Manarola is the second smallest, probably the oldest too in the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists. There are few ways to get to here. Driving from Milan takes around 3 hours. You could also take the train. First going to Genoa and changing train to the Manarola directly.

In recent years, Manarola and its neighboring towns have become popular tourist destinations, particularly in the summer months. Tourist attractions in the region include a famous walking trail between Manarola and Riomaggiore (called Via dell’Amore, “Love’s Trail”) and hiking trails in the hills and vineyards above the town.    

Manarola is characterized by tower houses defending the village. The square is situated on the higher part of the village. Here we find the 1338 parish church in Gothic style, the oratory and the bell tower. Among the houses, stands the white pyramid of cement, a sign for the sailors.

 Manarola is a town filled with boats, at least on the lower part of it. Covered boats of all kinds line the main street, but it is hard to say when they had last been out.    

 

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Later on, his big brother had joined him. I thought with each other’s company, they would dare to submerge fast. Well, it wasn’t the case. Both of them sat down & stood up at there for quite a long time, but no sign of getting into the water….      

Daddy who couldn’t stand to watch his chicken sons had finally stepped in to give them moral support. He gave the boys a target to swim over to the opposite rock. Well, this distance is just 3m. They can swim at least 100X this distance in one shot, if they were to swim in the heated swimming pool, with their goggles up.    

Yo, it’s time to swim back to the shore, alright. One by one, they swam back to me safe and sound. Just that, William had swallowed quite some sea water, and he got to rinse his mouth with a full bottle of fresh water. Looking at his twisted facial expression, I just couldn’t hold myself not to laugh out.      

The hero, who had led this fantastic swim. This small swimming area is not just good for swimming, but diving as well. If I were 20 years younger, I would sure climb up the rock and jump down.     

I feel that Manarola is the best for quiet and relaxation.