, it perfectly embodies…
Check availabilityGuest rooms ★★★
L’Emporio Rooms
Manarola
Awesome
The property, finely furnished with fine materials, offers free wi-fi. Equipped with every comfort, such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, Bluetooth speaker, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, private bathroom with shower,…
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Ca’ D’Andrean
Manarola
Located in a quiet corner of Manarola, Ca' D'Andrean is a serene sanctuary surrounded by lush lemon groves. The hotel's bright and spacious rooms, with a backdrop of verdant hills,…
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Arpaiu
Manarola
If you prefer smaller, quaint accommodations, then look no further than Arpaiu. This cozy boutique hotel offers minimalist rooms with plenty of natural light, stunning views and a rooftop terrace…
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Giovanni Rooms
Manarola
Located in a picturesque alley, Giovanni Rooms offers an engaging Italian experience. This family-run property features comfortable rooms, clean furnishings and a panoramic balcony where you can feast your eyes…
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5 Terre Pelagos
Manarola
Offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and surrounding vineyards, 5 Terre Pelagos promises a unique retreat. Modern rooms, helpful hosts and a peaceful outdoor space combine to make your stay…
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Affittacamere San Giorgio
Manarola
Affittacamere San Giorgio offers spacious and cozy rooms right in the heart of Manarola. Within walking distance of numerous cafes, restaurants and colorful houses, it is the perfect base for…
Check availabilityPractical tips
Stairs and luggage
From the station you reach the centre through a pedestrian tunnel, then the main street runs down to the sea. For the lower village a wheeled suitcase is fine; for the upper village, and for many rooms, you will be carrying it up stairs, sometimes inside the house too. Pack light and always ask the property how many steps there are. There is a private left-luggage service in the village, handy if you arrive before check-in.
Arriving by car
Beyond the barrier at the entrance to the village only residents may drive. Visitors have a single public pay car park, about 400 metres from the church and 700 from the harbour, which fills up early in season. Before booking, ask whether the property has parking or a deal with a car park. If you want your car close by, Volastra and Groppo are easier; otherwise leave it in La Spezia and come in by train.
Via dell’Amore and the Tourist Card
Manarola belongs to the municipality of Riomaggiore. Guests staying in accommodation within the municipality can get the Riomaggiore Tourist Card: with it you buy a discounted ticket for the Via dell’Amore, with a booking, and can then walk it in both directions and outside your booked slot for the whole of your stay. Other visitors can only enter from Riomaggiore, in a booked time slot. Ask your host for the card at check-in, and ask whether the tourist tax is already included in the price.
When to book
For May to September, book months ahead, especially for weekends. December is a special case: with the illuminated nativity scene on the hillside, usually switched on around 8 December and lit until January, the few beds go quickly. In low season there is more choice and prices drop, but some places close for the winter and paths are closed during weather alerts.
Staying nearby
If Manarola is full or too expensive, the alternatives are a few minutes away by train:
- Riomaggiore: three minutes by train, more choice, the station right in the village and a little more going on in the evening. See where to stay in Riomaggiore.
- Corniglia: the quietest village, high above the sea, but from the station you climb the Lardarina stairway or take the shuttle bus. See where to stay in Corniglia.
- La Spezia: far more hotels, generally lower prices and frequent trains to all five villages. How to plan it: the Cinque Terre from La Spezia.
To compare all the villages and the bases outside them, read our guide on where to stay in the Cinque Terre.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth staying in Manarola?
Yes, if you want to enjoy the village early in the morning and in the evening, after the day visitors have left. Expect high prices in season, small rooms and plenty of stairs.
Should I stay in Manarola or Riomaggiore?
Manarola is smaller and quieter; Riomaggiore has more choice, a more convenient station and a bit more evening life. They are three minutes apart by train, so choose on price and on stairs.
Can I drive to my accommodation?
Usually not. Beyond the barrier at the village entrance only residents may drive, and there is a single public pay car park that fills up early. Ask the property before booking.
Does Manarola have a beach?
No. You swim off the rocks by the harbour, where the water gets deep straight away: fine for confident swimmers and only when the sea is calm. For a beach, go to Monterosso.
Do guests in Manarola get any perks on the Via dell’Amore?
Yes. Guests of accommodation in the municipality of Riomaggiore, which includes Manarola, can get the Tourist Card: they buy a discounted, booked ticket and can then walk the path in both directions and outside their slot for the whole stay.
How far ahead should I book?
For May–September and for the nativity scene season, several months ahead. In low season a few weeks is enough, but some places are closed.
Where can I leave my luggage before check-in?
There is a private left-luggage service in the village, and hosts often keep bags themselves. Ask when you book.