The small town of Manarola, Italy

It's funny that there is not a lot to say about Manarola other than it is quiet, peaceful & picturesque!  When I was researching this trip, both on line and via a couple of travel books I downloaded, no one talked about Manarola very much.  Every book & site always starts with the phrase; 'Manarola, the second smallest town in The Cinque Terre, as if that was the most notable thing they could say about this town.  At the time I thought it very odd.

Now, having been to Manarola, I see why it would be hard to sum up this small town in a standard guidebook.  You know how they go - they usually have a overview page about the town or city, a list of sites to see, restaurant & hotel reviews and ratings.  Since there is really none of that in Manarola, I can see why it takes up so little space in guide books. Really, there are like 5 restaurants and a few places to stay - and not much in the way of 'tourist' activities.  And its not like I can really say much about it myself, but here, take a look at this:

 Seriously......what can you say about a tiny town that some how got built on to this bit of rock?  Who would have thought to build here? How did they do it?  And for a long time the people who built this place and their descendants survived in this town, cut off really from the rest of Italy.  No train, no roads.  They lived off what they could get from the sea (or trade via boats) and grow on the land.  (and they make a mighty fine dessert wine! but I digress)

Those are the things that passed through my brain upon arriving in the 'second smallest town' in The Cinque Terre.  It is a charming village.  A nice place to go for a stroll, enjoy the view, people watch and relax.  So many people just pass through Manarola - especially the hikers.  They will pass through each town quickly trying to hike all 5 towns in a day.  My opinion is they miss the best part!  Enjoying your time in each town - seeing the distinct differences between the towns and the people in each is half the fun!

So, stop in Manarola, take your time, enjoy!

Strolling through Manarola

Even the view while you wait for the train is pleasant

Tomorrow we catch the train to Cornaglia