Britons are flocking to Italy‘s many pretty coastal towns to make the most of the summer heatwave, but one village in Lugiria looks almost too good to be true.
Manarola, a tiny village in the Cinque Terre region, is known for its dazzlingly colourful cliffside homes which overlook the harbour’s sky-blue waters.
Perched some 70 metres above sea level, the town has become a favourite for sunseekers – as well as fans of its top notch olive oil and white wine.
The town’s also has a number of superb fish restaurants in the square beside the harbour, with fishing and rowing boats bobbing serenely along its shores throughout the summer.
The harbour has become a prime spot for sunbathers. And while it doesn’t have a real beach to speak of, it makes up for it with some of the best deep-water swimming you can find anywhere.
If you want to see more of the area you can also take a scenic hike to Volastra and Corniglia. Less mobile travellers can skip the very steep 1,200 step climb in the first part of the trail with a bus which normally operates hourly.
Visitors to Volostra can also explore the beautiful Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Health, which houses a venerated image of the Madonna.
The path passes by spectacular terraces and the area’s famous vineyards, while offeringstunning views of the Mediterranean and other pictureseque villages in Cinque Terre. Best of all, it’s free and no hiking pass is needed.
History buffs can also visit the Gothic Ligurian beauty of The Church of San Lorenzo built in the town back in 1338.
The areas that comprise the Cinque Terre were including in UNESCO’s the World Heritage List as a “cultural landscape”, in 1997, noting its scenic value.
Various Airbnbs are available throughout the year, as are some high quality hotels, while larger groups may opt to rent out an entire apartment.
The most convenient airports for reaching the Cinque Terre are Milan Malpensa Airport and Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei.
Low cost flights to the airports are available from various UK airports and carriers.
From Pisa Airport its then a five minute trip via the People Mover to Pisa Centrale station followed by a direct Intercity or regional train to La Spezia. From there you can change to a local Cinque Terre Express train straight to Manarola.
Meanwhile, intercity trains directly to Levanto and Monterosso from Milan Malpensa Airport. You can then change to a Cinque Terre Express train to the town.
