"Manarola and the Cinque Terre" a Manarola Travel Page by endzoearth

Cinque Terre, which means "Five Lands," consists of five small villages perched upon the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. These five villages, in order from southeast to northwest are: Rio Maggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. They are virtually untouched by tourism and the excessive rumbling of diesel-powered automobiles, making them a very peaceful and pleasant place to visit. Cinque Terre is a national park and reserve, laced with hiking trails throughout. Travel between the villages is possible by train or by footpath. The footpaths range in both length and difficulty, from a simple 15 minute walk from Rio Maggiore to Manarola, to difficult walks lasting over an hour or two between the other villages. The scenery is simply breathtaking, and if you choose to walk the footpaths, you will find yourself wanting to stop and take pictures around every turn!

My hostel was in Manarola, and after visiting each of the five villages, I discovered how fortunate I was to be staying in Manarola. Although each of the five villages were amazing and beautiful in their own way, my favorite was definitely Manarola. It seemed to be one of the less touristy, and thus, one of the most peaceful of the five villages. It was rather simple - one main road climbing its way up the hill - but its simplicity held a certain magnificent beauty that was only accentuated by incredible way in which they had constructed the buildings and the city itself on such a steep hill. I continue to be amazed even now as I look back at the pictures!